Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance from US$ 129.90

Understanding Your Car Hire Excess Insurance Options

Choosing between daily and annual car hire excess insurance policies is a critical decision for travelers renting vehicles. This guide explains the differences, costs, and benefits of each policy type to help you protect your finances while traveling.

Annual policies start at US$129.90, offering year-round protection for unlimited rentals. Daily policies provide flexibility for occasional travelers. Both protect against excess charges ranging from $800 to $4,500 per claim.

One Trip Just Isn’t Enough

That’s why you need the best annual car hire excess insurace protection, so you can travel more, do more, and experience more, always knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Whether you rent frequently or plan an extended trip, our comprehensive car rental excess insurance policy ensures you’re covered all year round, saving you money and hassle with every rental. Stay prepared, travel smarter, and enjoy the road with confidence! Avoid unexpected costs on your next car rental with Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance starting at just US$129.90.

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?

• Anywhere in the world except trips in, to or through Afghanistan, Cuba, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Liberia, North Korea, Myanmar, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Zimbabwe

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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The Basics of Car Hire Excess Insurance Policy

Excess reduction is optional coverage from car rental companies, which reduces the renter’s financial liability if the rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. The maximum limit is reduced in the case a claim has already occurred.

What is Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)?

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) is an upgraded form of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by rental car companies. It significantly reduces the lessee’s financial liability in case of damage to the rental vehicle. While CDW typically comes with a deductible or excess amount that the renter is responsible for in case of rental car damage, SCDW lowers or eliminates this excess, providing more comprehensive coverage. Essentially, SCDW serves as a means for renters to minimize their out-of-pocket expenses in case of rental car accident or damages to the rented vehicle during the rental period.

What is the Best Way to Get the Cheapest Car Rental Insurance?

Purchasing SCDW directly from the rental company would not be the best deal, and it will probably always be more expensive than other alternatives.

With CarInsuRent, your car hire excess insurance will be paid daily or annually, depending on the type of coverage you choose.

We encourage you to shop around, compare deals online, get a few quotes that will assist you to find the best deal. Keep in mind that car hire excess insurance comparison is not only for the best price and you should search and read some car hire excess insurance reviews as well.

Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance – Reducing your Rental Car Insurance Excess

When you rent a car, the price ­usually includes insurance cover for a major crash or write-off, but But many car rental insurance policies impose an insurance excess of several hundred Euros. This leaves you with the bill for the first €900-€3,000 – the excess – after an accident. Car rental companies make their profits by selling add-ons, and in particular overpriced excess insurance. Car hire firms try to persuade you to buy “super CDW” insurance to bring the excess down to zero – but they charge as much as €25 per day for limited cover. It doesn’t generally cover damage to the roof, tyres, window and undercarriage of the car.

Here’s How CarInsuRent Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance Saved Our Client a Significant Amount of Money

Mr. Darren C, rented a vehicle from Enterprise in Spain. Despite declining the rental company’s SCDW coverage due to its high cost, Darren decided to purchase standalone annual car hire excess insurance from CarInsuRent after reading about its benefits.

Copy of Mr. Darren C. Car Hire Excess Policy

After Darren returned the rental vehicle, he received a letter from Enterprise stating that the rental car was damaged during his rental.

Enterprise Damage Recovery Unit Notification

Enterprise Damage to Rental Car

Unfortunately, Enterprise charged Darren US$ 1,355.31 for the damage.

Enterprise Damage – Repair Cost

However, Darren had purchased annual car hire excess insurance, which covered the excess amount he would have to pay in such situations. As a result, he was able to file a claim with CarInsuRent, and we reimbursed him for the repair costs incurred by the rental company. This saved Viktor hundreds of Euros, as he only had to pay US$ 129.90 for the car hire excess coverage instead of the full repair bill.

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Buy Car Hire Excess Insurance in Advance

We recommend that you don’t hire a car without taking care of the excess on the insurance policy unless you’re happy to pay a hefty bill should the worst happen.

If you are reading this article it means that you’ve understand the risk and that you are aware to the fact that you don’t have to sign up to the policy you’re offered by the car rental company and that you can buy the best car hire excess insurance from CarInsuRent.

CarInsuRent annual car hire excess insurance Europe is US$ 89.90 (or US$ 115.90 for Worldwide car excess insurance), and ­covers almost all eventualities – damage to windows, wheels and tyres, undercarriage and roof, misfuelling and the rest of the car up to US$ 2,500 per year. You can hire as many cars as you like for up to 45 days. For shorter rentals you can buy daily cover for US$ 6.50.

If you damage the car, the firms will charge the agreed excess, which you reclaim when you return home.

The drawback is that car hire desks will seek to block around €1,500 on your credit card for the ­duration of the rental if you don’t buy their ­insurance. So make sure your card has the ­capacity before you travel.

How to Find the Right Car Hire Excess Insurance Cover?

• The claims limits, which should be enough to cover your excess
• The price, which needs to be less than the price offered for Super CDW by the rental company to be cost effective.
• The exclusions, so you know what you can claim for

Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance Policy – the Cheapest Way to Reduce the Car Hire Excess?

You are likely to find that CarInsuRent annual car hire excess insurance policy is cheaper than single trip policies for trips of around 14 days or longer. If you are going on multiple trips across the year and will be hiring a car for these then you may find it better value in the long-term to purchase one annual policy instead of numerous single trip policies.

CarInsuRent offers you the flexibility to cover your car hire excess for a length of time which suits you.

What to Do When You are in a Rental Car Accident?

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. First, exchange personal information with the other driver, including name, address, license plate number, rental vehicle information, insurance company, and policy number, and document the accident with pictures and notes. If the other driver is at fault, you should get their contact and insurance information and call their insurance company directly to file a claim. If you are at fault or have non-collision damage, you can file a claim with the rental car insurance company. The process for filing a claim with the rental car insurance company may vary depending on the provider, but typically, you would need to provide details of the incident, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any police report numbers, if applicable. Additionally, you may need to provide documentation of the damage, such as photographs or repair estimates.

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

• A copy of the Certificate of Insurance
• A copy of the rental agreement
• A copy of the police report if:
  • you got in an accident with a third party
  • It is legally mandated in the country of incident
  • your claim is about stolen personal belongings
• A copy of the damage report given by the rental company, detailing each cost incurred. Photographs of the damage are optional but may help ensure that the charges are reasonable.
• Detailed repair receipts, invoices or other documents showing the breakdown of the amount the rental company charged you for the accidental damage or loss
• A copy of your credit card statement that reflects your payment for the claimed damages
• A copy of the driver’s license of the person driving the car during the accident

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. The following tips can help ensure a smoother claims process:

• Document everything: Documenting all the details of the accident or loss, including taking photos and notes, can help speed up the claims process and reduce the possibility of disputes.
• Communication: Communication is key in any claim process. Keep thorough records of all communication with the insurer, and discuss your expectations for the claims process with the adjuster. You can also ask about the frequency of updates and the preferred type of communication.
• Avoid duplicate claims: Avoid submitting duplicate claims, as it slows down the claims payment process and creates confusion.
• Understand your coverage: It’s important to understand your coverage, including the limits and deductibles, before filing a claim. Understanding your policy can help ensure that you receive the maximum benefit to which you are entitled.
• Be patient: Claims processing can take time, so it’s important to be patient. 

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 

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.

Other Tips to Avoid Car Rental Scams

Check the car thoroughly

When you pick up the car, make sure that you mark every blemish or scratch on the rental agreement. Also check the spare wheel and whether the car is full of fuel (if it is supposed to be), and note down the mileage. We recommend that you take a video or photos as extra proof. When you return the vehicle, ask staff to inspect it and, ideally, to sign a confirmation that there is no new damage.

Vehicle inspection for rental car

Keep hold of the paperwork

After you return the car and even if the rental passed off uneventfully, we recommend that you keep hold of the paperwork. In the following weeks keep an eye on your credit card to make sure promised payments are made, and that you’re not hit with extra charges.

So whether you hire a car regularly or just for a few days per year, we can provide a cover period to match. If you have any further queries please contact our customer service center either by email or over the phone within our office hours and we will be happy to help you.

Final Thoughts

Investing in Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance from just US$129.90 is a smart and cost-effective way to protect yourself against unexpected charges during your travels. By choosing the best car hire insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’re safeguarded from costly rental car excess fees for an entire year. Whether you’re a frequent renter or planning a big trip, this affordable policy ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Drive with confidence, save money, and make the most of your journey!

FAQ

What is the difference between daily and annual car hire excess insurance?

Daily policies cover individual rentals (~$6.50/day). Annual policies cover unlimited rentals for $129.90/year, cost-effective for trips over 14 days or multiple rentals.

When should I choose annual over daily insurance?

Choose annual if you rent multiple times yearly, travel over 15-20 days annually, want hassle-free coverage, or travel frequently.

Is it worth buying car hire excess insurance?

If you are renting a car, 3rd party car hire excess insurance could save you a lot of money. If you are renting a vehicle a few times during the year or if you rent a vehicle for a long term, you are likely to find that CarInsuRent annual car hire excess insurance policy is cheaper than single trip policies for trips of around 14 days or longer.

What is normal excess on hire car?

If you are renting the vehicle and the rental vehicle is damaged, you can cover the excess costs. For the average SUV, this is generally around $800 – 3,500. Car rentals often upsell a hefty day charge to reduce your excess to $0-$350.

What is the best way to cover rental car excess?

The best way to cover rental car excess is by purchasing standalone car hire excess insurance, also known as excess waiver insurance. This policy provides coverage for the excess amount charged by the rental company in case of damage or theft of the rental vehicle. It’s often more cost-effective than purchasing excess reduction directly from the rental company and offers broader coverage.

Are there rental excess options suitable for couples who travel and rent cars frequently?

Yes – there are rental excess (or “excess waiver / reimbursement”) options that work well for couples (or any frequent travellers) who rent cars a lot across different countries. CarInsuRent is often cheaper, more flexible, and more global than buying excess reduction insurance from the rental company at pickup.

Why does CarInsuRent suit couples who travel often?

You only need one policy (annual / multi-trip), instead of paying excess waivers at each rental. This is more convenient and often cheaper. CarInsuRent policy allow multiple named drivers under the same policy – so both partners can be covered without duplicate purchases. Our coverage tends to be worldwide (or at least covering most countries) rather than limited to a single country or region. Our policy includes common “extras” beyond just collision damage, e.g. key loss, mis-fuelling, towing, theft and vandalism protection that rental agency waivers sometimes exclude or charge more for.

Are there rental insurance products that work well for road trips with multiple stopovers?

Yes — there are rental-insurance products that are fairly well suited for road trips with multiple stopovers. CarInsuRent provide rental vehicle damage and theft coverage, for collision, theft, vandalism, natural disasters etc. We cover a single rental period that may include multiple legs/stopovers. Our policies work internationally or across the countries you plan to visit, not just domestically. Our policies cover annual/multi-trip plans (if you rent several times a year). Because road trips with multiple stopovers may include cross-country driving, changing rental cars, or renting for several days/ weeks – standard short-term rental car insurance offered at the rental desk may end up being expensive or limited.

Can tourists visiting multiple continents in a year get a single car rental excess solution?

Yes — it is possible for tourists visiting multiple continents in a year to get a single car-rental excess solution that covers many rentals worldwide. CarInsuRent offer “Worldwide Car Hire Excess Insurance” policy specifically designed for this use case. Our “Worldwide excess insurance” policy reimburses the excess you’d pay if a rental car is damaged or stolen – damage to bodywork, tyres, windows, undercarriage, etc. Our policy often include additional protections such as theft, vandalism, towing or mis-fuelling in some cases. The idea is that instead of buying an excess waiver from every rental company (which is often expensive), you buy one global policy that you reuse each time you rent a car – no matter the country (subject to the policy’s territorial coverage).

Is CarInsuRent better value than AXA or Allianz for annual car hire excess insurance?

In short: CarInsuRent is often better value . If you’re someone who rents cars a few times a year, especially internationally, and you’re comfortable buying a third-party excess policy before travel, CarInsuRent seems like a strong value proposition: you get broad coverage, avoid expensive at-desk waivers, and can save quite a bit overall. If, however, you care more about brand-name reliability, simpler claims handling, or you only rent occasionally , then a established insurers like Allianz or AXA may give more peace of mind – though at potentially higher cost or with more restrictions.

How flexible are annual rental excess policies if my travel plans change?

Our annual excess cover tend to be fairly flexible, which makes it useful when your travel or rental plans change.

With CarInsuRent annual excess policy you pay once and get insurance that covers all car hires during the policy year (rather than locking you to fixed dates). Spontaneous or last‑minute rentals are OK — Because the policy is already valid, you can rent a car at short notice (or change plans) without taking out a new excess policy for each booking. Our annual policies cover multiple rentals in a year, as long as each rental doesn’t exceed 45 days and you don’t need to inform us about each rental.

Are there car rental excess policies that cover more than one trip at the same time?

Yes – CarInsuRent offers both single-trip cover and yearly (annual) excess insurance that covers any number of rentals over the policy period. Frequent travellers or people who rent cars multiple times a year can benefit most from such policies, as the multi-trip option tends to be more cost-effective than buying single-trip insurance over and over again. Note that when using our multi-trip/annual excess insurance, each rental must not exceed 45 days.

Can I cancel my CarInsuRent policy and get a refund if my trip plans change?

Yes, under our terms and conditions you can cancel and possibly get a refund if your trip plans change, but there are some important conditions. You can get a refund If you cancel within 14 days of receiving your Certificate of Insurance / policy documentation (before the policy has “started”). As long as you haven’t started your trip and you don’t plan to make a claim under the policy. In that case, you will receive a full refund of your premium. If you have already “picked up the rental vehicle” (i.e. the trip or rental has begun) cancellation doesn’t guarantee any refund.

What to do If you decide to cancel: you must contact us directly to request cancellation – it is not automatic even if you cancel your rental booking.

Does CarInsuRent car rental excess insurance cover rentals in my home country or only abroad?

It depends slightly on exactly what plan you have with CarInsuRent – but yes, CarInsuRent can cover rentals in your home country / country of residence , not only abroad. Our “Daily” / “Car Club / Car Sharing” policies allow local rentals in your country of residence, with no proximity restrictions to your home address. If you plan to use our “Annual” / “Multi Trip” policy to cover rentals in your home country, we require that you have at least two nights pre-booked accommodation in that country. This suggests we view the coverage as for travel/rental use – not for regular car-ownership substitute or daily commuting.

How does CarInsuRent annual car hire excess insurance compare to single-trip policies?

Here’s a breakdown of how CarInsuRent’s annual car-hire excess insurance compares with typical single-trip (or “per-rental”) excess-insurance policies:

An annual policy covers multiple rentals over a full 12-month period. Our annual excess-insurance can be much cheaper than buying excess waivers every time at the rental desk or via single-trip cover. If you rent cars repeatedly during the year (holidays, business trips, etc.), once you hit around 16–17 rental days per year , an annual policy becomes more cost-effective than repeatedly buying single-trip cover. If you might need coverage for unexpected rentals – e.g. a courtesy car when your own is in the shop, or a last-minute booking – having an annual policy already in place removes the need to arrange cover at the last minute.

Single-trip (per-rental) excess insurance is valid only for the duration of that hire (start to end). The cost is often calculated per day or per trip. Coverage scope is similar to the annual plan – it reimburses excess in case of damage or theft, and may cover additional risks. If you rarely rent cars (e.g. one or two rentals per year), then paying only for the trips you take makes more financial sense.

How does the CarInsuRent annual policy work if I rent multiple cars in different countries?

If You Rent in Multiple Countries, the “Worldwide” and “Europe” versions of the policy are intended to cover rentals in many countries. The policy excludes coverage when you rent or drive a vehicle in certain countries (Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, etc.) The policy only covers one rental vehicle at a time . So while you can rent multiple cars sequentially under the same annual policy (on different trips), you’re not covered if you somehow try to insure two cars at the same time under one policy. Each individual rental must respect certain limits – most importantly, rentals cannot exceed 45 consecutive days under one booking. If you return the rental car and pick up a different rental within 48 hours, this may not be covered – unless the new rental is more than 150 km away from the drop-off rental station. Making multiple claims reduces the remaining “excess limit”. For example: if you pick a US $2,500 excess limit and claim US $1,200 for one rental, you’d have US $1,300 remaining. A second claim might incur a fees deduction (e.g. first claim fee-free; second claim incurs a fee; third+ claims a larger fee).

Is CarInsuRent suitable for business travelers who rent cars multiple times a month?

Yes — CarInsuRent can be a very good fit for business travelers who rent cars multiple times a month. CarInsuRent offers an “Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance” plan that covers multiple rentals during the 12-month period. That helps avoid buying excess waiver every time you rent. Our “Worldwide” plan is designed for people who travel internationally and rent cars in different countries. That’s helpful for business travelers who travel across regions.

How can frequent travelers save money on car rental insurance?

Frequent travelers can significantly reduce car rental insurance costs by avoiding rental desk insurance and taking-out our annual car hire excess policy, which is usually far cheaper than buying insurance per rental.