Helpful tips from insurance4carhire

As I have had an insurance4carhire.com European car hire excess insurance policy for many years now, I have just renewed it.

I have a Europe Family & Partners policy for my wife and myself that costs £79 a year.

Fortunately we have never had to use this, but it does mean that as we both hire cars several times a year we are covered in case we do have a problem.

The administration department at insurance4carhire.com have just emailed me some "useful tips" and am sharing some of these on this blog page.



Your Driving Licence - British licence holders should note that many car hire outlets will not release the rental vehicle on sight of a photocard driving licence without also seeing the paper licence counterpart.


They may also ask to see the paper licence counterpart of all named drivers.


From my personal experiences when we have both been on the paperwork to rent the same car, the car hire company's check in staff have wanted to see both counterpart licences and both passports as well"

Credit Card - The person renting the vehicle must have a credit card. Most car rental companies will not accept debit or switch cards, or cash.


"I have never heard of any accepting cash, after all there is no way the car hire company can obtain payments that are due to them"

Excess - What to Do - We cover Excess on CDW and Theft as well as damage to: undercarriage, roof, windows and tyres. Decline the car rental company's Excess at the counter. You do not need to show them your policy.


If you have any damage to the vehicle you will be charged, and then you claim for reimbursement.

"After a couple of experiences in Dublin, Ireland where we have declined the car rental's Excess at the counter and they have still charged us and refused to refund, we both always state at least twice we do not want their insurance products - make you then don't agree to buying it from them in writing"  


Claims - You should notify our claims management company within 31 days. Your Policy documentation gives full details of how to claim.


Finally they say "If you think that our Excess Car Rental Insurance would be of interest to a friend or relative, please click on the link below"

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