Navigating the world of car rentals can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the myriad of insurance options available. One such option that often perplexes travellers is car hire excess insurance. Travellers often find it hard to make a decision and often question: Is car hire excess insurance worth it?
Yes, buying car hire excess insurance is worth it considering it provides coverage for the excess amount you’d have to pay in case of damage to a rental vehicle. By directly getting it from your car hire company, you benefit from streamlined processes, immediate assistance, and the assurance that you’re covered by a policy tailored to your rental.
When your car suffers a breakdown or needs repairs, the last thing you want is to be stranded without a vehicle. To avoid such situations, whether it’s you or a car hire company, both needs a rental warranty coverage or car hire excess insurance. This insurance, while seemingly just another added cost, can be a financial lifesaver in certain situations.
Let’s embark on a journey to understand its nuances and determine its true value.
What is Car Hire Excess Insurance?
Car hire excess is an additional policy that covers the cost of the excess, ensuring that the renter doesn’t have to pay out of pocket. When you rent a car, the rental company will typically offer insurance that covers damage or theft. However, if the basic insurance doesn’t cover the complete damage, you are liable to pay ‘excess’. This is where car hire excess insurance comes into play.
Excess is a predetermined amount that the renter is responsible for paying before the rental company’s insurance kicks in. If you are at fault, then fault driver will likely bear the rental costs unless your insurance provides coverage. In some countries or regions, the risk of car damage or theft might be higher, making excess insurance more valuable.
Cost of Excess Insurance – Is Car Hire Excess Insurance Worth it?
The cost of excess insurance can vary widely depending on the rental company and the type of car. Typically, the excess can range from AU$47.20 to AU$74 per day. In case of any accident, you only pay the actual cost of damage and not necessarily the full excess amount.
What’s Covered in Car Hire Excess Insurance and What’s Not?
While Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection, and Damage Protection, that’s beyond your control, are common types of cover for hire cars, they don’t cover everything. Costs associated with wheels, tires, and windows might not be included in the car’s excess insurance policy. Moreover, certain actions can invalidate these policies. For instance:
- Driving on un tarmacked roads
- Using the car in a country where the coverage isn’t valid
- Keys lost
- Not being named as a driver on the rental agreement
- Speeding, driving dangerously, or driving under the influence
- Roadside assistance
The Multifaceted Benefits of Car Hire Excess Insurance
Car hire excess insurance isn’t just about covering potential damages; it’s about peace of mind, financial security, and convenience. Here are some of the profound benefits of car hire excess insurance:
Wider Coverage
Beyond just covering the excess, this insurance often extends to areas like the windscreen, tires, and underbody of the car—parts that might not be covered by basic rental insurance. By having excess insurance, you can save yourself from these large out-of-pocket expenses.
Cost Comparison
While there’s an upfront cost, the long-term savings potential is significant. Consider a scenario where you accidentally scrape the rental car against a wall. Without excess insurance, you could be looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in fees charged by car hire. With the insurance, your financial liability is drastically reduced.
Stress-Free Travel
There’s an intangible benefit to knowing you’re covered and won’t be hit with a hefty bill if something goes wrong. It allows you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about potential damage to your rental car.
Travel Insurance Policies and Car Hire Excess
Many travellers are unaware that their travel insurance policies might already cover car hire excess. It’s essential to check your policy details. If covered, this can save you from purchasing additional insurance, offering a cost-effective solution.
Decoding Car Hire Excess Cover: Key Questions Answered
When considering car hire excess insurance, it’s essential to be well-informed. Here are some pivotal questions answered in detail:
Are there any Exclusions in Car Hire Excess Insurance?
While car hire excess insurance is comprehensive, there might be specific exclusions. For instance, some policies might not cover damages to the interior of the car or personal items left inside. Always read the fine print to avoid surprises.
How is the Claim Process for Excess Insurance?
When making a claim for car hire excess insurance, first report the incident to the rental company and obtain a damage report. Next, gather relevant documents like the rental agreement, photographic evidence of damage, and any repair invoices. Submit these to your excess insurance provider, following their specific claim procedure. Once reviewed, the insurer will reimburse the excess amount you’ve paid, up to the policy’s limit.
Is there a Daily or Annual Policy Option in Excess Insurance?
Depending on how frequently you travel and rent cars, you might opt for a daily or annual policy. While daily policies are suitable for infrequent travellers, an annual policy offers better value for regular travellers.
Why Choose Territory Car Rentals?
Territory Car Rentals prides itself on transparent and straightforward dealings. We provide comprehensive car hire excess insurance information, empowering you to make decisions tailored to your needs.
Even if you choose to forego excess insurance, rest assured that Territory Car Rentals has your back. Our basic insurance comes as a standard inclusion in your package, with no separate charges. With us, you’re always protected, ensuring a smooth and secure journey without hidden fees. Trust in Territory Car Rentals for a transparent and value-driven experience.
Take Away
Car hire excess insurance, often overlooked, is a gem in the world of travel. Its multifaceted benefits, ranging from financial protection to peace of mind, make it an invaluable addition to any traveller’s toolkit. As with any insurance, the key lies in understanding its intricacies, asking the right questions, and choosing a policy that aligns with your needs. Safe travels!
