How Does Direct Car Excess Insurance Work?

The Problem

Car hire firms often charge large excesses if their hire car is stolen or damaged. Our Excess insurance provides protection against excess costs & more...

When you hire a car in Europe the rental company usually covers the car against loss or damage, however you may still have a large excess to pay if the car is damaged or stolen whilst in your possession. The excess amount charged by hire companies varies but is often between £500 to £3,000.

The Solution

When you take out one of our excess policies, we cover this excess up to £6,000 per claim so that in the event of a claim you will be reimbursed for this cost.

What if my hire car provider won't accept your cover?

Direct Car Excess insurance can be used with ALL hire car providers. Occasionally a hire car provider may incorrectly say that your Direct Car Excess policy cannot be used with their cars. Some may even try to sell you their own, often more expensive cover. Don’t worry, your Direct Car Excess Insurance is separate from your hire car agreement and will cover your excess charges, up to £6,000 excess reimbursement for car hire per claim (£7,000 maximum per period of insurance) in the UK and abroad, whoever your hire car provider.

What's not covered by the Direct Car Excess policy?

Insured drivers must be UK residents aged between 21 and 85.

There is no cover for travel in Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, the Crimea Region or countries where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has warned against all but essential travel.

No single car hire exceeding 62 days is covered

The policy will not cover claims if the policyholder has not taken out Collision Damage Waiver whether from the rental company or otherwise

Certain types of vehicle are not covered, these are listed in the policy document and frequently asked questions.

These policies do not cover electrical or mechanical breakdown.

Please see the policy documents for full details of the cover and the terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.