Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe from US$8.49 /day
UPDATED ON May, 25 2026
What is Car Hire Excess Insurance?
Renting a car in Europe can be a fantastic way to explore the continent at your own pace. However, most rental agreements come with high excess fees, which can cost travelers hundreds or even thousands of euros in case of damage or theft. While rental companies offer their own excess reduction policies, these are often expensive and come with limitations. Car hire excess insurance is a separate policy that covers the high excess amount charged by rental companies in case of damage or theft. Instead of paying exorbitant fees for the rental company’s insurance, travelers can opt for an independent coverage from CarInsuRent, which offers comprehensive protection at a fraction of the cost.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe
Get StartedTypes of Car Rental Insurance in Europe
When renting a car in Europe, understanding your insurance options is crucial to avoid unexpected costs. Here are the key types of coverage available:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – Covers damage to the rental car but often comes with a high excess (deductible).
- Theft Protection (TP) – Protects against car theft but may not cover stolen personal items.
- Suplemetal Liability Insurance (SLI) / Third-Party Liability (TPL) – Required by law in most countries, covering damages to other people and property.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) – Provides coverage for accidental medical costs, emergency care, and accidental death resulting from an accident.
- Super CDW / Zero Excess Insurance – Offered by rental companies to reduce the excess to zero, but it’s expensive.
👉 Tip: A CDW comes with a long list of exclusions. For a detailed list of the exclusions, we recommend that you read our guide CDW Insurance Explained.
SIXT Italy Excess Reduction – 1 week rental July 2026
What Does a CarInsuRent Rental Car Insurance Plan Cover?
| Warranty | What does it cover? | How much does it cover? |
|---|---|---|
| Damage due to collision or theft | Reimbursement of the deductible applied by the rental company as a result of accidental damage caused to the vehicle, including tires, windshield, underbody and other parts | $ 2,500 - $ 4,500 |
| Improper Fuel Use Charges | Tank emptying costs and vehicle towing, when the wrong fuel is refueled into the vehicle by mistake. | $ 500 |
| Loss or theft of keys | In the replacement of lost or stolen keys, including lock and locksmith costs. | $ 500 |
| Towing charges | Covers the tow truck of the rented car in the event of a breakdown or accident. | $ 500 |
| Vehicle return charges | If as a result of an accident or illness with hospitalization you cannot return the vehicle. | $ 250 |
| Personnal belongings | In case your baggage, personal belongings or valuables are taken, permanently lost or unintentionally damaged during your trip | $ 500 |
| Hotel expensses | If You are unable to use your rental vehicle as a result of it being stolen or damaged | $ 150 |
Vehicle rental excess insurance
What is insured?
- Excess reimbursement up to US$ 4,500
- Damage Waiver (LDW) up to US$ 4,500
- Towing charges up to US$ 500
- Improper fuel charges up to US$ 500
- Loss or theft of keys up to US$ 500
- Vehicle return charges up to US$ 250
- Personnal belongings up to US$ 500
- Hotel expenses up to US$ 150
What is not covered?
- Damage to the vehicle or property of a third party
- Damage caused by a person not authorized to drive the rented vehicle
- Mechanical failure of the rented vehicle
- Loss or damage to the vehicle’s interior that is not related to a collision.
- Parking tickets or fines, traffic violations and such
- Any loss that occurs outside the validity of the insurance
- Any rental contract of more than 45 days
Is the coverage subject to any type of restrictions?
- Any claim resulting from a direct breach of any of the terms and conditions of your rental agreement
- Any person under 21 or above 84 years of age
- Rentals that begin or end outside the insurance period, as indicated on the insurance certificate
- The policyholder must be designated as the main driver in the rental agreement
- The maximum amount that can be claimed for a single loss is US$ 4,500
- Damage to Recreational vehicles (RVs) / Motorhomes / Campervans (unless you have purchased a specific cover)
- Damage to vehicles provided by a peer-to-peer vehicle rental service platform or a subscription vehicle service is excluded (unless purchased specific coverage)..
Where do I have coverage?
- Here is the list of EU countries that are covered under our European policy: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, “European Russia” (the western part of the Russian Federation), Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.
What are my obligations?
- When applying for your policy, you must exercise reasonable care to honestly and carefully answer any questions asked.
- You must take all reasonable steps to avoid or reduce any loss (for example, you must report accidents or other damage to your rental company nd to CarInsuRent as soon as reasonably possible).
- If you make a claim, you must provide the documents and other evidence that claims handlers need to process your claim.
- You must repay any sums to which you are not entitled (for example, if we pay your claim for an accident which is later compensated by a third party).
- You must not violate the terms of the rental agreement.
When and how do I make the payment?
- The premium must be paid in full before the policy start date. Payment can be made by credit or debit card or PayPal through our website
What is the start and end date of coverage?
- As set out in the insurance certificate, as agreed in the application process, your policy will cover you from the start date and time of your booking to the end date and time of your booking.
How do I cancel the contract?
- You can cancel your policy before the start date or within 14 days from your purchase through our customer service team.
Amazing service. always efficient, friendly, responsive. I got my payment within days of submission. Bill is warm. A pleasure to work with them. highly recommended. I feel safe with them.
Best Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe: Compare Costs and Coverage (summer 2026)
We compared and analyzed Super Collision Damage Waiver costs for a 7-day rental of a standard car class (July 1st – July 7th). The car rental insurance rates listed here are subject to change by the car rental companies without notice. For the most up-to-date pricing information, we encourage you to request a free online quote prior to booking.
Our cheap car hire insurance for rental vehicles in Europe offers the same coverage at a 70% lower cost!
| Country | Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) + Theft Protection (TP) | Avg. Super Collision Damage Waiver Cost at Counter* | Avg. Insurance Deductible at Counter* | Avg. Cost for Rental Car Excess Insurance with CarInsuRent | Cost of Deductible with Zero-Excess from CarInsuRent |
| France | Included at the rental price | € 27.65 | € 2,395 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Germany | Included at the rental price | € 30.21 | € 1,365 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Iceland | Included at the rental price | € 25.59 | € 1,950 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Ireland | Included at the rental price | € 24.63 | € 2,350 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Italy | Included at the rental price | € 40.82 | € 2,080 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Spain | Included at the rental price | € 36.05 | € 2,550 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
Enterprise Germany Excess Reduction – 1 week rental July 2026
Rental Company Insurance vs. CarInsuRent: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | CarInsuRent | Rental Company Insurance |
| Cost per Day | From € 0.50* – € 15.30 | € 15- € 35 |
| Covers Windscreen Damage? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often Not Covered |
| Covers Tires & Undercarriage? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often Not Covered |
| Annual Policy Available? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Claim Process | Online, quick approval | Slow, requires rental company assessment |
*When purchasing an Annual Policy
Real example: Renting a car for 7 days from Enterprise in Germany:
- At Enterprise counter: € 220.36 (7 days × € 31.48/day)
- With CarInsuRent: €57.17 (US$ 66.90)
- Your savings: $163.19 (74% cheaper)
Why Is Counter Insurance So Expensive?
Rental companies mark up insurance by 200–400% because:
- They’re a captive market (you’re already at the counter, ready to rent)
- They bundle it with their rental agreement (harder to decline)
- They profit from insurance as a revenue stream, not just risk transfer
- No price comparison shopping at the counter
Pro tip: Always buy rental car insurance online before arriving at the rental counter. You’ll lock in the lowest rate and avoid the upsell pressure.
Key takeaway: Opting for CarInsuRent can save you up to 70% on car rental excess insurance costs.
Should You Buy Daily or Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance for Europe?
The choice between daily and annual car hire excess insurance depends on your rental frequency.
Example scenarios (Sixt in Germany):
| Scenario | Days Rented | Daily Cost | Total Cost | CarInsuRent Cost | Savings |
| 1 trip × 3 days | 3 days | € 35.19 | € 105.57 | € 29.82 (daily coverage) | € 75.75 |
| 1 trip × 7 days | 7 days | € 35.19 | € 246.33 | € 57.17 (daily coverage) | € 189.16 |
| 2 trips × 7 days | 14 days | € 35.19 | € 492.66 | € 105.04 (daily coverage) | € 387.62 |
| 1 trip × 21 days | 21 days | € 35.19 | € 738.99 | € 111.02 (annual coverage) | € 627.97 |
Choose Annual Insurance if:
- You rent cars multiple times per year, as annual plans cover unlimited trips.
- You’re a frequent traveler who wants comprehensive coverage without repeating the purchase process.
- You want better value overall when compared to buying daily insurance for multiple rentals.
Choose Daily Insurance if:
- You only rent a car once or twice per year.
- You need coverage for a single, specific trip.
Key Considerations: Standalone excess insurance from CarInsuRent is much cheaper than purchasing coverage directly from rental companies. Our annual policies typically offer better value for travelers who hate extra paperwork and rent cars regularly throughout the year.
Why Choose CarInsuRent for Your Car Hire Excess Insurance?
Many travelers are shocked when they’re charged hundreds (or even thousands) of euros for minor damage to their rental car. With our car hire excess insurance, you can drive with confidence knowing you’re covered at a fraction of the cost.
Key Benefits:
✅ Save Money – Up to 70% cheaper than rental company insurance.
✅ Comprehensive Protection – Covers excess fees, windscreens, tires, and more.
✅ Worldwide Coverage – Use your policy across multiple trips and countries.
✅ Easy Claims Process – Hassle-free online claims with quick reimbursements.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe
Get StartedIn Which Countries Is Your Excess Covered With CarInsuRent Europe Car Hire Excess Insurance?
Below is the list of EU countries that are covered under our European policy:
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, “European Russia” (the western part of the Russian Federation), Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe
Get Started
Europcar Italy Excess Reduction – 1 week rental July 2026
CarInsuRent Car Rental Coverage Options in Europe
Car hire excess insurance in Europe typically includes mandatory liability coverage that is included in the rental fee. This type of coverage can be used if the car is damaged or if the renter causes harm to someone on the road. It is important to check the maximum protection cover amounts for material damages for the specific European country you plan to rent a car in, as they may vary. We encourage you to check out our specific best car hire excess insurance for the following destinations:
- Car Rental Insurance France
- Rental Car Insurance Germany
- Car Rental Insurance Iceland
- Car Rental Insurance Ireland
- Car Rental Insurance Italy
- Car Rental Insurance Spain
Other Options for Rental Car Insurance in Europe (And Why CarInsuRent is Better)
While you can find alternatives to rental company insurance, they often come with limitations:
- Credit Card Rental Insurance – Some premium cards offer coverage but may not include tires, undercarriage, or admin fees.
- Personal Car Insurance – Your personal car insurance typically does not cover rental cars in Europe. Most standard U.S. policies provide coverage only within the U.S. and sometimes Canada, but not in Europe.
- Travel Insurance – Sometimes includes car hire excess, but be sure to check coverage limits and exclusions.
✅ CarInsuRent offers the best balance of affordability and coverage, ensuring peace of mind on your trip.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe
Get StartedWhat to Do If You Have an Accident in a Rental Car
Accidents happen—even to the most careful drivers. Follow these steps if you experience an incident with your rental vehicle:
- Stay Safe – Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Contact the Rental Company – Report the incident immediately.
- Document Everything – Take photos of damage, road conditions, and any third parties involved.
- File a Police Report – Required in some countries for insurance claims.
- Keep All Receipts – Any expenses related to the incident should be documented.
- Submit Your Claim – If you have CarInsuRent, file a claim online for quick reimbursement.
👉 Being prepared can make all the difference in handling rental car accidents smoothly.
👉 For further advice, we encourage you to read our detailed guide to Handling a Rental Car Accident Efficiently.
How to File a Claim
If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car, there are certain steps you should follow to file a claim.
Transparency and responsiveness are foundational principles of CarInsuRent’s claims process. All claims are assessed strictly in accordance with clearly defined policy terms that are publicly available to customers prior to purchase. Claim outcomes, whether approvals or declines, are accompanied by written explanations referencing the applicable policy provisions and documentation requirements.
In line with this commitment to transparency, CarInsuRent publishes aggregated claims statistics and trend analysis, available in our Annual Claims Report.
CarInsuRent and Non-UK Residents
Our car hire excess waiver insurance is often one of the best options for non-UK residents renting a vehicle while traveling in the UK or EU. Our policies are very affordable and can be a financial lifesaver if you are in an accident while renting a car in Europe or the UK. Check our prices now and make sure your rental car is fully covered while traveling.
CarInsuRent urges you to drive safely and stay insured!
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurance Europe
Get StartedWays to Save Money on Your Car Rental in Europe
A little planning goes a long way in saving money on your rental car!
✅ Book early: Secure your rental early to lock in better rates and avoid price hikes closer to your travel date.
✅ Use a Price Comparison Site – Websites like Rentalcars.com and DiscoverCars help you find the best deals.
✅ Use discount codes: Search for promotional codes, loyalty programs, or credit card rewards that offer discounts on rental cars.
✅ Opt for economy cars: Compact or economy vehicles are typically cheaper to rent and consume less fuel, saving you money on gas.
✅ Avoid airport pickups: Rental agencies at airports often charge more. Look for locations away from airports for better deals.
✅ Decline Extras – Bring your own GPS and child seat instead of renting.
✅ Check for hidden fees: Be mindful of additional costs, such as one-way fees, or fuel surcharges, which can inflate the total cost.
✅ Get Standalone Excess Insurance – Avoid overpriced rental company insurance with CarInsuRent.
👉 For further information read our detailed guide about Navigating European Car Rentals
About the author:
Mark Vallet have over 17 years’ experience writing about insurance and automotive subjects. Mark have written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, YourMechanic.com, and is also a regular contributor to carinsurance.com, insure.com and insurance.com. His work has been published online at MSN, Yahoo Autos, Fox Business, Business Insider Australia and more.
FAQs
Do I need Car Hire Excess Insurance if I’m Renting a Car in Europe?
Yes, when renting a car in Europe, you will generally need rental car insurance. Most European car rentals automatically include basic insurance, such as third-party liability, which covers damages to others. However, this typically doesn’t cover excess charges for damages to the rental vehicle itself. For comprehensive protection, it’s recommended to purchase car hire excess insurance, which covers the excess amount left to pay in case of accidents or damage. This type of insurance ensures you won’t face high out-of-pocket expenses for any damages to the rental car, making it an essential add-on for peace of mind during your trip.
Does my U.S. auto insurance cover rental cars in Europe?
In most cases, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you when driving in Europe. U.S. policies typically only provide coverage within the U.S. and Canada, so you’ll need to obtain a separate international insurance policy or purchase coverage locally when renting a car in Europe.
Does Amex cover rental car insurance in Europe?
Yes, American Express (Amex) offers rental car insurance coverage in Europe, but there are some exceptions. The coverage typically includes collision and theft protection, and in some cases, Amex provides primary coverage. However, it is important to note that certain countries, like Italy, are excluded from coverage. To benefit from Amex’s rental car insurance, cardholders must check the specific terms of their card.
Does Visa cover rental car insurance in Europe?
Yes, Visa does offer rental car insurance coverage in Europe when you use an eligible Visa card to pay for the rental in full. This coverage typically includes protection against theft and damage (Collision Damage Waiver or CDW). However, Visa’s coverage does not include liability for damage to other vehicles, personal injury, or personal property. The coverage is usually valid for up to 31 days in most European countries, but it’s important to verify the specific terms and conditions of your card before renting.
Do I get Roadside Assistance with CarInsurent Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage?
CarInsuRent’s Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage does not include roadside assistance. However, it includes towing assistance. In the event of a breakdown or accident, the policy will cover towing as part of the repair costs, with coverage up to $500 for any fees charged by the rental company for towing services.
What is a CDW?
A Collision Damage Waiver or CDW is protection you can purchase when renting a vehicle in Europe that puts a cap on your financial obligation if the vehicle is damaged in a collision. It is not an insurance policy. A CDW will cover the cost to repair your rental vehicle as well as cover any loss of rental income for the rental agency if the vehicle is damaged in a collision, but it does come with a variety of exclusions so make sure you understand the limitations of these protection.
A CDW comes with an excess or deductible that you will have pay out of pocket if you are involved in an accident. It will vary by rental car company and the type of vehicle you rent, but in most cases, the excess or deductible will usually range between $500 and $2,500 but it can be much higher in some cases.Is CDW Insurance Mandatory in Europe?
No, CDW is optional in Europe except for Italy where it is a required coverage. Most European car rental companies include liability coverage as part of their baseline rate and offer a CDW or LDW as optional coverages you can purchase.
Is LDW and CDW the same?
LDW stands for Loss Damage Waiver and an LDW if very similar to a CDW, but it includes theft protection (TP) as well. Some car rental companies only offer an LDW, eliminating the CDW. An LDW offers the same protections as a CDW, but it also includes protection if your rental vehicle is stolen.
What is the difference between CDW and excess waiver insurance?
A CDW offers protection for your rental vehicle, it will pay to repair the body of your rental vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. However, a CDW comes with an excess or deductible payment that you must pay out of pocket, and this can range from $500 to $2,500 or more.
Excess waiver insurance will refund the excess or deductible amount that you must pay on your CDW if you are involved in an accident up to the policies benefit ceiling. Excess waiver insurance is very affordable and can be a financial lifesaver if you are in an accident with your rental vehicle.Which insurance is best for a rental car in Europe?
While your needs will vary depending on where you are going, in most cases, the best combination is a CDW with an excess waiver insurance policy. This will ensure the vehicle is repaired if it is damaged in an accident and you will not have to pay a huge excess or deductible out of pocket.
Does my credit card cover rental car insurance in Europe?
Some premium credit cards offer European rental car coverage, but limitations apply. Coverage may exclude certain countries (like Italy), tires, undercarriage, or administrative fees. Always verify specific terms before relying on credit card protection.
What does collision damage waiver cover in Europe?
CDW covers repair costs for collision damage to your rental vehicle and compensates the rental company for lost income during repairs. However, it comes with exclusions and an excess payment (€500-€2,500) that you must pay upfront.
What countries are covered under European car hire excess insurance?
CarInsuRent covers 42 European countries including all EU nations plus Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, European Russia, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Norway, Serbia and Montenegro, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Can I use my European car hire excess insurance for cross-border travel?
Yes, CarInsuRent’s European policy covers cross-border travel within all 42 covered countries. You can drive from France to Germany to Italy with continuous coverage, making it ideal for multi-country European road trips.
Does my car insurance cover rental cars in Europe?
It depends on your policy, but likely with limitations:
Most US personal auto insurance policies do extend coverage to rental cars. However, coverage varies significantly by insurer.
Key considerations:
– Geographic limitations: Some US policies cover rentals domestically and in Canada, but may exclude or limit European coverage.
– Duration limits: Coverage may not apply if your rental exceeds 30 consecutive days.
About the author:
Mark Vallet have over 17 years’ experience writing about insurance and automotive subjects. Mark have written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, YourMechanic.com, and is also a regular contributor to carinsurance.com, insure.com and insurance.com. His work has been published online at MSN, Yahoo Autos, Fox Business, Business Insider Australia and more.
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Gil Farkash
Just got back from Greece after a stressful final day – clipped a kerb avoiding another driver and damaged the suspension on our hire car.
I’d skipped additional insurance thinking it was unnecessary. The CDW covered €1,200 excess but explicitly excluded underside damage – exactly what I’d caused.
Lesson learned: always read what the CDW actually excludes. A standalone excess policy covering undercarriage would have saved me enormous stress.
Really glad you shared this – undercarriage exclusions are one of the most commonly overlooked gaps in rental CDW, and Greece is a particularly common place for this to catch people out given the road conditions.
The standard CDW language covering “collision damage” sounds comprehensive until you read the exclusions list, which almost always includes suspension, tyres, underbody, and roof.
A standalone excess policy that explicitly covers undercarriage damage is exactly the product designed for this gap.
Hope the rest of the trip was worth it.
I’m renting a car for 10 days in Croatia this June through Auto Europe, and since it’s my first time renting abroad, I could use some advice on your standalone policies.
Is buying third-party excess insurance just as safe and valid as buying it directly from the rental agency if an accident happens? What do I need to do if they do not accept your policy?
If I am buying the annual policy to cover my rentals in Europe – Are additional drivers (my wife) covered?
Yes – additional drivers, including your wife, are covered as long as she’s listed as a named driver on the rental agreement itself.
I am considering taking out your policy to cover my coming rental in Greece. What currency are claims paid in? For non-USD renters this matters – are claims paid in USD only, or local currency?
Claims are reimbursed in USD regardless of the currency you were charged in by the rental company. The conversion is based on the exchange rate at the time of the incident. So if a Greek rental company charges you €800, CarInsuRent will reimburse you the USD equivalent. If you paid in EUR, your bank’s exchange rate when the rental company charged you will determine the EUR amount you effectively recover. It’s worth keeping this in mind when assessing your coverage limit — the $2,500 or $4,500 ceiling applies in USD terms.
Thanks for the useful guide.
We will be renting in Switzerland this summer. Is there a deductible/excess on the CarInsuRent policy itself? The page says it reimburses the rental company’s excess, but doesn’t clarify if CarInsuRent has its own deductible.
Good question, and the answer is no — CarInsuRent does not apply its own deductible on top. If the rental company charges you €800 excess and your policy covers up to $2,500, we reimburse the full €800. You’re not asked to absorb a portion yourself. The only limit is the coverage ceiling you chose when purchasing (either $2,500 or $3,500 or $4,500).
I’m planning my trip to the NL and was wondering what happens if I’m charged an admin/loss-of-use fee by the rental company? Many rental companies add these on top of the repair cost — is that covered?
Great question, and an important one that many travelers overlook.
Admin fees and loss-of-use charges — the daily rate rental companies bill while the car is off the fleet being repaired — are generally not covered by standard car hire excess insurance, including our policy. These charges fall outside the scope of excess reimbursement, which covers the repair cost deductible itself.
What we’d strongly recommend for your Netherlands trip: before signing the rental agreement, ask the agent specifically whether their CDW includes loss-of-use waiver, or whether that’s a separate add-on. Some companies bundle it; others charge extra. If it’s not waived, ask for the daily rate in writing so you know your exposure upfront. Keeping a thorough photo and video record of the car at pickup is also your best protection against disputed damage claims that trigger these fees unnecessarily.
We plan to rent a car in Belgium for 14 days.
Not sure if my credit card covers this rental and if I should pay for insurance directly to the car rental company when hiring a car in Europe?
What would you recommend me?
Great question — here’s a clear action plan:
1. Check your credit card first – Call your card issuer and ask specifically: does my card cover rental cars in Belgium, Europe, and for 14 days? Many cards cap coverage at 15–31 days, but some exclude Europe or require you to decline the rental company’s CDW entirely to activate.
2. Understand what credit card CDW does NOT cover – Even if your card covers collision damage, it typically excludes third-party liability. Belgium mandates third-party liability on all rentals — this is always included in the base rental price, so that part is covered regardless
3. Don’t buy insurance at the counter – Rental company CDW in Europe typically costs €15–€25/day — for 14 days that’s €210–€350 extra. A specialist third-party excess insurer like CarInsuRent covers the same exposure for a fraction of that cost
4. Watch out for Amex limitations – Amex has well-documented gaps in European rental coverage — always verify before relying on it.
Recommendation: Verify your card coverage → buy independent excess insurance → decline the counter CDW upsell.
I am going to Norway for a few nights and will need to rent a car for 5 days. The rental companies in Oslo have extortionate protective insurance packages.
If I get a 3rd party insurance will I be able to waive the collision damage fees or will they still have to block that amount from my CC? How does this work?
That’s how most 3rd party car hire excess insurance works in Norway too.
The rental company will usually still pre-authorize a deductible/security deposit on your credit card, even if you decline their expensive protection package. If damage happens, they charge the excess first, then you claim it back from your independent insurer afterward.
Norway rental desks are known for very high “zero excess” upgrade prices, which is why many travelers use standalone excess insurance instead. The savings versus the rental counter insurance can be huge on a 5-day trip.
I’m renting a car for a week in Switzerland, from Zurich Airport. This is my first time renting abroad, so I’d really appreciate someone double-checking my work to make sure I’m not getting screwed somewhere.
Here’s my situation:
I have no car insurance of my own, but I do have a AMEX Platinum card.
I can purchase Full coverage for $200 (which I’d prefer not to do), but I’d lose any additional CDW coverage I have through my credit card. Are there any issues I’d run into not taking Full coverage?
Do I need any additional insurance beyond the required CDW because of that?
If I’m in an accident, what insurance information would I provide to the other party? It sounds like I may have no personal liability coverage, since I have no car insurance of my own.
Great that you’re doing your research before arriving — Switzerland is one of the more expensive places to get caught out on rental insurance. Let me work through your questions:
🟢 Good news on your Amex Platinum: Amex Platinum offers solid secondary CDW/collision coverage for rentals. To activate it, you must charge the full rental to your Amex Platinum AND decline the rental company’s own CDW at the counter. Note that the coverage is secondary to any other insurance you have — since you have no personal auto policy, it effectively acts as primary
⚠️ The gap you need to worry about — Liability: This is your real exposure. CDW covers damage to the rental car itself. But third-party liability (damage or injury you cause to other people, vehicles, or property) is a completely separate issue. In Switzerland, third-party liability insurance is legally mandatory — the good news is that rental companies in Switzerland are required to include basic third-party liability in every rental by law. So you won’t be driving without it. However: tThe minimum liability limits included may be lower than what a serious accident could cost. Amex Platinum does not typically cover third-party liability.
What to provide to the other party in an accident: You would provide the rental company’s insurance details — these are printed on your rental agreement. The rental company’s mandatory third-party liability policy is what covers the other party, not your personal insurance (which you don’t have). Always carry the rental agreement in the car.
Practical recommendations: Decline the rental company’s CDW and use your Amex Platinum coverage — saves you money on collision. Check the third-party liability limit on your rental agreement when you pick up — ask the agent what the limit is.
Consider a standalone third-party liability top-up or a rental excess policy from a specialist like CarInsuRent — these are significantly cheaper than the rental company’s full coverage and can fill the liability gap.
Photograph the car thoroughly before driving away — Switzerland is efficient but rental disputes happen everywhere.
What is the main advantage of purchasing car hire excess insurance in Europe through CarInsuRent compared to opting for coverage directly from the rental company? Also, does the policy cover all European countries, including non-EU regions?
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
The main advantage of purchasing car hire excess insurance through CarInsuRent is cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage. Our policies are typically much cheaper than the excess insurance offered by car rental companies. Additionally, Our policies provide broader coverage, including protection against theft and damage that might not be fully covered by rental company policies.
Our policies cover all EU countries and extend to many non-EU regions in Europe. Our European car hire excess insurance policy ensures that travelers are protected in various locations, making it highly convenient for cross-border travel.
This is such a helpful guide for anyone renting a car in Europe! The fact that basic insurance is included with rentals is reassuring, but the potential for high excess charges can definitely catch travelers off guard. Your coverage plan that reimburses up to $4,500 is an excellent solution for peace of mind. It’s also great to see an alternative to the expensive insurance options offered directly by car rental companies.
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Excuse for that I interfere … To me this situation is familiar
I am thinking of hiring a car from a small family company in Favignana, Italy and the car hire company has emailed me saying that insurance is not included. How do I obtain comprehensive car insurance as well as excess cover?
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
We only offer car hire excess insurance and do not offer full coverage.
All the best
The CarInsuRent Team
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European Car Rental Excess Insurance | CarInsuRent
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Looking for Excess Deductible insurance in Italy for a 9 passenger van
Dear J. Rocco Vicchio,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
I noticed that you already submitted a request for a quote.
If there is something that you would like to explore, we encourage you to contact us via email – service@carinsurent.com.
Have a safe trip.
The CarInsuRent Team
I would like yearly insurance but not for a mini bus. This is a one off yearly trip
Dear Ian,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
You can learn more about how to purchase an annual policy in this link – https://carinsurent.com/faqs/how-to-purchase-an-annual-policy/.
You can learn more about the advantages of our annual policy in the following links: https://carinsurent.com/car-hire-excess-insurance/should-i-take-a-daily-or-an-annual-car-hire-excess-insurance-policy/ and https://carinsurent.com/faqs/can-i-buy-a-product-that-i-can-use-for-a-whole-year-or-for-multiple-trips/
Have a safe trip.
The CarInsuRent Team