Avis Car Rental Insurance: Know Your Options

PUBLISHED ON Mar, 05 2023

UPDATED ON Mar, 25 2025

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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

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 $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual policy

Avis Germany Excess Reduction - 1 week rental December 2024

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

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Avis New Zealand Car Rental Excess Amounts

Avis New Zealand Car Rental Excess Amounts

 

Avis New Zealand Excess Reduction - 1 week rental December 2024

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 $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual policy. Avis Super Cover Collision Damage Waiver can be purchased separately for € 15 –  € 25 per day
  • CarInsuRent covers baggage and personal belongings – up to US$ 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

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

Mr Levkovich CarInsuRent Policy

 

While Mr. Levkovich parked the car, he slightly scratched the the rental vehicle.

Avis Damage to Rental Car - Mr. Levkovich

Avis Damage to Rental Car – Mr. Levkovich

 

Unfortunately, Avis charged Mr. Levkovich EUR 301 for the damage.

Avis Damage - Repair Costs - Mr. Levkovich

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.

Trusted by clients Worldwide

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$ 50.22 AU$ 5,445.00 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
France Included at the rental price € 26.50 € 2,800 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
Germany Included at the rental price € 36.39 € 1,200 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
Iceland Included at the rental price US$ 23.00 US$ 1,400 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
Ireland Included at the rental price €  24.00 € 2,500 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
Mexico Included at the rental price US$ 18.50 US$ 1,000 – 2,000 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
New Zealand NZ$ 11.50 NZ$ 54.05 NZ$ 4,025 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD
Spain Included at the rental price € 34.47 € 2,420 US$ 6.49 per day or US$ 94.90 for annual coverage $0 USD

 

Avis Ireland Excess Reduction - 1 week rental December 2024

Avis Ireland Excess Reduction – 1 week rental December 2024

See How Much You Can Save on Your Avis Car Rental Insurance

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Do 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

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?

What Documents Do I Need to File My Claim?

 

Tips for a Smooth Claims ProcessFiling 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

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 $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual policy. 

See How Much You Can Save on Your Avis Car Rental Insurance

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Frequently 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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

Short Answer: Most personal auto insurance policies extend to rental cars, but coverage varies by insurer and policy type.

Detailed Answer: Your personal car insurance typically covers rental cars with the same limits and deductibles as your regular policy. This includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage if you have them. However, coverage only applies to rentals for personal use, not business travel. Always verify with your insurer before traveling, as some policies exclude certain rental types or international rentals.

Key Considerations:
  • Coverage matches your personal policy limits
  • Same deductible applies to rental claims
  • Business rentals often excluded
  • International coverage varies by insurer
  • Luxury or exotic vehicles may be excluded

Will my car insurance cover a rental car abroad?

Short Answer: Most US car insurance policies do not cover rental cars outside the United States and Canada.

Detailed Answer: Standard US auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for rentals outside North America. Some insurers extend coverage to Canada, but European, Asian, and other international rentals usually require separate coverage. For international travel, consider purchasing rental insurance from the rental company or a third-party provider like CarInsuRent that specializes in international rental protection.

International Coverage Options:

- Rental company insurance (most expensive)

- Credit card coverage (limited protection)

- Third-party providers like CarInsuRent (comprehensive, cost-effective)

- Travel insurance with rental coverage

- Temporary international auto policies

What's the best rental car insurance for international travel?

The data is clear: CarInsuRent offers up to 70% savings on rental car insurance

Beyond savings, CarInsuRent offers:

  • Transparency: Clear policy terms you can read at leisure.
  • Control: You choose coverage levels without sales pressure.
  • Flexibility: Coverage travels with you across countries and rental companies.
  • Protection: Comprehensive excess coverage at a fraction of rental counter cost.
In an industry notorious for expensive add-ons and pressure tactics, CarInsuRent, the best rental car insurance for international travel, puts travelers back in control while saving substantial money.

Should I buy rental car insurance from the rental company?

Whether you should buy the rental company’s insurance depends on what coverage you already have and your personal risk tolerance. Here’s a practical decision framework most people use:

Skip the rental company insurance if ANY of these apply:

  • Check if your personal auto policy include coverage for rental cars.
  • Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Chase Sapphire, etc.) offer primary or secondary collision damage waiver offer rental car insurance coverage. Note: Almost always this coverage excludes liability, theft of personal items, and exotic/luxury vans/trucks. You must decline rental company CDW and charge the entire rental to that card.
  • Check if your travel insurance (e.g., Allianz, World Nomads, credit-card trip insurance) includes rental collision.

Buy (or seriously consider) rental company insurance if:

  • You have no personal auto insurance (e.g., you don’t own a car).
  • You’re driving in a country where your U.S./home policy explicitly excludes coverage (fairly rare, but happens in Ireland, Jamaica, Israel, etc.).
  • Your credit card coverage is secondary and you don’t want to deal with filing through your personal policy first (deductible + possible rate hike).
  • You want zero-deductible peace of mind and don’t mind paying $30–$60/day extra.
 

Can I buy a plan for just one day?

Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.

Can I buy a plan when I pick up my rental car?

No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.

Can I use the policy for car hire in my home-country / country of residence?

Local rentals are covered by our Car Club / Car Sharing Hire Excess Insurance. You can use it in your Country of Residence and there are no restrictions regarding proximity of use to your home address.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your Country of Residence and if you purchased Multi Trip (Plan B) Policy, You must also have at least 2 nights pre-booked accommodation in your Country of Residence. The Annual Policy is priced for travelers who rent cars intermittently across multiple trips, not as a substitute for owning a car. Tourists typically drive fewer total days/miles per year and face different risks. Local renters drive far more and more often, which materially increases claim frequency and would break the pricing if covered at the same annual premium. The product is excess reimbursement for short-term rentals, not long-term / leasing / continuous domestic car use.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your home country and if you purchased Daily coverage (Plan A) you are covered even if theft or damage occurs within 150km of your home provided that you are a resident of the EEA.

Multiple rentals are allowed as long as each rental will not exceed 45 consecutive days.

in event that You return the rental vehicle and pick up another rental vehicle during the 48 hours after you return the first rental vehicle, the new rental is not covered under this policy, unless the new rental occurs within more than 150km from the rental station where you left the first rental vehicle.

We encourage you to read our full guide about Car Rental Insurance in Europe to learn everything you need to know about European car rental insurance.

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.

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