Worldwide Car Hire Insurance for British Drivers
If you are planning on driving whilst you are on holiday or away on business then you should definitely consider car hire insurance. Most car rental companies offer a basic level of insurance and the amount of cover you will receive will vary from one rental company to the next. Reading the policy carefully is imperative as you may be surprised as to what you are actually covered for. Generally speaking most car hire companies will get away with the bare minimum - restricting the amount you can claim in the event of an accident.
High Excess
There will also be an excess to pay if you have to make a claim - these tend to be high so check exactly how much it is before you sign the dotted line.
Car Hire Insurance
Fortunately, for people who want to protect their finances and have that added peace of mind that they are fully covered - there is car hire insurance. This service is offered by a number of insurance firms in the UK and is designed to offer you a greater level of cover than what you would get from a normal car rental policy.
Daily or Annual Cover
Car hire insurance can be taken out on a daily basis or annually, with most insurers offering Europe and worldwide protection. There is usually a cap on how long you will be covered for, this can range from 15-60 days per rental agreement. Most car hire insurance policies will cover up to 7 additional drivers which is ideal if you are renting a car with friends.
Excess Cover
The level of cover you will receive will vary between insurers. Most companies will cover the cost of your excess if you were to make a claim. Premium policies will be more comprehensive, including personal injury cover, court cost cover and third party liability.
Car hire insurance is extremely cheap and often works out less per annum then the actual excess fees charge by car rental firms. If you spend lots of time driving worldwide then rental car insurance is a must-have.
This site is for information only and cannot offer insurance advice for your particular situation.
Consult with an FSA authorised insurance advisor if unsure on any topics related to car insurance.
