Types of Car Rental Insurance in Europe

Every car rental from Auto Europe includes liability and fire insurance. Third Party Liability takes care of damage done to anyone and anything outside of your rental vehicle. Fire covers the rental vehicle itself in the event of a mechanical fire. For more comprehensive coverage you will need a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage done to your rental car in the event of an accident, and Theft Protection (TP) covers the loss of your rental should be stolen, less the deductibles.

Car Rental Insurance Guides by Country

Italy	France	Germany	Spain
Portugal	UK	Ireland

Auto Europe's Car Rental Coverage Options in Europe

Having collision and theft coverage are a necessity with any rental vehicle, it is a matter of how you apply the coverage. When renting a car with Auto Europe, clients are offered at least two rates for each vehicle in most locations: basic and inclusive.

If you choose to go with a basic rate, third party liability and fire are included. Collision and Theft Protection are not included. This means that you are either planning to take the coverage locally at a higher cost plus additional conversion fees, or utilizing your credit card rental car insurance for the coverage. Clients are often able to use their credit cards for this coverage, but it is up to you to contact your credit card company to find out if they will cover your rental insurance in Europe. If your credit card provider will cover it, you will need to make sure you use that card to pay for your rental in advance, and present it to agents at the rental counter when you're picking up your vehicle. Credit card issued car insurance can vary from country to country, so check with your bank before you leave to be sure of your coverage.

Most rental locations and vehicles offer an inclusive rate, which will cover theft and collision, and this is the option that we recommend, particularly when renting a car in another country. Choosing an inclusive insurance policy can help you to recoup any costs incurred in the unfortunate event of an accident, but the best method of avoiding insurance costs is accident prevention. Learn more about rental car coverage options.

Rental Car Insurance Options Breakdown

Listed below are the 4 primary insurance options available when renting a car with Auto Europe.

1. Reserve a car rental with the included Liability and Fire Insurance, and request your credit card company provide the Collision Damage Waiver/Theft Protection (Be sure your credit card offers this coverage overseas, as not all do).


2. Reserve a car rental with the included Liability and Fire Insurance, and purchase Collision Damage Waiver/Theft Protection in advance through Auto Europe. Be aware, upon arrival a hold will be placed on your credit card for the entire deductible amount, and returned to you once the vehicle is brought back without damage. (An excellent option if your credit card doesn't offer overseas CDW/TP insurance).


3. Reserve a car rental with the included Liability and Fire Insurance, and purchase Collision Damage Waiver/Theft Protection with a Refundable Deductible or Zero Deductible (See below for further information on the specifics of refundable and zero deductible rates).


4. Reserve a car rental with the included Liability and Fire Insurance, and purchase Collision Damage Waiver/Theft Protection locally from the supplier upon arrival (Be aware this is nearly always more expensive than purchasing comprehensive insurance in advance). 

Knowing the laws of the countries of travel in regards to insurance is very important. If you rent a car in Italy, for instance, it is mandated by the Italian government that all rentals come with a non-negotiable minimum of an inclusive rate. To rent a car in Ireland there are very few credit card companies that will provide you with (CDW) and (TP) these days. If you do happen to have one of the rare cards that will cover it, you must bring written proof of such to avoid being charged for the insurance locally.

Collision Damage Waiver Insurance & Theft Protection Explained

Zero Deductible/Excess (ZE), Refundable Deductible/Excess (ZD) and Super Coverage are additional insurances that tie into collision and theft. They can negate or minimize deductibles associated with these insurances. A Zero Deductible/Excess rate means there are no applicable deductibles for (CDW) and (TP). A Refundable Deductible rate is a refundable deductible, where you are still initially obligated to the deductible, but are optioned to receive a refund of the amount that you paid, up to what the initial deductible had been. (ZE) and (ZD) rates are pre-paid along with initial payment of your rental vehicle. Super Coverage can be added locally, and will typically be a per day charge. These are subject to availability between supplier, rental vehicle, and countries of travel. Keep in mind that if you are booking a short term car lease, insurance is included so no need to worry about adding additional coverage.

Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Coverage

Additional options you may also consider purchasing are Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). These will not only give you peace of mind, but will also take care of any medical expenses for injuries that happen inside your rental car, as well as covering personal belongings if they have been stolen. Sometimes it's extremely difficult to prove the value of items that were in the car when it was stolen, but if you are able to show receipts for these items the process is easier. The best practice is to take all valued items out of your rental anytime you are not in it.

Depending on your itinerary, you may also be required to purchase Travel Insurance from the supplier. This could be a lump sum, or a daily charge, that allows you to cross into specific countries in Eastern Europe.

What to Do When You are in a Rental Car Accident

1. Call local authorities and report accident to police
2. Call supplier contact number found on your rental car keychain
3. Personally document all vehicle damage with a digital camera or smartphone
4. Contact Auto Europe (from North America: 1-888-223-5555 | from outside North America: +1-207-842-2000)

If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, a valid police report is always required. Be aware of what you are liable for by thoroughly inspecting and understanding your car rental voucher before you leave. If you are hiring a car driver, insurance is included so no need to worry about purchasing additional coverage. Please do not hesitate to call Auto Europe toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 with any questions that should arise before, during or after your trip! We are here to help you with all your car rental and travel needs.