Who pays for damage to a hire car?
Insuring a hire car is necessary, but at the same time the additional costs for extra insurance are one of the biggest annoyances. The lessor (owner) of a car is obliged to take out a car insurance against Third Party Liability(WA).
Third-party car insurance only provides coverage against liability damages. Thus, the insurer compensates damages caused to others. Damage to the rental car is not covered by this insurance.
If you choose not to insure the rental car (extra), you run the risk of losing a lot of money if you cause damage.
To avoid any risk, you are more or less obliged to insure the rental car.
Car rental insurance
What exactly about insuring a rental car? What is insured by default and what is smart to insure extra?
So almost every rental car has the standard third-party insurance. The insurances you can purchase through the rental company, for example liability, are usually in addition to the standard third-party insurance. When insuring your rental car, make sure the car is indeed WA insured. In the Netherlands, this is compulsory insurance. Are you going to insure a rental car abroad? Ask clearly about the local rules and determine whether additional insurance is necessary.
Damage to hire car
Do you drive unexpectedly damaged with a rented car? Then it depends on the insurance company who pays for the damage to the rental car.
With third-party insurance, as a driver you are covered for damage you cause to others with the car. As the renter, you are responsible for all damage caused to the rental car. With a limited liability insurance you are (largely) covered for these damages to the rental car. This insurance usually has a deductible. Often you can buy off this excess for an amount of, for example, €5 per day.
Certain damages may also be excluded from coverage. This may include damage to the underside of the car or damage that occurs on unpaved roads.
In addition, it is also important to check whether your rental car is insured against theft as standard and the amount of any deductible, should the rental car be stolen. Check with the rental company in advance to avoid unforeseen costs. In addition, before taking the rental car, check if the car already has damage and report it to the rental company. This way you avoid being charged for existing damage afterwards.
When you go to get car insurance for a rental car abroad, you may find that different rules apply regarding car insurance than in the Netherlands. You will have to deal with different insurances abroad that often have a different name than in the Netherlands. Not only the name of the insurance may differ but also the coverage may be different from what you are used to.
What to do in case of damage?
After a rental car accident, it is important to always fill out a claim form. Insurance companies always require a claim form to settle the claim. Also, report the damage directly to the rental company. The rental company will tell you how to proceed. With minor damage, you can probably continue driving. With more extensive damage, you may be entitled to a replacement car. Check with your rental company.
A damage with a rental car does not affect your claim-free years. This is because claim-free years are linked to the car and it is not yours.
Please note! It is not possible to insure a rental car at Alpina. You can arrange this through the rental company.
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