European car hire insurance

[Tabitha005]

There's clearly something I'm not understanding when trying to find insurance cover for car hire in Italy. Essentially, I'd rather not pay the car hire company's extortionate rates and I understand I can take out a separate policy to cover me.

However, I'm really confused as to why all the quotes I'm getting only cover me up to £7,500 for theft, vandalism and damage. Will I still then be liable for any amounts over that?

Does anyone have any experience with this type of insurance cover who can give me some guidance?

My understanding is that the extra insurance is for the excess. You have some kind of insurance included as part of the car hire, with a massive excess. You are avoiding having to pay the massive excess if you have an accident with your CDW insurance.

@Janek - thank you, I finally understand this now - after MUCH research! Even the car hire company themselves (SIXT) were of no use in explaining this in an easy-to-understand way.