Protect yourself against a large excess bill if your rented car is in an accident, is stolen or vandalised.
What is car hire excess insurance
Car hire excess insurance protects you from inflated excess fees in the event of your rented vehicle being stolen, damaged or involved in an accident. With this type of cover, the insurance provider would then cover the excess fees outlined in your vehicle rental agreement.
There are many car hire excess policies available to suit different needs. Having an independent insurance policy means you do not have to pay hefty excess fees or pay for insurance with the car rental company. You then avoid paying as much as €20 per day of rental and can rest assured that you are covered with your own policy.
What does car hire excess insurance cover
Different insurance providers will have different policies. It’s important to know which options are available in order to choose the one that will suit your needs. Some countries will have different policies, so having your own protection will ensure that you’re not missing anything and have all the options you need should anything happen. Typically, issues covered by policies include theft and accidental damage to your vehicle or a third party.
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Collision damage waiver
In the case of a vehicle being involved in an accident, a collision damage waiver means the rental company agrees to waive the cost of damage to the vehicle. You may still be liable for the excess payment. In some parts of the world, this is the other name for car hire excess insurance.
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Supplementary liability insurance
Some countries include supplementary liability insurance as standard; however, it’s not the case in others like Canada and USA. This policy provides cover in the event of a rented car being involved in an accident causing damage to a third party.
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Annual and daily rate car hire excess insurance
Because not everyone has the same needs, you can choose between annual car hire excess insurance – perfect if you’re a frequent rental customer – or a daily rate, which is great if you are planning a trip and looking to get cover for only a few days.
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Worldwide car hire excess insurance
Most insurance companies will cover Europe or USA/Canada at different rates. However if you’re looking to travel to a wider variety of countries, a worldwide insurance policy may be what you need. Most policies will specify which countries are included – usually excluded are war-torn countries or countries under communist rule.
Motorhome rental insurance
Holiday-makers who enjoy renting motorhomes for their trip can gain complete peace of mind by insuring their rental motorhome in case something happens, so that holidays are not ruined by a hefty excess fee!
Compare car hire excess insurance quotes on UCompare
Also known as a collision damage waiver, loss damage waiver or excess insurance, car hire excess insurance is invaluable for both frequent and occasional vehicle renters alike. Rental companies can offer these policies for as much as €20 per day, by choosing an independent provider you can get protected for as little as €2.99 a day. So not only does it provide excellent cover for when issues arise, but it also saves you a lot of money!
Typically, car hire excess policies bought through a comparison engine such as UCompare.ie can save you up to 60% on the prices charged by the rental companies. It only takes a few minutes, and the tool will gather quotes from the most reputable insurers to allow you to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
How to choose the car hire excess insurance you need
Be sure to read all policies and conditions of an insurer before committing, so you know exactly what to expect and if the insurance will cover what you need.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing car hire excess insurance:
● How often you rent a vehicle
● Where you plan on travelling
● What risks are covered in the policy
● The budget you want to spend
UCompare will allow you to find all the information you need easily, and you can also contact insurers to find out more about their policies. Find out more information about common questions related to this topic in our Car Hire Excess Insurance FAQ.
Benefits of car hire excess insurance
Make sure you're not left with the bill. If your holiday rental car is damaged or stolen, you are usually liable to pay an Excess, or Collision Damage charge.
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Annual policies vs Daily Rate car hire excess insurance policies
Choose the one that suits you best, save money
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Supplementary Liability insurance
If you are involved in an accident while renting a hired car and cause damage to a third-party
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Collision Damage Waiver
To waive the cost of damage to the rental vehicle if it is involved in an accident