Help! Does anyone understand car insurance on rental vehicles? What does this mean?

[gio71]

Not being a car owner am a bit slow when it comes to these matters. Auto Europe have provided me with a quote and have stated that it includes "vat,unlimited mileage, third party, collision damage, fire and theft with an excess amount of £250 and excess refund coverage". What does all that mean? I want something that is going to cover us completely for all eventualities and have no excess to pay.
Thanks!

You'll have to dig a bit deeper into "excess refund coverage", but unless that's an extra premium to give you back the excess if you need to claim, then you've got a £250 excess as it stands.

We've hired from Auto Europe on a number of ocassions, although we've never had to male a claim. If you have "excess refund coverage" it means that if you have a legitimate claim then you will have to pay the excess (250) to the company who has hired the car (AutoEurope are the agent) and they will refund the excess at a later date. I our experience the AutoEurope excess refund coverage has been a good deal compared with other companies. It's always worth checking around for the best quote (including insurance).

we got really burnt last summer by Hertz: I booked online because of their great quote but at the checkout we were charged another £200 for insurance. It later turned out that this was 'optional' but we could not claim it back. It may be worth getting the insurance as offered in your quote, and topping up with your own insurers over here. AA are also very helpful about it if you can be bothered to read all the bumf!

ooops, sorry, just re-read you're not car owners, but still, your home insurers could be of help!

just seen that the insurance says doesnt cover damage to wheels, windows, interior and underside in line with most car hire companies-is that the case do you know anyone?
any ideas of a good top up insurance- want to be able drive and not feel worried
thanks for your help so far

Hello - if you book through a car hire agent (I think thats what they are called) they cover the additional insurance for you and if you have to claim they pay back any excess to you. If you want, I can let you have the name and number of the company who I always use and who I've always found to be very competative (sp?) and helpful.

that would be great tazmosis-can you give me the details?

Its AMS travel - tel 01764 679779 - I always talk to Graham, but its a family run firm. My mum and I have used them for about 5 years and always had good prices and excellent service. Enjoy your hols!