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Car rental insurance in France

Posted by on

Thanks for your help.

We are looking to hire a car in France through Auto Europe and trying to understand the insurance. The provider would be Europcar

When I spoke to the Auto Europe office in Australia they advised that the refundable excess and breakdown rate would not cover us if there was any damage or accident for which we were responsible - i.e. if we hit a pot hole. It would only cover mechanical breakdown. In the case that the vehicle was not driveable as a result of something we had done, we would need to pay for the towing etc, and presumably claim this back from our travel insurance.

We have travel insurance that covers AUD 5,000 excess. We will also have credit card insurance but we won't be relying on that.

We are not experienced in driving on the right and want to avoid as much stress as possible.

I have noted the favourable comments re Auto Europe but don't want to be left without assistance if we need it.

Your advice is appreciated.

Thanks Lisa

Posted by
2450 posts

It sounds like you want to have insurance coverage for any possible scenario. If that is the case, you would need to buy the “Super Coverage” policy which takes care of several possibilities the standard insurances do not cover: damage to windshields, wheels, and the vehicle’s undercarriage— in addition to help if you’re locked out of the vehicle etc. The coverages are explained in detail on AutoEurope’s website. . Buying Super Coverage will cover you in just about any situation with a rental car.

A cautionary note: Watch your speed while driving— there are unmarked police cars on the highways equipped with mobile radar detectors and cameras that record the license plates of offending vehicles. And be sure to get an International Drivers Permit ( IDP) for all drivers before leaving Australia as it is required of anyone not from an EU country to legally drive in France.

Posted by
233 posts

We always get “bumpr to bumper walk-away insurance.” It always seems added unnecessary expense. Until our last trip to France. We had a manual shift car, we were trying to get out of a tight spot in Chamonix and clipped a low barrier pole. We hated it for the car rental company, but that’s what insurance is for - we didn’t have to pay a penny (or a euro!) and I’m sure there was more damage than our insurance cost. And especially if you are driving on the side of the road that you are not familiar with - be sure you get coverage that includes tires and rims! You will be hitting some curbs! We found that out in England! Insurance = peace of mind. Drive safe and have fun!

Posted by
1157 posts

Most premium credit cards include rental car coverage (our Visa does). Check the insurance brochure for your card.

Second choice would be check with your home insurance broker to see if your regular auto policy includes a rider for rental cars. Many do; ours does.

I would only buy insurance from a rental car company if I had no other option.

Posted by
106 posts

I don't know if you have it in the States, but for Uk residents there is, for example Insurance4CarHire.com, (other companies are available) which cover car rental excesses etc in Europe.
I believe my US chum gets similar cover with his Amex.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you for your advice.

We are coming from Australia and I haven't seen the insurance options mentioned:
Super Coverage - thanks Kenko
Bumper to bumper walk away insurance - thanks Gigi8

I think we'll be well covered by our travel insurance - I'm just trying to minimise any logistical problems we might have over there. My French isn't that great :-)

And yes, I think you're right about hitting some curbs.

Cheers
Lisa

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