Avis Car Rental Insurance: Know Your Options
PUBLISHED ON Mar, 05 2023
UPDATED ON Apr, 14 2026
Introduction to Avis Car Rental Insurance
Avis Car Rental is a global leader in the car rental industry, providing rental services in several countries worldwide. When renting a car from Avis, customers have the option of purchasing insurance protection to cover any damages or losses that may occur during the rental period. Avis offers various types of insurance coverage to suit the needs of their customers, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Personal Effects Protection (PEP), and Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS). Customers are advised to carefully review the details of each insurance coverage and select the appropriate option based on their specific needs. It’s important to note that if you don’t have your own car insurance, you could end up responsible for significant expenses if you’re in an accident with the rental car. Therefore, it’s recommended to consider purchasing additional insurance coverage from Avis or through other insurance providers such as CarInsuRent to ensure that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident or loss.
Avis Car Rental Insurance Explained – Types of Avis Car Rental Insurance
Avis Car Rental offers various types of insurance coverage to protect renters from financial responsibility in case of accidents, theft, and damage to the rental vehicle. Here are the different types of insurance options that Avis offers:
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This insurance option is designed to relieve renters of the financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Avis LDW is not an insurance policy but rather a waiver of Avis’ right to pursue the renter for the full value of the car. Although it is a part of your rental fee, there is an excess. Should something happen to your rental car, you are financially responsible for this excess. The excess amount at Avis for economy car € 950. Avis’s collision damage waiver covers the following:
- All damage to the Avis rental car
- Coverage for vehicle theft up to the car’s full value.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This type of insurance coverage offers protection for the driver and passengers in case of an accident. PAI provides medical coverage for injuries sustained during the rental period. The cost of Avis PAI varies by location, but it typically costs between €5 per day.
- Additional Liability Insurance (ALI): ALI provides additional protection for the renter in case of an accident that results in property damage or bodily injury to someone else. The cost of ALI varies by location, but it typically costs between €10 – €15 per day.
- Windscreen Damage Waiver (WDW) – Windscreen Cover protects you from charges if your rental vehicle’s windscreen is broken or cracked.
Avis France Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
It’s important to note that these insurance options are not mandatory, and you may decline them. However, if you choose to decline the insurance options, they may be responsible for the full cost of the car in case of damage, theft, or accidents.
Avis Car Rental Insurance coverage options can vary by location, so it’s essential to check with your local Avis office to understand which plans are available to you. It’s also important to note that rental car insurance coverage options are not mandatory, but they offer added protection and peace of mind while driving a rental car.
Avis Car Rental Insurance Cost
The answer to the question “how much is Avis car rental insurance?” can vary depending on the coverage options selected.
While the Avis collision damage waiver is part of your rental fee, it is subjected to an excess. Should something happen to your rental car, you are financially responsible for this excess which ranges between € 950 – € 1500.
Super Cover Collision Damage Waiver, a package offered by Avis, lowers the excess for the majority of cars to € 0. The daily fee for this service is € 15 – € 25 per day. If you purchase CarInsuRent car rental insurance, the excess amount can be eliminated and reduced to zero for as low as $8.49 per day* to $129.90 for an annual policy.
* Price is calculated based on 10 days of rental.
Avis Germany Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
*Prices based on 10 days coverage
Windscreen Damage Waiver (WDW) – cost € 5.00 per day and protects you from charges if your rental vehicle’s windscreen is broken or cracked.
The Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers the authorized drivers, passengers and their personal effects and is offered in most locations but can only be purchased at time of pick-up for an additional amount of € 5.00 per day.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Avis Car Rental Insurance
Get Started
Avis New Zealand Car Rental Excess Amounts
Avis New Zealand Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
How does CarInsuRent differ from Avis Car Rental Insurance?
- CarInsuRent car hire excess insurance starts from as low as $8.49* per day to $129.90 for an annual policy. Avis Super Cover Collision Damage Waiver can be purchased separately for € 15 – € 25 per day.
- CarInsuRent covers baggage and personal belongings – up to US$ 500 included at the price.
- CarInsuRent covers the replacement of a lost or stolen Rental Car key.
- CarInsuRent covers exorbitant rental company fees added to your repair bill – including fees for loss of use, processing, relocation and towing.
- CarInsuRent covers single-vehicle accidents – claim even if the damage or theft to your car was not your fault.
- CarInsuRent offers annual worldwide car hire excess Insurance for hiring cars around the world for up to 45 days.
*Prices based on 10 days coverage
Not sure if annual coverage is right for you? Compare daily vs annual car hire excess insurance to find the best option for your travel needs.
Here’s How CarInsuRent Car Hire Excess Insurance saved Our Client a Significant Amount of Money
Mr. Levkovich, rented a Citroen C3 for 7 days in Paris. Despite declining the rental company’s insurance coverage due to its high cost, Mr Levlovich decided to purchase standalone car hire excess insurance from CarInsuRent after reading about its benefits.
Mr Levkovich CarInsuRent Policy
While Mr. Levkovich parked the car, he slightly scratched the the rental vehicle.
Avis Damage to Rental Car – Mr. Levkovich
Unfortunately, Avis charged Mr. Levkovich EUR 301 for the damage.
Avis Damage – Repair Costs – Mr. Levkovich
However, Mr. Levkovich had purchased 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 hundrads of Euros, as he only had to pay US$ 76.87 for the car hire excess coverage instead of the full repair bill.
I had a fantastic experience with CarInsurent. Their service was exceptional, and they handled my claim swiftly and efficiently after an accident. Their team was responsive, professional, and caring throughout the process. I highly recommend CarInsurent for anyone in need of car rental insurance.
How much could you save on Car Hire Excess Insurance for your Avis car hire? (Updated for winter 2025)
Car hire excess insurance for 10 days rental in Europe with CarInsuRent will cost US$64.90 compared to US$ 307.95 when purchasing the equivalent coverage from Avis. Total potential saving: US$ 243.05.
We compared and analyzed Super Collision Damage Waiver costs for a 7-day rental of a standard car class (December 21st – December 27th). 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.
CarInsuRent’s car hire excess protection for rental vehicles 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 |
| Australia | Included at the rental price | AU$ 53.21 | AU$ 5,584 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| France | Included at the rental price | € 25.75 | € 2,235 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Germany | Included at the rental price | € 33.29 | € 1,390 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Iceland | Included at the rental price | US$ 26.08 | US$ 1,950 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Ireland | Included at the rental price | € 24.40 | € 2,190 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Mexico | Included at the rental price | US$ 36.60 | US$ 1,983 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| New Zealand | NZ$ 11.50 | NZ$ 32.50 | NZ$ 4,640 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
| Spain | Included at the rental price | € 31.65 | € 1,850 | US$ 8.49 per day or US$ 129.90 for annual coverage | $0 USD |
Avis Ireland Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
See How Much You Can Save on Your Avis Car Rental Insurance
Get StartedDo You Need Insurance to Rent a Car From Avis?
Avis typically requires that renters have some form of insurance coverage, although the specific requirements may vary depending on the location and type of rental.
In many cases, your personal car insurance policy may provide coverage for rental cars. You should check with your insurance provider to see what type of coverage you have and whether it applies to rental cars.
Alternatively, you may be able to purchase insurance directly from Avis when you rent the car.
What are Avis Car Rental Insurance Requirements?
What are Avis Car Rental Insurance Requirement?
Avis rental car insurance requirements can vary depending on the location and type of rental, but here are some general guidelines. you must meet minimum requirements related to age and have a debit card in place.
Renters must have a debit card with them at the time of renting so that money can be taken out of their account to pay for the fees.
Avis will advise you against driving without insurance, and will try to sell you their costly Avis car rental insurance. Although it is unwise to drive a rental automobile without insurance, they aren’t being completely honest with their suggestion, thus it seems to reason that you will enroll in a rental car insurance.
Avis Mexico Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024
How to File a Claim
What to Do in Case of an Accident or Damage – 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.
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 an insurance 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 insurance 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 insurance 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 insurance policy.
Claims Process
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Avis Car Rental provides various protection and coverage options to its customers, including options for LDW (Loss Damage Waiver), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), and ALI (Additional Liability Insurance).
Avis Car Rental’s website offers some information on its protection and coverage options, it does not provide specific details on its insurance exclusions. You should carefully review their rental agreement and contact Avis directly with any questions or concerns they may have about their insurance coverage.
While Avis offers LDW rental car insurance, it’s important to review the policy carefully to ensure it meets your needs. If you’re looking for additional coverage, you can save money by shopping around and buy car rental insurance online for as low as $8.49 per day* to $129.90 for an annual policy. Not sure if annual coverage is right for you? Compare daily vs annual car hire excess insurance to find the best option for your travel needs.
* Price is calculated based on 10 days of rental.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Avis Car Rental Insurance
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
How much is Avis car rental insurance?
Avis offers a range of insurance options for car rentals, with prices varying depending on the type of coverage, rental location, and length of the rental period. Below is an overview of the common insurance products offered by Avis and their approximate costs:
– Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) – $9–$30 per day
– Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) – $3–$7 per day
– Additional Liability Insurance (ALI) – $12–$15 per day
– Emergency Roadside Assistance – $5–$9 per day
– Super Cover or Extended LDW (International Rentals) – $20–$40 per day
Rented from Avis at Charles de Gaulle last summer and the counter staff were persistent about their own Super Cover product at €28/day. I had a CarInsuRent policy already and declined everything.
When I returned the car they found a small chip in the windscreen — charged me €180 as it was below the excess threshold on my Avis CDW.
CarInsuRent reimbursed it fully within 10 days. The whole point of having the policy before you arrive is exactly this kind of small, unexpected charge that would otherwise just come out of your pocket.
This is a perfect illustration of why the pre-arrival purchase matters – a €180 charge below the CDW excess threshold would simply have been absorbed as an out-of-pocket cost without a standalone policy.
Avis CDG’s Super Cover upsell at €28/day is one of the more expensive counter products in Europe. Ten days from submission to reimbursement on a glass chip claim is a typical timeline.
Thanks for sharing the detail – the specific example of sub-excess charges is one people don’t think about until it happens.
Looking for advice from anyone who’s dealt with rental car damage claims with Avis.
I returned the rental car at an airport location after a very short rental (less than 24 hours). Avis didn’t document any damage until nearly 2 hours later, after the car had already been returned and presumably moved. They’re now charging about $1,500 for rear bumper damage.
The claim has been formally disputed, but they’re continuing to push for payment and mentioned escalation/collections.
• Has anyone successfully fought a claim like this?
• Does a time gap between return and inspection actually matter?
This is absolutely worth fighting – their case is weak. Here’s what to do:
1. Dispute in writing immediately — send a formal letter citing: no return-lane documentation, 2-hour uninspected gap and zero chain of custody.
2. File a credit card chargeback – document everything and let your card company fight it
3. Don’t ignore PurCo — respond in writing that the claim is formally disputed before any collections deadline
4. Consult a consumer protection attorney — a single letter from an attorney often kills these claims fast
5. Collections on a disputed debt — if properly disputed in writing, reporting it to credit agencies may violate the FDCPA, protecting your security clearance
This pattern of post-return damage claims is well-documented. You have strong grounds to fight.
This pattern of post-return damage claims is well-documented. You have strong grounds to fight. [1]
I was on vacation in Germany and had a rental from AVIS. Unfortunately two days ago an elderly lady backed up into my rental car in a Lidl parking lot, she told me she didn’t see me.
I got a small scratch and the rear bumper came out a little bit. I have the pictures, police report and case number by AVIS.
I didn’t get DW from the company. I just returned the car, what should I expect from here? I know some little damages do not even count and are not chargeable. Please let me know your experience.
This is a stressful situation but you have done several things right. Here’s what to expect and how to protect yourself:
What You Did Right
1. Got a police report — this is crucial and proves the incident wasn’t your fault
2. Have photos of the damage
3. Have an AVIS case number
4. The other driver admitted fault on the scene (“she didn’t see me”)
What Happens Next — The Typical Process
1. AVIS will inspect the car After return, they do a formal damage assessment. Since you already flagged it and have a case number, they know about it. Expect them to send you a damage claim letter within 1–4 weeks detailing repair costs and any fees they intend to charge.
2. They will likely bill you (even though the other driver was at fault), AVIS’s default process is often to charge the renter first and let you recover costs. Don’t panic — this is standard procedure, not a final verdict.
3. Third-party liability claim – Since the German lady caused the accident, her German car insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) is legally required to cover damages she caused to third parties. This is where your police report and case number become invaluable. German third-party liability insurance is mandatory and generally very reliable about paying legitimate claims.
If AVIS sends you a significant bill, consulting a consumer rights advisor or attorney (many German states have free consumer advice centers called Verbraucherzentrale) would be worthwhile.
In the future, we always recommend taking out our car hire excess insurance.