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Need help with your car rental?
Phone: 0808-164-1480

Car Hire Insurance Explained

There is a lot of options when it comes to car hire insurance and excess reduction. Even if you have rented a car before, it can be difficult to work out the inclusions and exclusions when you are purchasing an insurance or excess reduction product. VroomVroomVroom has put together a quick guide to help you navigate the car rental insurance process.

What is the car rental excess?

When you hire a car in the UK, you will be liable to pay a specified excess amount if any damage is caused to the vehicle while it is in your possession. The excess amount for your particular car will be specified in the car rental agreement. The amount varies based on which car rental company you are hiring the vehicle from.

As an example, if you were to hire a car with a vehicle excess of £2000, this means you would be liable to pay up to that amount for any damage. The car rental company will pay any costs incurred above £2000.

Third-party travel insurance

This is one option you have to protect yourself against the financial liability amount. Whether your existing travel insurance policy covers rental vehicles, or if you are taking out a specialized rental vehicle excess insurance policy, this is considered third-party insurance.

Purchasing excess reduction products from the car hire company

The car rental company offers you a choice of excess reduction products when you pick up your car. These products offer different levels of protection, and can reduce your excess amount and protect you from paying damage fees. However, you must meet the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement.

This is an easy way to reduce the excess amount on your rental car, as you can purchase it at the time of pick-up. However, it is also one of the most expensive ways to insure your vehicle. You will pay a charge per day to reduce the excess amount, which can add up if you are hiring the car for a longer period of time.
Note that excess reduction is not the same as travel insurance, and will not insure the contents of your vehicle (luggage and valuable items).
Different car rental companies will charge varying rates for their excess reduction products.

What happens if I choose not to reduce the excess on my hire car?

If you do not chose to pre-purchase travel insurance or any excess reduction products at the rental desk, you will be liable to pay for the full excess amount in the event of any damage. The car rental company will determine the cost of the repairs, and charge your credit card.

Read more about picking up a rental car. For more information about car hire insurance in the UK, read our guide.

For Example:

If you purchase travel insurance . . .

You may choose to decline the excess reduction products offered by the car rental company because you already have travel insurance. It is important to note that you will still need to pay the cost of any damage once you have returned the car. You will later claim for reimbursement from your travel insurance company, so make sure you have kept all relevant documentation.