Hire car insurance - what cover do you really need?
Normally, your car hire fee will include some insurance cover. Check what this is, and decide for yourself whether you need any further cover. Don’t be pushed into it but equally don't underestimate the expense and distress caused by being underinsured. Here are some different categories of cover to help you decide.

- Third party liability insurance is normally included in the cost of the car hire because it is compulsory in most places. This does not cover damage to you or the hire car.

- Supplementary liability insurance (SLI) increases the level of cover in the event of injury to someone else or their vehicle.

- Collision damage waiver (CDW) covers the cost (usually less an excess) of repair or replacement of the vehicle after an accident. It may not cover damage to parts of the car such as tyres or windscreen.

- Theft protection limits what you have to pay if the car is stolen or damaged in an attempted theft. Otherwise you might find yourself liable.

- Check that your travel insurance provides adequate personal accident insurance. You shouldn’t need any further cover, although the car hire company might try to persuade you that you do…

Tips on car hire in Europe
Take some advice from Euroconsumer on hiring a car abroad, driving in different countries and insurance issues. There are also hints on booking car rental over the internet.
Euroconsumer Advice >

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