Comments on: Terms & Conditions: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty

By: Car Hire Insider

Car Hire Insider — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:19:34 +0000

Julie: Yup, such exclusions to the cover offered by car rental companies are typical. For this, you'll want to get 3rd party insurance from the likes of iCarHireInsurance or Worldwide Insure. Their insurance policies will reimburse you for any amount you are liable for (up to the policy limit), including for damages to the undercarriage, windows and tyres. Not only that, their rates are very competitive - you might find you save some money rather than going with Europcar's insurance! I suggest reading our article on car rental insurance to get a better understanding.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:30:43 +0000

I have just found out after the 4th call to Europcar that the waived excess to zero really doesn’t mean zero in the event of an accident. If the accident involves roof damage or undercarriage damage I will be up for the whole amount of the damage despite paying an exobertant rate to reduce the excess to nil. Any suggestions to cover us in the event of a roll over or undercarriage damage?

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 02:22:01 +0000

Hi, don’t pick up that ringing mobile phone; even at the lights.

Some rental agreements will regard holding a mobile phone while the engine is running as a breach of the agreement (full handsfree is a different matter).

Great work!

By: Adam

Adam — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:01:22 +0000

Hi, some updates that may be useful:

Europcar – standard excess is now $3,850 and I think they have increased the excess reduction fees.

Many of the car hire companies also now levy a credit card surcharge:

Europcar – 1.65% for Mastercard, Visa & Amex (Higher for Diners)
Hertz – 0.8% for Mastercard, Visa & Amex (Not sure about Diners)
Thrifty – I think they also charge a fee, but I am unable to load their website at the moment

Additional Driver Fee – Hertz do not charge this fee to #1 Club Gold members (free to join in Australia)

Many of the companies also levy a Single Vehicle Accident excess in addition to the standard excess:

Hertz – $2,200
Thrifty – $2,200

This can be waived if you pay a higher excess reduction fee.

All excesses are 10-20% higher when car hired from an airport (amount is dependent on which airport).

Keep up the great work!