If you are new to car rental, make sure you know all the details and generality of your rental agreement. Even those who have already signed rental agreements may need a refresher, especially when it comes to supplemental rental car insurance and why you need it.
To make sure you are fully informed and not surprised by the hidden costs, read this article and find out how to save money on your rental trip.
What is in The Contract?
Before you start thinking about buying additional protection for your rental car, you need to make sure that you are familiar with everything that is already included in your contract. Most companies offer a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which at first glance may seem quite comprehensive. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case.
CDW and LDW buggies not only come at a high surcharge, but they also protect you from bodywork repairs and replacements. This means that payments for any damage to your tires, windows, undercarriage, or windshield will come right out of your pocket. For this reason, purchasing excess rental car insurance is a must.
Additional Coverage: What Does it Include?
If you choose to invest in supplemental car rental insurance, you will be on your way to a fully protected and stress-free rental experience! Specialized companies offer comprehensive protection that includes the following:
- £800 for damage to windows, sunroof, and windshield
- Up to £500 for undercarriage
- Protection against loss or damage to personal property
- Up to £50 per tire for a tire repair or £100 for a replacement
Some companies also offer a choice between a single trip or annual multi-trip coverage, which means you can measure how much you'll spend based on how often you travel - it's easy.
Complaint Process
Buy your policy through a reputable company and you will be sure to enjoy a simple claims process. You will only need to provide some important documents related to your rental: relevant invoices and receipts, authorization, and documentation showing the dates and times of your travel. Any other additional information is always useful to have on hand when submitting your claim.
Once the order is processed, you should get your money back in your account within a few days, so whatever happens, you won't be left behind for long.
Investing in excess car rental insurance is the best way to ensure you don't fall into the trap of the lackluster fees that rental companies often hide in their documents. Buy through a professional company at low prices and you can save hundreds if something unfortunate happens to your car during the rental.
Author Plate Sam Walker is an insurance settlement expert at LowerHire, a company that offers additional rental car insurance policies for one trip and multiple annual trips at low prices. Travelers can rest easy knowing that they will be fully protected against hidden car rental fees and expect a stress-free rental experience.