Insurance Guide

Car Hire Insurance Excess

Car hire insurance can be a major cost and should be considered when deciding which car rental company to choose.

If you are looking for the cheapest rental rate, few car hire companies can provide the full excess reduction cost when you make your reservation - it can be a complex area and will depend on the age of the driver; the type of car; etc.

When you collect your rental car, the agent will offer you the option to reduce the insurance excess. Indicative costs for each of our suppliers are shown below.

If you want an all inclusive price, including reduced insurance excess and all taxes and charges, look no further than this great Europcar Deal.

With all insurance - the fine print is important - so you should read this before signing anything.

To help you we have listed our suppliers and their charges for the optional excess reduction for standard passenger vehicles. At least you can factor in the correct amount for your rental.

Avis Car Hire

Basic Excess : $3300
Optional Fee : $26.40 /day excluding taxes & charges
Reduced Excess : $330
Notes : Varies by age of renter, location, length of hire, type of vehicle and rate. Note: does not cover certain loss or damage and cannot be waived in full. Subject to Avis Terms and Conditions.

Budget Car Rental

Basic Excess : $3300
Optional Fee : $25 /day ($27 per day in remote areas) - excluding taxes & charges
Reduced Excess : $330
Notes : The Optional Fee may vary by location, vehicle type, length of hire. Liability is limited to the actual repair or replacement cost of the damaged item. For passenger vehicles this may be less than $3300.

Europcar Car Hire

Basic Excess : $3850
Optional Fee : $26 /day - excluding taxes & charges
Reduced Excess : $390
Notes : Liability is limited to the actual repair or replacement cost of the damaged item. For passenger vehicles this may be less than $3850.

Thrifty Car Rental

Basic Excess : $3,300
Optional Fee : $27 /day - excluding taxes & charges
Reduced Excess : $385
Notes : The Excess can be reduced to $0 by paying $33 per day.

Hertz Car Hire

Basic Excess : $3300
Optional Fee : $23 /day - excluding taxes & charges
Reduced Excess : $400
Notes : Hertz offer a number of excess reduction options, including a Zero Excess option.