AL RENTAL · MAKE AN INFORMED CAR HIRE CHOICE
A hire car gives you the freedom to explore an island or take a road trip at your own pace. Before collecting the keys, it pays to understand what you could be charged for damage and how excess protection bought separately from the rental company works.
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The essentials before you buy
RentalCover lets you check protection for a rental vehicle. The option available depends on factors including your country of residence, destination and vehicle. Do not assume it removes the deposit: with a reimbursement product, you may need to pay the rental company first and then claim back a covered expense.
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Excess, deposit and protection are different things
These three terms often appear together when you book, but serve different purposes. Mixing them up can lead to a surprise at the rental desk.
Excess
The share of the cost of covered damage you may have to pay under the agreement. Check the exclusions too: the same excess does not necessarily limit every type of damage.
Deposit
The security the rental company requires, often as a hold on your card. Buying separate protection does not, on its own, remove that hold.
Excess protection
It may reimburse eligible charges from the rental company. The wording of the product you buy determines the limits, conditions and exclusions.
RentalCover or the rental company’s protection?
Compare both options for the same dates and vehicle. One may suit you better on price; another may be more convenient if a charge arises. Do not base your choice solely on the words ‘zero excess’.
| What to compare | Separate protection | Rental company option |
|---|---|---|
| Payment after damage | With a reimbursement product, you may pay first and claim afterwards. | It may reduce the immediate charge, depending on the agreement. |
| Deposit and card | Check the rental company’s deposit and card requirements. | The deposit may stay the same or change; get the final amount in writing. |
| Cover and exclusions | Read the product wording and check compatibility with your rental. | Read the agreement, including tyres, glass, keys and assistance. |
| Total price | Add the rental and protection costs for the full period. | Include the desk option and only the extras you actually want. |
What to check in your RentalCover quote
Enter your actual country of residence, the country where you will rent and the full rental dates. The page language does not automatically determine where you live. Save the terms you are shown before paying.
- The available product, protection limit and any excess or deduction under the protection itself.
- Damage, theft, tyres, glass, mirrors, keys and the underbody: check each item rather than assuming it is covered.
- Authorised drivers, age, vehicle category and any excluded rental companies.
- Rules for crossing borders, driving on other islands, taking the car on a ferry or driving off-road.
- Dates, start time, changes, cancellation and the evidence required for a reimbursement claim.
Already protected? Avoid paying twice
Check whether your booking, booking platform or credit card already provides similar protection. This can happen with a reservation through DiscoverCars, Booking or another intermediary. Compare limits and exclusions before adding RentalCover: holding two products does not mean receiving two payouts for the same expense.
If damage occurs: from the rental desk to a claim
- Before setting off. Photograph the car inside and out and have existing damage recorded. Keep the agreement and the company’s contact details.
- If an incident happens. Make sure everyone is safe and contact the rental company. Follow its instructions and the agreement’s requirements, including a police report if needed.
- Keep evidence of the charge. Save photos, the damage report, an itemised final invoice, proof of payment and correspondence. Do not arrange repairs without permission.
- Submit your claim. Follow RentalCover’s process and provide the requested documents. Reimbursement depends on assessment and the protection you bought; this page does not make it automatic or guarantee it.
The Azores, Spain and Andorra: details worth checking
In the Azores, plan car hire island by island and confirm any transfer of the vehicle between islands. Narrow or wet roads call for careful driving, not an assumption that every kind of damage will be covered.
In Spain, consider parking and city access restrictions too. Do not treat fines or breaches of the rental agreement as expenses that insurance will resolve.
To enter Andorra in a car hired in Spain or France, get the rental company’s permission and check cross-border cover. RentalCover does not replace that permission or the equipment needed for winter driving.
A simple example, not a price promise
Imagine a final damage charge of €600. If the expense is covered in full and the claim is approved, a reimbursement product could repay that amount, subject to its terms. Until then, you may need to fund the payment yourself. This only illustrates the process: it is not a quote or a guarantee of cover.
Rental car excess insurance: frequently asked questions
Does RentalCover remove the car deposit?
Do not rely on that. The rental company sets the deposit. Confirm the amount, accepted card and available balance even if you have separate protection.
Does it work with every rental company?
Do not assume universal compatibility. Check excluded companies and vehicles, the available product and your rental agreement before buying.
Must I accept every insurance option at the desk?
Ask which items are included and which are optional. Compare your existing protection before adding another product, without rejecting necessary cover you do not understand.
Can I use it for my own car?
This page concerns rental vehicles. Do not treat it as a replacement for insurance on a car you own.
How much does it cost and how long does a claim take?
The price depends on the quote for your circumstances. Claim times depend on evidence and assessment; we do not publish a fixed price or promise a universal turnaround.
Compare before collecting the keys
Understand the rental agreement first. Then check RentalCover and choose it only if the protection meets your needs without duplicating cover you already have.
Affiliate link. Quotes and purchases take place on RentalCover’s website.