In short, if you don’t want or understand what you’re being offered, just say no.
Often, when you arrive at the car hire desk to collect your rental, providers offer own additional insurance. Sometimes this is called super damage excess waiver. Sometimes it’s simply insurance. Whether you take this or not is up to you, there are advantages and disadvantages.
I’ve taken Zest Top-up Insurance, now I need more?
If you’ve already taken our Top-up Insurance, then no further insurance is necessary. You’ll still need to leave a security deposit, but that’s OK as our insurance will cover almost all instances. If you’re negligent however, that’s on you! With some not-so-great rental companies (especially in Spain), you may be told that any other insurance doesn’t cover you. This isn’t the case. Rental companies say this as the rental provider’s insurance protects them, our Top-up insurance protects you. Either way you’re protected.
Advantages of taking Provider’s insurance
An advantage of taking rental companies’ insurance is the dreaded security deposit. Security deposits are a topic of much confusion, check our guide here. Basically, this is the amount held on your credit card while you’re on rental. If you damage your hire car, the repair cost is deducted. If not, the full amount is released back to your credit card. Usually, when you take the rental company’s insurance, you won’t have to leave a security deposit. This is perfect for when you don’t have enough funds on your credit card or if you don’t have a credit card at all. There are other options though, some providers we work with offer no security deposit, and no credit card is needed. Use our filter on the quote results to only search for ‘no security deposit’. Best to check the terms as some will still require a credit card, just nothing is ‘held’.
Disadvantage of taking provider insurance
The disadvantage to taking the insurance offered at the counter is, you guessed, cost. Car rental company insurance is notoriously expensive and can be 30-40 euros per day. That’s an extra 210 euros for a week! Again, it’s up to you if you choose this. Some prefer the convenience of not leaving a security deposit. For those looking for a cheaper alternative, our top-up insurance starts at £3 per day, so quite a saving! Just remember you still need to leave a security deposit.
Finally, if you’re offered insurance at the counter and you’re not entirely sure, or you feel the rep is being too pushy, don’t sign the contract. Once this is signed, you’re stuck. If you’ve got queries and you’ve booked with us, you can call us and we will help you. We can explain the situation and even talk to the representative at the desk on your behalf.
We’re going to bring you more of these ‘bite-sized’ info pieces in the coming weeks and months, so when you’re ready to book your next rental, you’ll be an expert!
