Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.
Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe from US$7.45 /day
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 Super CDW – 1 week rental December 2024
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.
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Car Hire Excess Insurance Europe Comparison: CarInsuRent vs. Cost at Counter (Updated for winter 2025)
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 | € 25.75 | € 2,235 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Germany | Included at the rental price | € 33.29 | € 1,390 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Iceland | Included at the rental price | € 26.08 | € 1,950 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Ireland | Included at the rental price | € 24.40 | € 2,190 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Italy | Included at the rental price | € 34.80 | € 2,040 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Spain | Included at the rental price | € 31.65 | € 1,850 | US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
Avis Germany Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
Rental Company Insurance vs. CarInsuRent: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | CarInsuRent | Rental Company Insurance |
| Cost per Day | From € 0.50* – € 6.50 | € 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
Key takeaway: Opting for CarInsuRent can save you up to 70% on car rental excess insurance costs.
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 Spain Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
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 with the rental car insurance company.
👉 Required Documentation for Filing a Claim
What Documents Do I Need to File My Claim?
👉 Tips for a Smooth Claims Process: Filing a claim can be a complicated and stressful process. By following these tips, you can help ensure a smoother claims process, and increase the chances of receiving the maximum benefit that you are entitled to under your policy.
Claims Process
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
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?
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.
About the author:
Mark Vallet have over 15 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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Travel Tips and Guides
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy a plan for just one day?
Can I buy a plan for part of my rental only?
No. We provide a single journey plan. You are covered from the time you pick up the rental car up to the time you return it or on the last date written on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever comes first.
Can I buy a plan when I pick up my rental car?
No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.
Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.
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
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
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Very useful information for avoiding extra charges when renting a car in Europe.
Thanks
European Car Rental Excess Insurance | CarInsuRent
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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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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.
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.