If you are new to car rental, make sure you are fully aware of all the ins and outs of your rental agreement. Even those who have signed rental agreements before may need an upgrade—especially when it comes to deductible car rental insurance and why you need it.
To make sure you are fully informed and not swayed by hidden costs, read this article and learn how to save on your rental trip.
What is in the contract?
Before you start thinking about buying additional protection for your rental car, you need to make sure that you are familiar with everything that is already included in your rental agreement. Most companies will offer a collision damage waiver (CDW) or a damage loss waiver (LDW), which at first glance may seem quite comprehensive. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case.
CDWs and LDWs not only come with a high overrun rate, but they also protect you from bodywork repairs and replacements. This means that payments for any damage to tires, windows, undercarriage, or windshield will come right out of your pocket. For this reason, having excess rental car insurance is a must.
Additional coverage: What does it include?
If you choose to invest in car rental franchise insurance, you are on your way to a stress-free and fully protected rental experience! Specialized companies offer comprehensive protection that includes the following:
- £800 for damage to the glass, sunroof and windshield • Up to £500 for an undercarriage • Protection against loss or damage to personal property • Up to £50 per tire for a tire repair or £100 for a replacement
Some companies also offer the option of covering a one-time or yearly trip, which means you can assess how much you'll spend depends on how often you travel - it couldn't be easier.
Claim process
Purchase your policy through a reputable company and you are sure to enjoy a simple claims process. All you need to provide are some important documents related to your rental: relevant invoices and receipts, authorization, and documents showing the dates and times of your travel. It is always helpful to have any other support information on hand when submitting your claim.
Once the claim is processed, you should have your funds back in your account within a few days, so whatever happens, you won't be short of cash for long.
Investing in excess car rental insurance is the best way to ensure you don't fall into the trap of the lackluster fees that rental companies often hide in their documents. Buy through a low-cost professional company and you can save hundreds if something unfortunate happens to your car during the rental.
Author Plate Sam Walker is an insurance professional at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost supplemental insurance policies for single trips and multi-year. Travelers can rest easy knowing that they will be fully protected from any hidden rental car costs and expect a stress-free rental experience.