Hiring a car in Australia usually comes with basic cover built in, but it also comes with a hefty excess — often $3,000–$8,000 — if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. Rental car insurance (often called hire car excess cover) is the extra protection you buy to shrink that bill or reimburse it after a claim. You can take a waiver at the rental counter to reduce the excess to zero, buy a standalone excess policy online, or rely on cover bundled with travel insurance or certain credit cards. Each option works differently, costs different amounts per day, and has important exclusions — especially for windscreens, tyres, underbody and off‑road use.
This guide shows you how to compare your options and save. We’ll explain how excess, CDW and LDW fit together in Australia, what’s typically covered (and not), what drives the price, and where to buy rental car insurance online. You’ll see the trade‑offs between standalone excess cover and rental desk waivers, when travel insurance or a credit card makes sense, and when paying for extra cover isn’t worth it. We’ll also walk through specialty vehicles, young driver rules, bonds and claims, and finish with checklists and money‑saving tips so you can book with confidence.
What rental car insurance means in Australia
In Australia, your hire fee typically includes Compulsory Third Party (CTP) and a standard liability waiver (often called CDW/LDW), but you’re still on the hook for a large excess if the car is damaged or stolen. “Rental car insurance” usually means optional hire car excess cover you add to reduce that excess to a smaller amount or claim it back if you’re charged. You can buy rental car insurance at the counter as a waiver, purchase standalone excess cover online, or rely on excess cover bundled with some travel insurance policies or eligible credit cards. It doesn’t excuse breaches of the rental agreement and often excludes windscreens, tyres, roof and underbody unless specifically included. Always check the PDS and the rental agreement before you buy rental car insurance.
How rental car excess works with CDW and LDW
In Australia, most hire cars come with a built‑in liability waiver — labelled CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or LDW (Loss Damage Waiver). This caps what you owe if the vehicle is damaged or stolen, but it still leaves you with an excess stated in the rental agreement. When you buy rental car insurance (hire car excess cover), it sits on top of that waiver to reduce the excess to a smaller amount or reimburse it after you’re charged.
- CDW explained: Reduces your liability for collision damage to the rental vehicle, but an excess still applies.
- LDW explained: Works like CDW and is often differentiated by including theft protection; an excess still applies.
- Rental desk waiver: Pay the hire company a daily fee to reduce the excess (sometimes to nil) at the source.
- Standalone excess cover/travel insurance/credit card: You pay the rental company’s excess first, then claim reimbursement — you must rent from a licensed agency and follow the rental agreement.
Your protection only works if you comply with the hire terms. Next, we’ll unpack what excess cover usually includes — and what it doesn’t.
What rental car excess cover includes and excludes
When you buy rental car insurance in Australia, the hire car excess cover is designed to cover the amount you’re liable to pay under the rental company’s CDW/LDW after damage or theft. In practice, many policies reimburse the lower of the excess or the repair bill, up to a stated limit (often in the $5,000–$10,000 range with some providers), provided you rented from a licensed agency and complied with the rental agreement. Some plans add handy extras, but there are important exclusions to watch.
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Common inclusions (policy‑dependent):
- Excess reimbursement: After accidental damage or theft, up to the policy limit.
- Repair costs if below the excess: Reimburses repairs when cheaper than the stated excess.
- Optional extras on select plans: Keys/lockout, misfuelling, loss‑of‑use, and some glass/tyre cover on higher tiers only.
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Common exclusions (read the PDS and rental terms):
- Breaches of the agreement: DUI, reckless driving, speeding, unsealed/non‑public roads, or unauthorised drivers.
- Licence issues: Incorrect, invalid, or no licence.
- Deliberate or negligent damage: Including water ingress or damage from insects/vermin.
- Admin/towing fees: Often excluded unless specifically added.
- Windscreens, tyres, roof, underbody: Excluded unless your policy explicitly includes them.
- Single‑vehicle incidents: Sometimes excluded by policy or rental terms.
- Wrong fuel type (misfuelling): Excluded unless your policy lists it.
- Injuries and third‑party liability: Not what excess cover is for; separate covers apply.
Next, we’ll look at how much rental car insurance costs — and what pushes the price up or down.
How much rental car insurance costs and what drives the price
In Australia, the rental desk’s excess‑reduction waiver typically runs about $20–$65 per day (Flight Centre). If you buy rental car insurance as standalone excess cover or via travel insurance, pricing is usually a single trip premium (often tied to the cover limit) and some brands advertise being significantly cheaper than the counter option. Expect limits commonly around $5,000–$10,000; higher limits and extras cost more. Your price will hinge on the factors below, so compare before you buy rental car insurance.
- Channel: Rental desk waiver (daily) vs standalone excess cover or travel insurance (trip‑based, sometimes cheaper).
- Trip length: More days = higher total; per‑day waivers compound quickly.
- Cover limit: $5k vs $10k benefits influence premium.
- Vehicle type: Campervans/minibuses/4WDs may need specific cover; motorcycles/mopeds often require an add‑on.
- Destination and scope: Domestic vs overseas plans; policies that include unsealed roads or extra scenarios can price higher.
- Extras: Windscreen/tyres, keys/lockout, misfuelling, loss‑of‑use add cost.
- Who’s insured: Travel insurance is per person; multiple eligible drivers can increase total spend.
Where to buy rental car insurance online in Australia
You’ve got four practical ways to buy rental car insurance before you pick up the keys. The right channel depends on your trip, vehicle type and how you prefer to claim. Compare limits, exclusions and price, then choose the option that fits your excess and itinerary.
- Standalone excess providers: Brands like RentalCover.com and CarHireExcess.com.au sell trip-based policies that reimburse the rental company’s excess. Pick a limit that matches your hire contract (commonly $5k–$10k). You must rent from a licensed agency and follow the agreement.
- Travel insurers: Many Australian policies include car hire excess. Examples include 1Cover (limits up to $8k on some options), Allianz, Cover‑More (commonly $5k–$10k by plan), RACV (to $8k) and Zoom. Cover is per person; check add‑ons for windscreens/tyres and any motorcycle/moped extras.
- Credit card cover: Some cards include rental car excess if you pay with the card, are the nominated driver and hire from a licensed agency. Verify limits and exclusions before you rely on it.
- Rental company waivers: You can pre‑select the rental desk waiver online when booking. It’s convenient, but typically the priciest per day.
Compare the PDS and your rental agreement side‑by‑side to buy rental car insurance that actually matches your excess, road conditions and vehicle type.
Standalone hire car excess cover versus rental desk waivers
Here’s the trade‑off in plain English. The rental desk waiver reduces the excess at the source — sometimes to nil — but you pay a daily fee (often $20–$65 per day). If you buy rental car insurance as standalone excess cover online (or bundled in a travel policy), you usually pay a lower trip‑based premium, but you’ll need to pay the rental company’s excess first and then claim reimbursement. Both options only work if you stick to the rental agreement and the PDS.
- Choose standalone excess cover if: you want to save on longer hires, you’re comfortable claiming back the excess, you need higher limits (often $5k–$10k), or you want optional extras like keys/lockout, misfuelling or limited loss‑of‑use on certain plans.
- Choose the rental desk waiver if: you value maximum convenience at pickup/return, you’d rather avoid out‑of‑pocket costs entirely, or your itinerary has higher risk features that your policy won’t cover.
Next, see when travel insurance with car hire excess can be the smartest way to cover your excess.
Travel insurance with car hire excess: when it makes sense
Many Australian travel insurance policies include car hire excess cover, which can be a smart way to buy rental car insurance if you’re taking a trip anyway. It often delivers a set limit (commonly around $5,000–$10,000 by plan) and can work out cheaper than a $20–$65 per‑day waiver, especially for longer hires or multi‑stop itineraries. You’ll usually pay the rental company first, then claim reimbursement.
- Best fit when: you’re already buying travel insurance, want one policy for multiple rentals, or need higher limits across the whole trip.
- Per‑person cover: travel insurance is typically charged per traveller; only insured, nominated drivers are covered.
- Eligibility basics: rent from a licensed agency, be the named driver, and keep the rental’s CDW/LDW/comprehensive cover in place.
- Reimbursement model: expect to lodge a claim with final repair/loss reports after you’re charged.
- Mind the fine print: windscreens, tyres, roof and underbody are often excluded unless added; motorcycles/mopeds usually need an extra option.
If none of the other travel benefits matter on a short domestic hire, a standalone excess policy may be simpler.
Credit card rental cover: eligibility rules, limits and pitfalls
Many Australian credit cards include hire car excess under their complimentary travel insurance. It can be a money‑saver versus the rental desk, but it only works if you trigger the cover and meet strict conditions. If any rule is missed, you’ll be uninsured and should buy rental car insurance another way.
- Eligibility basics: pay the rental with the card, be the nominated driver, rent from a licensed agency, and comply with the rental agreement.
- Activation rules: some cards require activating complimentary travel insurance (e.g., qualifying spend or trip criteria). Check the PDS.
- Keep CDW/LDW: most policies expect the rental company’s waiver to remain in place.
- Limits vary: benefit caps differ by card; extras like windscreens, tyres, roof and underbody are often excluded unless stated.
- Drivers covered: additional drivers are usually not covered unless they’re eligible cardholders too.
- Use restrictions: business/commercial use, unsealed roads, unauthorised drivers and licence issues commonly void cover.
- Claim method: reimbursement only — you pay the excess upfront, then claim.
If limits are too low or the trip doesn’t meet the card’s rules, buy rental car insurance via a standalone excess policy or travel insurance instead.
When rental car insurance is worth it (and when it isn’t)
Whether you should buy rental car insurance comes down to risk versus cost. The built‑in CDW/LDW leaves you exposed to a large excess (often $3,000–$8,000). Counter waivers can cost $20–$65 per day, while standalone hire car excess cover or travel insurance may be cheaper overall. If the chance or impact of a ding, windscreen chip or theft would hurt your budget — and you’re not already covered — paying to reduce or reimburse that excess is usually smart.
- Worth it: longer hires; city parking or tight streets; regional drives with wildlife/debris risk (and your policy includes glass/tyres); premium vehicles with higher excess; young/additional drivers; when you prefer not to front a big bond and wait for reimbursement.
- Often not worth it: very short hires with a low excess; when your travel insurance or credit card already provides sufficient excess cover and you meet all conditions; if your use/vehicle is excluded (e.g., unsealed/off‑road driving, certain campervans/4WDs without the right add‑on); if you can comfortably self‑insure the excess.
How to compare providers: a simple checklist
Before you buy rental car insurance, match the policy to your rental agreement: the stated excess, who’s driving, where you’ll drive, and the vehicle type. Then compare apples‑to‑apples on limits and exclusions so you’re not surprised at claim time.
- Cover model: Desk waiver (no out‑of‑pocket) vs reimbursement (you pay the excess, then claim).
- Benefit limit: Must meet or exceed your rental excess (common limits: $5k–$10k).
- Vehicle eligibility: Are campervans, minibuses, 4WDs, or motorcycles/mopeds covered (often an add‑on)?
- Drivers included: Nominated/additional and young drivers covered; per‑person rules on travel insurance.
- Key exclusions: Unsealed roads, single‑vehicle incidents, windscreens/tyres/roof/underbody, misfuelling, water damage.
- Rental conditions: CDW/LDW kept in place; licensed rental agency; correct licence and authorised driver only.
- Activation rules: Especially for credit cards (pay with the card, pre‑activate, trip criteria).
- Extra benefits: Keys/lockout, loss‑of‑use, towing/admin fees, glass/tyres options.
- Total cost: Daily waiver ($20–$65/day cited by Flight Centre) vs trip‑based premium for your hire length.
- Claims proof: Final repair/loss reports, police report for theft, bond/excess refund steps, and clear timelines.
Read the PDS alongside your rental agreement before you buy rental car insurance.
Windscreens, tyres, underbody and roof: optional add-ons explained
These four areas are the classic gotchas. Most rental agreements and excess policies exclude damage to windscreen/glass, tyres, the roof and the underbody unless you’ve paid for specific cover. If you plan to buy rental car insurance, consider adding these options — but remember: add-ons won’t save a claim if you breach the rental terms (e.g., unsealed roads, unauthorised drivers, reckless driving).
- Windscreen/glass: Covers chips, cracks and replacement. Check if side windows and mirrors are included, and whether a repair excess still applies.
- Tyres: Covers punctures, blowouts and replacement. Confirm alloy damage and wheel trims aren’t excluded.
- Underbody: Protects components beneath the car from impacts and debris. Often void if you drive on prohibited or unsealed roads.
- Roof: Covers dents and scrapes from low clearances, branches or roof racks. Verify whether accessories are included.
- Admin/towing fees: Sometimes packaged with higher‑tier add-ons; many policies exclude these unless specified.
Always confirm inclusions in the PDS and match them to your rental agreement and route.
Campervans, 4WDs and specialty vehicles: are they covered?
Not always. Many excess policies are built for standard passenger cars, while specialty vehicles need specific wording in the PDS. Some travel insurers explicitly treat a “rental vehicle” as more than a sedan — including campervans/motorhomes/caravans up to a stated weight (e.g., six tonnes), SUVs, 4WDs, people movers and minibuses — when rented from a licensed agency and with the rental’s comprehensive/CDW/LDW in place. Motorcycles and mopeds are typically only covered if you’ve added the dedicated option and you hold the correct licence. Unsealed or off‑road use is commonly excluded unless both your rental agreement and policy allow it.
- Campervans/motorhomes/caravans: Check weight/age caps and limits on fixtures and fittings.
- 4WDs/SUVs/minibuses: Usually covered on public roads; unsealed roads only if both contracts permit.
- Motorcycles/mopeds: Often require a paid add‑on and licence compliance.
Before you buy rental car insurance, confirm vehicle eligibility, road‑use rules and any accessory/roof rack exclusions in the PDS and your rental agreement.
Young drivers, additional drivers and licence rules
If more than one person will drive, your cover only works when every driver meets the rental agreement and your policy rules. Breaching either — for example, by letting an unauthorised or incorrectly licenced person drive — can void CDW/LDW and any hire car excess claim. Before you buy rental car insurance, confirm who is allowed to drive and how each driver is covered.
- Authorised and named: Every driver must be listed on the rental agreement. Many policies only cover the nominated driver.
- Per‑person travel cover: Travel insurance is charged per person; each eligible driver usually needs to be insured to claim excess.
- Credit card limits: Complimentary card cover typically applies only when the cardholder pays with the card and is the nominated driver; additional drivers are often excluded unless they’re eligible cardholders too.
- Correct licence class: Driving without the correct or valid licence is a common exclusion.
- Age/experience conditions: Follow any age or tenure rules set in the rental agreement — breaching them is treated as a breach of contract.
- Keep waivers in place: Most excess policies expect the rental’s CDW/LDW/comprehensive cover to remain active for the hire period.
Unsealed roads, off‑road use and other prohibited activities
Planning to head down a gravel track? In Australia, most rental agreements and policies treat unsealed roads and off‑road use as high‑risk — often excluded outright. Some insurers only consider limited unsealed‑road driving when it’s a public road and your rental agreement explicitly allows it. If you breach either document, CDW/LDW and any hire car excess claim can be declined, leaving you liable for the full bill, so confirm the route before you buy rental car insurance.
- Unsealed vs non‑public roads: Typically excluded; only drive them if both the rental agreement and your policy allow it.
- Off‑road use: Commonly prohibited, even in SUVs/4WDs, unless explicitly permitted.
- Breaches that void cover: DUI, reckless driving/speeding, unauthorised drivers, or incorrect licence.
- Single‑vehicle incidents: Sometimes excluded by policy or rental terms.
- Misfuelling and certain fees: Often excluded unless your policy lists them.
- Get it in writing: If unsealed roads are allowed, have it noted on the rental agreement and keep proof.
If your itinerary includes unsealed sections, choose a vehicle and policy that clearly allow it — and keep to public roads only.
Bonds, security deposits and how reimbursement works
At pickup, most rental companies place a security hold (bond) on your card under the rental agreement. That hold sits alongside the built‑in CDW/LDW excess. Whether you buy rental car insurance as a standalone excess policy, rely on travel insurance or a credit card, the rental company will generally charge you for the agreed loss first — then you claim back from your insurer. Before you buy rental car insurance, check the contract so your policy limit comfortably matches the stated excess.
- Desk waiver = fewer surprises: Reduces or removes the excess at the source, so you’re less likely to face a large charge at return. Any bond/hold is set by the rental company’s terms.
- Reimbursement model: You pay the rental excess or repair bill, then submit a claim with the final repair/loss report, the rental agreement, proof of payment and police report details if required.
- What gets paid: Insurers typically reimburse the lower of the excess or repair costs up to your policy limit, provided you kept CDW/LDW in place and rented from a licensed agency.
- Paperwork and payment method: Use a card with room for the bond, keep itemised invoices and written confirmations, and retain correspondence until your claim is finalised.
The claims process step-by-step if something goes wrong
First, prioritise safety. Then remember how these policies work: whether you buy rental car insurance online as standalone excess cover, use travel insurance, or rely on a credit card’s complimentary cover, you’ll usually pay the rental company’s excess first and claim reimbursement later. Insurers expect compliance with the rental agreement, proof you hired from a licensed agency, and a final loss/repair report.
- Make safe and call 000 if anyone’s injured; report to police and note the report number.
- Document everything: photos of damage, scene, plates, odometer, and location/time.
- Notify the rental company immediately and follow their claims/incident instructions.
- Keep CDW/LDW in place and don’t authorise unapproved repairs.
- Collect paperwork: rental agreement, incident reference, itemised repair/assessment, final loss/repair report, excess invoice, receipts, licence, and card statement.
- Lodge your claim promptly with the insurer (standalone/travel/credit card underwriter) and include the police report.
- Check exclusions in the PDS for items like admin/towing or glass/tyres; only claim what’s covered.
- Challenge excessive or non‑itemised fees with the rental company; ask your card provider to dispute if needed.
- Keep everything in writing and track bond release and reimbursement progress.
Next, a smart pre‑pick‑up routine can prevent many excess disputes altogether.
Pre-pick-up checklist to avoid excess charges
Five minutes at the counter can save you thousands. Even if you buy rental car insurance, preventing disputes is the cheapest protection. Use this quick, practical checklist at pickup so the stated excess, vehicle condition and your cover all line up.
- Photograph everything: Exterior and interior, plus close‑ups of glass, wheels, roof and any scuffs. Video a slow walk‑around with time/date visible.
- Get it in writing: Ensure every mark is listed on the condition report and initialled. Record fuel level and odometer.
- Confirm the contract: Note the stated excess, what CDW/LDW includes, prohibited/unsealed roads, and fees (towing/admin/loss‑of‑use).
- Authorised drivers only: Add all drivers to the rental agreement and match names to your policy/credit card cover.
- Vehicle eligibility: Check your class (SUV/4WD/campervan) is allowed under your policy; note accessories like roof racks/child seats.
- Bond and rules: Ask about the security hold amount, fuel policy (full‑to‑full), kilometre limits and roadside assistance number.
- Avoid auto add‑ons: Untick pre‑selected extras you don’t need; if you buy rental car insurance, keep the rental’s CDW/LDW in place.
- Keep proof handy: Save the PDS, rental agreement, and photos offline for claims.
Money-saving tips for rental car insurance in Australia
You can cut costs without cutting protection if you plan ahead. Rental desk waivers are convenient but pricey — often $20–$65 per day — so compare smarter ways to buy rental car insurance and only pay for cover you’ll actually use. Here’s how to keep your excess low and your budget intact.
- Buy standalone excess cover before pickup: Trip-based policies often undercut $20–$65/day waivers; set the limit to match your contract.
- Use travel insurance you’re already buying: Many policies include hire car excess; remember it’s per person and for nominated drivers only.
- Leverage eligible credit card cover: Activate it, pay with the card, and confirm limits/exclusions; otherwise, don’t rely on it.
- Avoid double-paying: Keep CDW/LDW, but decline the rental desk waiver if your reimbursement cover is sufficient.
- Right-size add-ons: Only add windscreens/tyres/underbody/roof if your route and risk justify the extra premium.
- Choose routes that stay covered: Stick to public, sealed roads if that’s what your policy and agreement require.
- List every driver: Adding them upfront is cheaper than a declined claim later.
- Document the car at pickup/return: Photos and a detailed condition report help prevent unfair charges you’d need to claim back.
- Match cover to hire length: For longer hires, reimbursement policies usually win; for very short hires with a low excess, extra cover may be unnecessary.
What to look for in the PDS and rental agreement
Your claim stands or falls on two documents: the insurance PDS and the rental agreement. Read them side‑by‑side before you buy rental car insurance. Confirm that what your insurer promises to reimburse matches the excess, vehicle type and road rules set by the hire company, and note what proofs you’ll need if you have to claim.
- Benefit limits and sub‑limits: Overall excess cap (often $5k–$10k) plus glass/tyres, keys/lockout, misfuelling, towing/admin and loss‑of‑use.
- Definition of “rental vehicle”: Are campervans/4WDs/minibuses covered? Motorcycles/mopeds often need a paid add‑on and correct licence.
- Drivers covered: Nominated drivers only; travel insurance is per person; credit cards usually require the cardholder to pay with the card.
- Road‑use rules: Public, sealed roads only unless both the policy and rental agreement allow unsealed sections.
- Core exclusions: Breaches (DUI, reckless speeding), unauthorised drivers, licence issues, water/insect damage, single‑vehicle incidents, wrong fuel.
- Keep CDW/LDW in place: Many policies require the rental’s waiver/comprehensive cover for the hire period.
- Vehicle caps: Check any age/value limits or class restrictions.
- Claim evidence: Final repair/loss report, police report for theft, itemised invoices; reimbursement usually follows you paying the excess.
- Rental contract specifics: Stated excess, bond/hold amount, fees and prohibited uses.
Domestic rentals versus overseas trips: what changes
The basics don’t change: you still face a big excess under CDW/LDW and you can buy rental car insurance to reduce or reimburse it. What does change is how benefits are structured by region and plan. Domestic policies often bundle hire car excess into trip cover, while some also add personal vehicle excess for road trips in your own car. Internationally, limits and inclusions can differ by country, so match the policy wording to where you’ll drive before you buy rental car insurance.
- Benefit limits by region: Many plans set excess limits per destination; check your policy’s domestic vs international tables (commonly $5k–$10k).
- USA/Canada differences: Some comprehensive+ travel policies include extra rental vehicle cover in the US/Canada (e.g., Collision/Loss Damage Waiver up to $200,000), not offered elsewhere on the same plan.
- Domestic extras: Certain domestic plans can cover your own car’s insurance excess (e.g., up to $2,500) — not an overseas benefit.
- Activation and rules: Everywhere, rent from a licensed agency, keep CDW/LDW in place, be the nominated driver, and follow the rental agreement to claim.
Business travel and corporate rentals: policy tips
Corporate trips often mix multiple drivers, company cards and negotiated rental rates, which makes it easy to leave gaps in cover. If you need to buy rental car insurance for business use, line up the PDS with your corporate travel policy and the rental agreement, keep CDW/LDW in place, and confirm you’re renting from a licensed agency. Travel insurance is usually per person, so each nominated driver may need hire car excess cover in their own name. Check whether business use is permitted and that your excess limit matches the agreement.
- Know who’s covered: Central policy or per‑person — every nominated driver must be insured.
- Use the right card: Pay with the approved company card, activate cover, cardholder named as driver.
- Stick to licensed agencies: A common requirement for claims to be valid.
- Match the limit: Set policy limits to the stated excess (premium vehicles may need more).
- Add sensible extras: Glass/tyres, keys/lockout if your routes or sites raise risk.
- Follow road rules: Public, sealed roads only unless both policy and rental allow otherwise.
- Keep paperwork: Rental agreement, invoices, final loss/repair report for reimbursement.
- Plan for bonds: Ensure the card can handle the security hold.
Frequently asked questions
Before you book, it pays to understand how excess works and what you’re actually buying. Use these quick answers to decide whether to buy rental car insurance at the counter or online, and to avoid the common exclusions that catch travellers out in Australia and overseas.
- Do I need it? Basic cover is included, but excess is often $3,000–$8,000.
- How much does it cost? Desk waivers are about $20–$65/day; trip policies are often cheaper.
- Claim vs no out‑of‑pocket? Desk waivers reduce the excess at source; reimbursement policies pay you back after.
- Can travel insurance/credit cards cover it? Yes, many include car hire excess; strict conditions apply (pay with the card, be the nominated driver, licensed agency).
- Are glass/tyres/roof/underbody covered? Often excluded unless you add specific cover.
- What about unsealed/off‑road? Usually excluded unless both your rental agreement and policy allow it.
- Campervans/4WDs/motorcycles covered? Sometimes; check definitions, weight/age caps and add‑ons (motorcycles need the right licence).
- Admin/towing/loss‑of‑use fees? Commonly excluded unless your policy lists them.
- Must I keep CDW/LDW? Yes, most excess policies require the rental’s waiver/comprehensive cover.
- Are additional drivers covered? Only authorised, named drivers; travel insurance is per person; card cover is usually cardholder only.
Before you hit the road
Before you turn the key, lock in the simple things that save you stress and money: know the excess on your rental agreement, choose the cover model that suits your trip (desk waiver vs reimbursement), and match inclusions to your route and vehicle. Keep the rental’s CDW/LDW in place, stick to permitted roads, and document the car at pickup and return. If you’re already buying travel insurance or hold eligible card cover, confirm activation rules; otherwise, a standalone excess policy can be the best value on longer hires.
- Set the right limit: Match or exceed the stated rental excess.
- Add what you’ll use: Glass/tyres/roof/underbody only if your itinerary warrants it.
- Name every driver: Make sure they’re authorised on the contract and eligible under your cover.
- Keep proof tidy: Photos, condition report, invoices and final repair/loss report.
- Plan for the bond: Use a card with room for holds and refunds.
- Stay within terms: Public, sealed roads unless both policy and rental allow otherwise.
Want tailored advice and sharp pricing for vehicles including rental use? Compare your options with the specialists at National Cover and hit the road confident you’re covered.
