Excess Insurance For Car Hire In Europe

What is Excess Insurance?

Excess insurance is an insurance policy that covers the "excess" amount that a car hire company might charge you in the event of any damage to the car. In most cases, car hire companies will charge you an excess if the car is damaged during your rental period, regardless of who is at fault. Excess insurance helps you to cover this excess amount, so that you don't have to pay a large bill when you return the car.

Why Do I Need Excess Insurance?

Excess insurance is important for any car hire, especially if you are travelling in Europe. In Europe, car hire companies can charge very high excess amounts (up to €3000) if any damage is done to the car. This high excess can be very expensive if you have to pay it out of pocket. With excess insurance, you can reduce the amount of your excess to a more manageable amount, such as €100 or €200.

Where Can I Get Excess Insurance?

Excess insurance can be purchased from a variety of sources. Many car hire companies offer excess insurance as an add-on to their rental packages. Additionally, many insurance companies offer excess insurance policies specifically for car hire. These policies are usually cheaper than the policies offered by car hire companies, and they often provide more comprehensive coverage.

What Does Excess Insurance Cover?

Excess insurance policies vary, but in general they cover the excess amount that a car hire company might charge in the event of any damage to the car. This includes damage to the interior, exterior, tires, and engine of the car. Some policies also cover theft of the car, as well as damage caused by natural disasters. It is important to read the policy documents in detail to understand exactly what is covered.

Do I Need To Purchase Excess Insurance In Advance?

It is not necessary to purchase excess insurance in advance, but it can be beneficial to do so. Purchasing excess insurance in advance can save you money, as the policies offered by car hire companies are usually more expensive than policies purchased in advance. Additionally, if you purchase the policy in advance, you can make sure that you are adequately covered for the duration of your rental period.

Conclusion

Excess insurance is an important insurance policy to consider when hiring a car in Europe. Excess insurance can help to reduce the amount of excess that you have to pay in the event of any damage to the car. It can also provide peace of mind, as you know that you are adequately covered in the event of any damage or theft. Excess insurance can be purchased from car hire companies, as well as from insurance companies. Purchasing excess insurance in advance can save you money, and make sure that you are adequately covered for the duration of your rental period.