Buying car hire excess insurance is a must have when you’re hiring a car. Follow our 5 point checklist to get the best out of your excess insurance next time you travel.
1. Use a comparison site to get the best deal
When you rent a car, the basic insurance is just that, basic. Using a comparison site such as ExcessBuddy ensures that you get the very best deal from a specialist provider; the cover you need at a price much lower than the excess insurance offered by your rental company. It takes just minutes to get a quote that could save you thousands.
There are plenty of benefits to buying a standalone policy. You won’t just find that cover is cheaper than at the rental desk, but your policy will give you better coverage. There’s nothing more important than peace of mind when you’re travelling. Knowing that if the worst happens you won’t be left financially exposed.
2. Check that your insurance covers everything
The big difference between rental desk excess insurance and a third party policy is the level of cover. A standalone policy can cover everything from roadside assistance and misfuelling to lost car keys and all those vulnerable areas of a car that are the easiest to damage – mirrors, windows, undercarriage, tyres and roof.
Standalone policies offer a much wider choice for travellers. You can easily find the cover that suits you, whether you travel frequently for business or occasionally for pleasure. A comprehensive single trip or annual policy ensures that you won’t be in for any nasty surprises once the trip is over.
3. Be prepared for a credit card deposit
Even when you’ve arranged car hire excess insurance that covers everything, you’ll still need to be prepared for a credit card deposit. That’s because most companies will require you to provide a security deposit. The rental car company won’t deduct the amount but you should have the spare capacity available and be prepared for an amount of money to be ring-fenced throughout the period of the rental.
4. Keep your documents handy
Most insurers will issue you with a PDF that can be kept handy on a smartphone or other gadget. You won’t have to print out and carry a hard copy around but it does make sense to store all relevant contact and emergency numbers in your mobile so they’re just a click away if you have a problem.
It’s also worth checking that all numbers are current and that you have the most up to date version on your phone. Checking your documents before you travel can save a fortune if the worst does happen.
5. Check your provider is properly regulated
Whenever you’re buying insurance, you should always take the time to read the small print. Not just to understand the level of cover to expect but also to verify the authenticity of the company you’re dealing with and how they’re regulated. It’s also a good defence when the salesperson at the rental desk tries to claim that your insurance is not valid for their vehicles.
That’s why it makes sense buying car hire excess insurance from a reputable site such as ExcessBuddy. We only work with regulated insurance providers to bring you the best deal on your car hire excess policy, giving you complete peace of mind and ensuring that you’ll get the best service if you need to make a claim.
Let ExcessBuddy help
Buying car hire excess insurance is a great way to protect yourself against the outrageous excess charges that car rental companies impose on hirers. Buy your policy from us and you’ll save up to 65% compared to the rental desk and enjoy peace of mind motoring in Europe and the USA, whatever your reason for travelling.