This part of your insurance can help you get back the money you have to pay if a hire car gets damaged or stolen while you're on a trip outside the UK. This is the excess or deductible that the main insurance on the hire car might charge you.
Important information:
- This cover is only valid outside the UK.
- This cover only applies to 4-wheeled passenger cars, so 2-wheeled motor bikes or scooters would not be covered.
- Other parts of your travel insurance such as personal liability may help depending on the circumstances of the incident you had.
- Contact Zurich Assist if you have an accident.
- Always fill in the in-app claim form as soon as possible.
How much can I get back with the Hire Car Excess cover?
You can get back up to a maximum of £2,000 for each claim. However, there are some limits on specific types of damage:
Up to £600 for damage to the roof.
Up to £800 for damage to the windscreen, windows, or sunroof glass.
Up to £500 for damage to the undercarriage (the bottom part of the car).
Up to £100 for each tyre that needs replacing, or up to £50 for each tyre that can be repaired.
The total amount paid for all damage from one event won't be more than the overall maximum of £2,000.
Does this cover apply to any hire car I rent on holiday?
This cover applies to any 4-wheeled passenger car, MPV, or minibus (up to 9 seats) rented from a licensed rental company under a valid rental agreement.
What is excluded?
- Trips outside of the UK (at least 100km from your home) and with at least two nights prebooked accommodation.
- Any loss of or damage to a hire car arising out of wear and tear, gradual deterioration, mechanical or electrical failure not attributable to accidental damage.
- Any loss or damage arising out of misuse of the hire car.
- Failure to comply with any law or equivalent requirements in the jurisdiction in which the hire car rental agreement has been made.
- Any incidents if the hire car is driven off a public road.
- Hire cars or drivers not named in the rental agreement.
- Any defect or damage which existed at the time that you commenced your rental agreement.
- Any claim where you have not followed the terms of your rental agreement.
- Any damage to the hire car interior.
- Any damage or loss arising out of commercial use.
- Any loss or damage to non-passenger vehicles or vehicles with 10 or more seats.
- Additionally for trips in the UK to be valid you need at least two nights pre-booked accommodation and it to be 100km from your home to be covered.
What kind of loss or damage to a hire car is covered?
This cover is for the money you are legally responsible for paying due to loss of or damage to the hire car.
Is there a part of the claim I have to pay myself?
Yes, there is a £100 excess for claims under the Hire Car Excess cover.
Keep in mind
For medical emergencies, please call Zurich Assist for help. Then, always fill out the in-app or online claim form to submit a claim—even if you’re not sure whether it’s covered. That way, we can keep a clear record and take a closer look at your situation. Just remember to keep any relevant receipts or official documents, like a police report in case of theft, to help support your claim.
What is the hire car excess cover?
