I'm considering a car rental in the UK next spring and am totally confused about insurance requirements. It seems like their business model is to give you the car for next to nothing but then charge an arm and leg for insurance coverage. Some of the terms I've seen are CDW; Personal Injury; Liability; Theft; Roof, Glass, Undercarriage and Tyre; and Excess. Can somebody give me a clear understanding of what's really needed.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I always get the super CDW (excess). It brings your deductible as low as zero in case of an accident. That's all I buy.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33851 posts
I don't rent cars so can't help with all those terms; I can just say that the word "excess" is British English insurance speak for "deductible". In other words, if you have a claim that they pay the excess is the amount you have to pay.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
The only coverage I skip is personal injury, because I and my passengers always have adequate medical coverage anyway. I get all the others, including no-deductible "super CDW", especially in countries where driving is on the left. Liability coverage is mandatory in most European countries and is usually included in the basic rental rate. CDW coverage often excludes things like tires and glass - that's why they sell those coverages separately.
Posted by
Anna Texas, USA
144 posts
Get the most you can get - the "super" CDW or whatever, you will not regret. It was the first time I ever purchased it last March and it was my first time to have a problem. I ruined a wheel and a tire on a Mercedes in the Lake Country and they replaced the car - no charge. The driving on the left and narrow roads can be nasty. I have rented cars all over Europe with no problem - but - THIS IS DIFFERENT!!! Good luck to you! Bill
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Take a look at AutoEurope's website to get a good idea of what insurance costs. They give you a choice of just the cost of the rental, or the 'inclusive" cost that includes the coverage you should have. It's usually a couple hundred more, but it's worth it. The car rental companies seem to be pickier in Europe than the U.S. when they inspect cars being returned. I returned a car in the UK earlier this year and they found a tiny pinhole in the windshield and said I'd be charged for a new one. Then they noticed I'd taken out the insurance and there was no charge (Avis).
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
In the UK and most countries on the continent (Ireland and Italy excepted) I use American Express Premium which is first dollar coverage of everything on the car. Cost is $25 per rental--not per day--up to 30 days. Also includes ADD cover. Medical for longer trips is covered in a trip insurance policy; the Amex includes some "excess" medical though frankly I'm not clear on what that means. For PI, my US liability cover kicks in.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
We also use Auto Europe. Besides having an excellent website, they are super to deal with when you call them on the phone, and will answer any question that you throw at them.. Go to the Gemut website. They have an excellent primer on the insurance that you will need; which varies according to the laws in your state, and the laws in each EU country. And they are a great broker (like A.E.)) to use to rent a car.