Rental car and insurance abroad: what about it?
Renting a car abroad naturally gives a lot of freedom. Before you actually rent a car, however, it is important that you take a number of points into account, this also applies to renting a scooter or quad bike. Car rental companies abroad often charge extra and unexpected costs, for example in the form of extra or unnecessary insurance. There have also been cases of renters being held liable abroad for car damage they did not cause. On this page we try to give you an insight into common insurances abroad.
Car rental abroad possible?
You can choose to rent your car before departure, or do it on the spot at the counter at your destination. The easiest way is to rent the car in advance, that way you are assured of a car to your liking. You can rent the car directly from the local rental company, but also from a car rental organization in the Netherlands. This is actually the intermediary between you and the local organization. To rent a car abroad, you must have a valid driver's license. In some countries it is also necessary to have an International Driving Permit. Also, you must almost always have a credit card. Finally, many rental companies abroad set a minimum age for car rentals and the renter must have had a driver's license for several years.
Purchase rental car insurance abroad is it possible?
A rental car abroad is never insured with your Dutch car insurance. Even if you take out travel insurance, you are not insured with your rental car. For this you always need a separate car insurance, which you take out with the rental company. Think about how you want to be insured at home. This will prevent you from having to make decisions when picking up the rental car and allowing yourself to be influenced by the car rental company.
WA coverage
Are you renting a car in an EU country? Then you are required to take out third-party car insurance for the rental car. This third-party insurance covers damage you cause to another person. This insurance is often included in the rental package. In the Netherlands, the amount covered is mandatorily set to at least five million. But in some countries, such as Turkey, Slovenia and Croatia, the amount of coverage is very low. Make sure you choose a WA coverage that pays out sufficiently. This is because claims can be very high for damages of a larger size.
WA + Casco coverage
A WA + Casco coverage, also called All-risk, compensates for any damage to your (rental) car. This insurance, unlike the WA coverage, is not mandatory. When taking out comprehensive insurance, also pay attention to the amount of the deductible. The amount of the deductible can sometimes amount to a thousand euros. Therefore, it is often wise to buy off the deductible completely.
Occupant accident insurance
Many rental companies abroad often strongly recommend accident passenger insurance. This insurance pays out a sum of money if occupants are injured, and is especially advisable in countries where compulsory third-party coverage is low. Passengers in the car can also normally recover injury damages from the other party's third-party insurance.
Other coverages
Theft to the rental car is not routinely covered by a closed hull insurance policy. When renting a car abroad, you are often offered several types of insurance. Check carefully which insurance you really need and make sure you do not insure yourself twice for the same risk. Abroad, you can often choose from the following coverages on top of your third-party insurance:
- TPI (Third Party Insurance): This is third-party insurance.
- ALI (Additional Liability Insurance): Allows you to increase the amount of liability insured up to a certain maximum.
- CDW(Collision Damage Waiver): You are covered with CDW insurance for damage to your rental car caused by self.
- LDW(Lost DamageWaiver): LDW insurance is CDW insurance supplemented by theft and vandalism coverage.
- SCDW:(Super Collision Damage Waiver): This is all-risk insurance with usually no deductible.
- TP(Theft Protection) or THW(Theft Waiver): This is theft insurance.
- PEC(Personal Effects Coverage): This is baggage insurance.
- PAI(Personal Accident Insurance): This is a passenger insurance policy.
Rent a car without insurance
Car insurance is required by law in most countries. So renting a car without insurance is virtually impossible. As in the Netherlands, third-party car insurance is mandatory abroad, even for a rental car. This is often already included in the rental package. However, additional insurance is not mandatory. So you can decide for yourself whether you want to take them out. Often a rental agency at the counter will recommend additional insurances, such as liability. However, whether this is necessary varies from country to country.
Damage to the rental car what now?
Before you actually rent the car and hit the road, it is wise to check the car with the rental company for any damage. It is also a good idea to take photos of the car if you return it outside of the rental company's business hours. If you cause damage to the rental car, ask the rental company to write down a description of the damage. Also take pictures of these damages. This is to avoid being held liable for damages to the car that you did not cause.
Tips on car rental abroad
- Read and keep the prepared rental contract carefully. In this rental contract you will find all agreements made, such as who will drive the car, the mileage at departure and any car damage before you hit the road. This form should also clearly state who will be driving the car. This is also the person who is insured.
- If you have to return the car with a full tank, fill up just before you return the car and keep the receipt. This is to avoid extra charges for fuel.
- The rental of navigation quickly costs ten euros per day. So in some cases it is more economical to bring your own navigation equipment or buy your own.
- If you have car trouble always contact the rental company first and never have the damage repaired by yourself without consultation.
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