The Complete Guide to Car Hire, Part Six: Car Hire Coverage

We’ve reached the concluding chapter of our series on The Auto Europe Car Rental Roadmap, your comprehensive online resource for all things related to car rentals. A crucial takeaway regarding car hire coverage is that it differs significantly from standard car insurance for personal vehicles. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions to understand what is included and excluded in the standard car hire package that comes with your rental.

Car hire coverage key factors

Every car rental provider we work with includes essential coverage in their fees for driving in the specified country. When you book a vehicle through Auto Europe, this coverage is automatically included in the Standard package.

The Standard package features Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP) as part of the deal. This means you’re protected in case the vehicle is stolen or involved in an accident, with deductibles applying. The cost for this coverage is prepaid and included in your initial quote.

Additionally, the Standard package offers Third Party Liability and Fire Insurance. Third Party Liability ensures you’re protected if you have an accident involving another party, covering damages to people or property outside your vehicle. Fire Insurance safeguards you in the event that the vehicle catches fire due to a mechanical issue.

Who Provides the coverage?

When you book through a brokerage, the car rental supplier is responsible for the coverage. Nevertheless, Auto Europe will summarize the key terms and conditions on your voucher for your convenience.

How Much is the Excess Payment if you do Need to Make a Claim?

Excess payments can reach up to £500 to over £1,000 for each claim. You have the option to purchase specialized coverage that will reimburse any excess payment if you need to make a claim. If you choose to opt for this additional coverage, keep in mind that it is typically much more affordable to secure it before you leave rather than after you arrive at your destination.

Any Factors Which Could Invalidate Your Insurance?

Typically, a police report is necessary to support any claims made. Incidents resulting from carelessness or negligence are generally not included in coverage.

What is NOT Covered by Your Policy?

It often catches consumers off guard to discover that most car rental companies do not provide coverage for damage to windows, wheels, tires, the roof, the underside, and the interior of the vehicle. If your rental agreement has similar exclusions, consider seeking an additional policy to protect these areas. In short, it's essential to be aware of any coverage limitations to ensure the vehicle remains in good condition.

Car Hire Coverage glossary

• Collision Damage Waiver: Collision damage waiver is included in your car hire price with Auto Europe at the time of booking. It covers accidental damage of your hire car as long as you comply with the car hire contract. Full details of cover are shown in the terms and conditions prior to completion of your booking. Please note that you are liable to pay for the damage up to the excess amount before collision damage waiver insurance kicks in.


• Excess: If an accident occurs or the vehicle sustains damage, the customer is responsible for paying a specified amount known as the excess, which contributes to the overall repair expenses. The excess fee can differ among local rental providers. The Auto Europe booking vouchers explicitly outline the excess amount you are accountable for in the terms and conditions.


• Liability Insurance: Liability insurance safeguards you from claims brought by third parties due to an accident while you're behind the wheel of your rental car. This coverage encompasses both property damage and personal injury, up to a specified limit. For comprehensive information about the coverage, please refer to the Auto Europe terms and conditions before finalizing your reservation.


• Personal Injury Coverage: Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is typically not part of car rental contracts, but it can be available as an optional add-on. This insurance provides coverage for the designated driver(s) and passengers in case of an accident, including benefits for death, disability, and medical costs.


• Refundable Excess: If you need to make an insurance claim, keep in mind that you will be responsible for paying the insurance excess (as mentioned earlier). However, you can safeguard yourself from this expense by opting for refundable excess cover. With this coverage, any excess payment you make will be reimbursed. Just be aware that this protection may be voided if a police report indicates that the damage resulted from driver negligence.


• Theft Protection: A rental contract might include insurance protection in case the vehicle is stolen. Nevertheless, if the deductible is significantly high, the renter will still be responsible for covering the vehicle's cost up to that limit.