Europe Car Rental Coverage: An Overview

The Difference Between Basic & Inclusive Coverage

About CDW & Theft Protection in Europe

Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection releases you from full financial responsibility for the vehicle in case of an accident or theft. In most cases, you will still be responsible for a deductible of some sort when collision and theft are purchased. Most local car rental suppliers will offer insurance at the pick-up counter which can reduce the collision and theft deductible if you choose to purchase this.

With the exception of rentals picked up within Italy, Inclusive Rates are optional and may be refused in order to use the coverage your credit card or personal insurance policy offers.

Credit Card Coverage

Some credit cards only offer coverage for certain car types. Exempted with most cards:

• Vehicles valued at over $50,000 (Mercedes-Benz 320, BMW 730, etc.)
• Exotic cars or antique cars (over 20 years old or have not been manufactured in 10 years).
• Off road or 4x4 vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, cargo vans, full sized vans and camper vans

Other credit card coverage concerns:

• Coverage is limited to rentals under 30 days.
• Some credit cards do not offer coverage for car rentals in Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and travel into Eastern Europe.
• To extend coverage, additional drivers must be listed on the European rental agreement.
• Most credit cards will file a claim with your personal insurance company before they reimburse the deductible. This could affect your personal driving record and premium.
• Most credit card companies require the repair bill paid directly by you and have a specific time period during which you must submit documentation to be reimbursed.
• Most credit cards will not cover rentals if the card was issued outside your home country.

Personal Automobile Coverage

• Coverage may be limited to the value of the car you own, not the value of the rental.
• Some policies will not cover a rental car unless you're driving it because your own car needs repairs.
• It's important to note that your insurance premium could be raised because of a rental claim if you go this route. You risk being put in a 'high risk' bracket and your insurance policy may even be canceled.
• Most policies does not cover damage or theft of personal possessions, third party liability or medical costs.

It is your responsibility to check with your credit card company or insurance carrier to determine their coverage.