Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess

[JohnK]

Has anyone ever taken out an insurance policy for rental vehicle insurance excess with this company http://www.insurance4carhire.com/.

Have you ever had to make a claim? Are they reliable? Reputable?

It is mainly needed for car hire in Australia and New Zealand. I know ANZ Auto Assist is probably very good value @ $33/pa but that requires another credit card which I don't need.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mal]

I'm not sure if an insurance policy provided by a UK based company is much use in Australia (or even if they would accept an application).

One thing to watch about rental insurance excess reduction is what your insurance company will actually cover. eg. Will they cover you if you waive all coverage (and have a $2500 or similar excess)? Or do you still have to take out the mid level coverage (for the ~$500 excess). Does it cover you if you trek down dirt roads etc.

Personally I pretty much always take out the MaxPkg (Hertz) or equivalent when renting in Australia. For me, it makes life a lot easier when returning the car and allows me to not have to worry about every last nick or scratch.

It might be easier to take out a yearly "frequent traveller" insurance policy for your travel. This normally takes effect >250km (or sometimes up to 500km) away from home and can cover insurance excesses for rental cars. Once again check the fine print as to what you have to do in regards to compulsory coverage.

Also have a look at car insurance and see if they have any special benefits that transfer to rental cars. (More of a U.S thing, but still might be possible for some policies in Australia).

 

[Dave Noble]

I'm not sure if an insurance policy provided by a UK based company is much use in Australia (or even if they would accept an application).

One thing to watch about rental insurance excess reduction is what your insurance company will actually cover. eg. Will they cover you if you waive all coverage (and have a $2500 or similar excess)? Or do you still have to take out the mid level coverage (for the ~$500 excess). Does it cover you if you trek down dirt roads etc.

Personally I pretty much always take out the MaxPkg (Hertz) or equivalent when renting in Australia. For me, it makes life a lot easier when returning the car and allows me to not have to worry about every last nick or scratch.

It is perfect for use in Australia; I have already looked into it and am planning to take it out; there is no issue with applications from Australia; just obviously make sure that you select a coverage which includes Australia ( GBP59 version is the one I am going for )

It is valid for all rentals which take place > 140km from normal place of residence and covers all excess . In Australia, in practice with Hertz, this will cover the $2500++ excess which would otherwise apply. At AUD140, it is far better value methinks than the $30 per day for the MAX scam

Dave

 

[JohnK]

I notice American Express has jumped into the rental vehicle insurance excess as well.

It costs $25 per $500 excess reduction up to a maximum of $3000 excess reduction.

Just wish there was more feedback on Insurance 4 Car Hire!

 

[ric_melb]

Kind of makes the ANZ rental car cover which costs $24 for $2,400 cover with a $350 excess look reasonable, even if you have to pay $26-$30 for their cheapest credit card.

 

[JohnK]

Yes it does assuming one does not already have 5 credit cards and is unable to obtain another without lying!

 

[Mal]

It is perfect for use in Australia; I have already looked into it and am planning to take it out; there is no issue with applications from Australia; just obviously make sure that you select a coverage which includes Australia ( GBP59 version is the one I am going for )

It is valid for all rentals which take place > 140km from normal place of residence and covers all excess . In Australia, in practice with Hertz, this will cover the $2500++ excess which would otherwise apply. At AUD140, it is far better value methinks than the $30 per day for the MAX scam

Dave

While it may be perfectly legit to sign up from Australia (And I notice that the application form allows for an Australian address) I would be wary of having an insurance policy based in the UK.

If I need to claim, I have to deal in UK time, I have to post/fax to a UK number. If I call, I need to call during certain UK hours.

If there are issues with the claim this could become a nightmare.

I think it would be a lot easier to purchase Australian based insurance, such as the rental insurance that is part of some "frequent traveller" insurance policies.

 

[Dave Noble]

While it may be perfectly legit to sign up from Australia (And I notice that the application form allows for an Australian address) I would be wary of having an insurance policy based in the UK.

There's no 'may' about it. It is quite clear from their site that you can sign up. As it says at http://www.insurance4carhire.com/index.asp?curID=1&langID=1&refID=100&pID=79&q=19#19

• Can I purchase your Excess Policies if I am not a resident of the UK?
Yes, our Excess policies can be purchased by people resident anywhere in the world.

If I need to claim, I have to deal in UK time, I have to post/fax to a UK number. If I call, I need to call during certain UK hours.

If there are issues with the claim this could become a nightmare.

I think it would be a lot easier to purchase Australian based insurance, such as the rental insurance that is part of some "frequent traveller" insurance policies.

Dealing in UK time is hardly difficult and calling the UK is hardly a major issue imo. Since it is specifically for car hires, it is cheaper than taking out an annual travel insurance

Dave

 

[markis10]

I will stick to my QBE Annual Insurance, it covers domestic travel as well as International and does have the bonus of paying points as well.

 

[serfty]

I will stick to my QBE Annual Insurance, it covers domestic travel as well as International and does have the bonus of paying points as well.

I used to emply this as well until I did the math.

2000 bonus Frequent Flyer Points on a Policy costing $615 + up to another 922 point for paying on your rewards C.

I have almost the same policy underwritten by Allianz for $340 PA. Dave Noble has recently pointed out another for much less.

So that's $275 less cost and 2200 less points.

You can BUY 2,500 points from QF using "top up points" for $95.

 

[markis10]

I will stick to my QBE Annual Insurance, it covers domestic travel as well as International and does have the bonus of paying points as well.

I used to emply this as well until I did the math.

2000 bonus Frequent Flyer Points on a Policy costing $615 + up to another 922 point for paying on your rewards C.

I have almost the same policy underwritten by Allianz for $340 PA. Dave Noble has recently pointed out another for much less.

So that's $275 less cost and 2200 less points.

You can BUY 2,500 points from QF using "top up points" for $95.

Except that the QBE policy cost me $392 last week, and having made a claim on in it in the past for lost biz class points with speedy service I am happy to keep using it.

 

[serfty]

... Except that the QBE policy cost me $392 last week, and having made a claim on in it in the past for lost biz class points with speedy service I am happy to keep using it.

$392 with the 2000 bonus ff points? Nice buy.

The $340 policy I use gives a pro-rata $ rebate on lost FF points.

 

[drron]

I will stick to my QBE Annual Insurance, it covers domestic travel as well as International and does have the bonus of paying points as well.

Please read the small print of your australian annual policies.They are very restrictive in their cover for rental car use which is what this thread is about.They cover a rental car excess if you have taken out other insurances offered.I have in the last year asked that question of most of the policies offered in australia and rental car cover is pathetic.
The cover mentioned by OP sounds a good idea.However for overseas rentals i now usually use www.globalcars.com.au
as their rates include most insurance and usually beat the rental companies base rates.only problem is that you have to prepay.

 

[JohnK]

Does this comprehensive travel insurance policy cover rental vehicle insurance excess if you don't take out the excess reduction offered by rental company? I haven't been able to find anywhere a clause to the contrary. Am I interpreting it in the right way?

The quote is only $25.00 for 5 days within Australia (Plan B).

16. Rental Vehicle

Cover for car excess payable on Motor Vehicle Insurance resulting from your rental vehicle being:

• Stolen
• Crashed
• Damaged and/or cost of returning rental vehicle due to you being unfit

Plan A and B: Single/Duo - $3,000 per person
Plan A and B: Family - $3,000

I found it in the Travel Insurance Benefits section of their website.

 

[markis10]

I will stick to my QBE Annual Insurance, it covers domestic travel as well as International and does have the bonus of paying points as well.

Please read the small print of your australian annual policies.They are very restrictive in their cover for rental car use which is what this thread is about.They cover a rental car excess if you have taken out other insurances offered.I have in the last year asked that question of most of the policies offered in australia and rental car cover is pathetic.
The cover mentioned by OP sounds a good idea.However for overseas rentals i now usually use www.globalcars.com.au
as their rates include most insurance and usually beat the rental companies base rates.only problem is that you have to prepay.

Not the QBE one which is why I mentioned it by name, being specific in detail rather than general in nature, its a frequent traveller policy for worldwide use with a nice touch being domestic use is also covered.

 

[JohnK]

16. Rental Vehicle

Cover for car excess payable on Motor Vehicle Insurance resulting from your rental vehicle being:

• Stolen
• Crashed
• Damaged and/or cost of returning rental vehicle due to you being unfit

Plan A and B: Single/Duo - $3,000 per person
Plan A and B: Family - $3,000

I found it in the Travel Insurance Benefits section of their website.

I rang the toll free number provided and they confirmed that you are covered for any excess on a rental vehicle stated in the conditions above. Now there is also fine print like being under the influence, negligent driving etc.

I think it beats paying the rental companies their exorbitant excess cover.

 

[Dave Noble]

I think it beats paying the rental companies their exorbitant excess cover.

I just took out cover from insurance4carhire . $140 for the year is more useful to me than $25 for 5 days. 7 rentals and it's definately better value

Dave

 

[JohnK]

I think it beats paying the rental companies their exorbitant excess cover.

I just took out cover from insurance4carhire . $140 for the year is more useful to me than $25 for 5 days. 7 rentals and it's definately better value

Agree that Insurance4Hire is very good value for $140/pa but I wanted to be able to deal with Australian based company.

With around 3 rentals a year I am in front.

Others can assess their needs accordingly.

 

[serfty]

I think it beats paying the rental companies their exorbitant excess cover.

I just took out cover from insurance4carhire . $140 for the year is more useful to me than $25 for 5 days. 7 rentals and it's definately better value

Agree that Insurance4Hire is very good value for $140/pa but I wanted to be able to deal with Australian based company.

With around 3 rentals a year I am in front.

Others can assess their needs accordingly.

I get $4000 Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess cover from as one facit of my oft mentioned $340pa travel insurance direct policy.

Rental Vehicle: cover for the rental vehicle excess if you have an accident or your vehicle is stolen, including costs to return a vehicle if you are unfit to do so.

It is valid overseas.

 

[Maca44]

I hope people don't get confused (as I may be) and think some of the insurance policies for rental vehicles mentioned in this thread cover damage to rental vehicle because my reading of the conditions is it only covers the "excess".

The wording in the Product Disclosure Statement at http://www.onlinetravelinsurance.com.au/travel-insurance-benefits/index.htm states "This cover does not take the place of rental vehicle insurance and only provides cover for the excess component up to the applicable section limit."

So, correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is (if you do want that cover) is to still pay the 'collision damage waiver' and/or 'extended protection' premium and then if something does occur your $3K?? excess is only covered.