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Car hire and insurance abroad: What about it?

Renting a car abroad gives you a lot of freedom. Before you actually rent a car, however, it is important that you take a number of points into account, and this also applies to renting a scooter or quad. Car hire companies abroad often charge extra and unexpected costs, for example in the form of extra or unnecessary insurance. There are also cases of renters who were held liable for car damage abroad that 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 at the counter at your destination. The easiest way is to rent the car in advance, so you are assured of a car according to your wishes. You can rent the car directly from the local rental company, but also from a car rental organisation in the Netherlands. This is actually the intermediary between you and the local organization. To rent a car abroad, you must have a valid driving license. In some countries it is also necessary to have an International Driving Permit. A credit card is also almost always required. Finally, many rental companies abroad impose a minimum age for car hire and the renter must have held a driving licence for a number of years.

Purchase rental car insurance abroad is it possible?

A hire car abroad is never insured with your Dutch car insurance. Even if you have travel insurance, you are not insured with your rental car. For this you always need a separate car insurance, which you can take out with the rental company. Think about how you want to be insured at home. This prevents you from having to make decisions when you pick up the car and allowing yourself to be influenced by the car hire company.

WA coverage

Are you renting a car in an EU country? Then you are obliged to take out third-party car insurance for the hire car. This third-party insurance covers damage you cause to others. This insurance is often included in the rental package. In the Netherlands, the amount covered is compulsory 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. Damage claims can be very high in case of larger damages.

WA + Casco cover

WA + Casco cover, also known as All-Risk cover, compensates for any damage to your (hire) car. This insurance is, contrary to the WA coverage, not mandatory. When taking out hull insurance, pay attention to the amount of the excess. The amount of the excess can sometimes reach up to one thousand euros. It is often wise to buy off the excess completely.

car hire abroad

Occupants accident insurance

Many rental companies abroad often strongly recommend taking out accident insurance. This insurance pays out a sum of money if a passenger is injured, and is especially recommended in countries where mandatory third-party liability cover is low. Passengers of the car can usually also recover injuries from the third party insurance of the other party.

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Other coverages

Theft of the hire car is not normally covered under a comprehensive insurance policy. When renting a car abroad, you are often offered different insurances. Check which insurance you really need and make sure you don't get insured for the same risk twice. When renting a car abroad, you can often choose from the following coverages in addition to your third-party insurance:

  • TPI (Third Party Insurance): This is a third party insurance
  • ALI (Additional Liability Insurance): Allows you to increase the insured amount of liability up to a certain maximum.
  • CDW(Collision Damage Waiver): With CDW insurance you are covered for damage to your rental car caused by yourself.
  • LDW(Lost Damage Waiver): LDW insurance is CDW insurance supplemented by coverage for theft and vandalism.
  • SCDW:(Super Collision Damage Waiver): This is an all-risk insurance policy with usually no excess.
  • TP(Theft Protection) or THW(Theft Waiver): This is theft insurance.
  • PEC(Personal Effects Coverage): This is a baggage insurance.
  • PAI(Personal Accident Insurance): This is a passenger insurance.

Rent a car without insurance

In most countries, car insurance is required by law. Renting a car without insurance is therefore virtually impossible. Just like in the Netherlands, a WA car insurance is mandatory abroad, even for a rental car. This is often already included in the rental package. Taking out additional insurance is not mandatory. You can therefore decide for yourself whether you want to take out any extra insurance. Often the rental company will recommend additional insurances at the counter, for example in the area of liability. However, it differs per country whether this is necessary or not.

Damage to the rental car what now?

Before you actually rent the car and hit the road, it is a good idea to check the car with the rental company for any damage. You should also take photos of the car if you return it outside the rental company's opening hours. If you have caused any damage to the rental car, ask the rental company if they can write down a description of the damage. Also take pictures of the damage. All this to avoid being held liable for damages to the car that you did not cause.

Tips on renting a car abroad

  • Read the rental contract carefully and keep it in a safe place. In this rental contract you will find all the agreements made, such as who will be driving 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 it up just before you return it and keep the receipt. This is to avoid extra costs for fuel.
  • The rental of navigation equipment can easily cost ten euros per day. In some cases, it is therefore cheaper to bring your own navigation equipment or to buy one yourself.
  • If you have car trouble, always contact the rental company first and never repair the damage yourself without consultation.

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  • To calculate premiums, we need the zip code of the primary driver. For private use, the youngest driver must reside at the same address as the applicant. In case of business use, you can enter the postal code of the company here.

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