Hiring a car abroad?
Avoid overpriced rental desk insurance
Don’t pay £40 a day at the rental desk.
Get cheaper car hire excess insurance before you travel.
Avoid expensive rental desk prices
Protection from large excess fees
Peace of mind before you travel
Rental desk insurance can cost £15 - £45 per day
Save up to 70% with standalone cover
Prices were obtained from leading rental companies in June 2026. This is a representative saving only, actual prices may vary.
Rental desk insurance can cost you a lot more
| Rental Desk Insurance | Standalone Excess Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £15 - £45 per day | From £3 per day |
| Where you buy | At the rental desk | Online before you travel |
| Cover | Similar protection | Similar protection |
| Pressure selling | Very likely | No pressure |
| Peace of mind | Often rushed decsions | Buy in advance, travel with confidence |
Rental companies often make large profits from selling excess insurance at the desk. Buying standalone cover before you travel can cost far less for the same protection
What is car excess hire insurance?
When you rent a car, you are usually responsible for the first part of any damage or theft claim - known as the excess. This can often be £1,000 or more.
Excess insurance reimburses you for these costs if something goes wrong, so you’re not left out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You don’t have to buy it, but without it you may be liable for high excess charges if the car is damaged or stolen.
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Yes. Rental desk insurance is optional, and you can decline it if you already have suitable cover.
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Yes. Standalone policies are typically much cheaper than rental desk insurance and often provide more comprehensive cover.
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You may be charged up to the policy excess amount by the rental company unless you have excess insurance to claim it back.
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Some credit cards include rental cover, but it’s often limited and may not cover the full excess or all types of damage. Always check your policy details.