Summer's coming up, and if you're planning to rent a car—whether in the UK or anywhere else—you’ll probably run into expensive insurance options. Rental companies love to push their pricey full-coverage plans, but guess what? You don’t need to take the bait. Here’s how to keep your rental costs low while still staying protected.
1. Say No to the Rental Company’s Full Insurance
When you pick up your rental, the agent will probably push their full insurance package, making it sound like a must-have. It’s not. These can cost £30 a day or more, which adds up fast. Instead, there’s a cheaper way to cover yourself.
2. Go for a Basic Damage Waiver
Instead of full coverage, ask for the Basic Damage Waiver from the rental company. This limits your liability to a set amount—usually around £1,000—if the car gets damaged. The best part? It only costs around £3 a day.
3. Get Excess Insurance Online Before Your Trip
Even with a Basic Damage Waiver, you could still be responsible for a big deductible (the excess amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in). You can avoid this by buying excess insurance online before your trip. It’s way cheaper—£3-£5 per day—and covers what the rental company doesn’t. Websites like iCarhireinsurance, RentalCover, or Insurance4CarHire have great deals.
4. Combine These to Be Fully Covered for Less
By using a Basic Damage Waiver + excess insurance from an online provider, you get full protection without spending a fortune. This can save you hundreds of pounds compared to the rental company’s overpriced insurance.
5. Check the Car Before You Drive Off
Before leaving the rental lot, do a thorough check of the car. Take photos and videos of any scratches, dents, or other damage. This way, you won’t get blamed for something that was already there when you return it.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to pay ridiculous prices to stay covered when renting a car. Just skip the expensive rental insurance, get a cheap excess insurance policy online, and inspect the car before driving off. Easy savings, less stress!