International Car Rental Insurance

Purchasing international car rental insurance is one of the most proactive steps you can take to prepare for a trip abroad. Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, it is well worth it to include this insurance in your travel budget. In this article, we will review the types of coverage offered on an international rental car insurance policy, and offer some tips on buying and using it.

When you rent a car locally or abroad, you are personally responsible for any damage, theft or loss to the rental vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

If you choose not to purchase international rental car insurance coverage, you will be financially liable for the full value of the cost to repair or replace the vehicle, as well as any accidental injury or death to others. What's more, you will often be held liable for loss of use - the income lost by the rental car company from not having their vehicle on the road earning them money.

Given the nature of international travel and tourism, international car rental insurance companies are more flexible in the policy periods that they offer, which can range from a month up to a year. Unlike regular insurance policies, the individual coverages offered are optional.

This coverage option covers the cost of repairing or replacing the rental car in the event of an accident, theft or other loss to the vehicle. It does not cover damage that results from theft, attempted theft or vandalism. With this coverage, you will only be financially liable for the maximum amount of your non-waivable excess in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle. CDW only applies to you as the renter of the car and to any authorized driver.

When you purchase the CDW, a Non-Waivable Excess will apply. This is the maximum amount that you will have pay to cover the cost of damage to the rental car. This amount will vary from one country and rental car company to the next.

The Non-Waivable Excess only covers you as the renter of the car, and any authorized driver. It applies to each individual claim or incident. So, if you have two accidents during the rental period, you will be liable for this amount twice.

The CDW Non-Waivable Excess is, essentially, the same as the deductible that applies on a regular US auto policy. It can also be regarded as the international equivalent of the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) in the United States and Excess Reduction Fee (ERF) in Australia, New Zealand and a few other nations.

This coverage option covers you for the cost of any loss or damage to the rental vehicle or any of its parts, which results from theft, attempted theft or vandalism. This coverage is also subject to a non-waivable excess – the maximum amount that you will have pay out-of-pocket to cover the cost resulting from a theft.

In some European countries, Theft Protection coverage is mandatory.

Also referred to as Primary Liability Insurance (PLI), this option covers you in the event that you are at fault in an accident while operating the rental vehicle. It will cover the damages for which you are held liable as a result of bodily injury to others or damage to their property.

Third Party Liability covers the amount that you are legally obligated to pay as damages, up to the amount stated on the policy. No non-waivable excess applies to this coverage. Third party liability is mandatory coverage in some countries.

This is additional liability coverage that protects you as well as any authorized drivers against any third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.

This is coverage for you and your passengers for injury, disability or death. It will provide compensation for the expenses incurred from any accidental injury or loss of life.

It covers you as the renter for any injuries received within or outside the car during the rental period; coverage to your passengers is limited to injuries incurred while they are in the vehicle.

This option offers additional coverage for personal effects such as bags and other belongings in your rental vehicle. The coverage applies to you and your passengers' personal belongings.

This coverage combines Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Protection insurance, covering expenses that result from accidental injury, death or loss to your personal property.

Because it is temporary, short-term coverage, this rental car insurance can be quite expensive, particularly compared to regular insurance. However, it can prove to be far more expensive to choose not to have this coverage.

Despite the cost, taking out this type of car rental insurance is the most cost-effective way to minimize or even eliminate your financial responsibility that may result from accidental damage, loss or injury.

• Roadside Assistance Plans
• Full Coverage Dental Insurance
• Low Cost Motorcycle Insurance
• Car Accident Reports

• Free Medical Release Forms
• Sample Medical Release Form
• Guardian Dental Insurance
• Insurance Sample Cancellation Letter
• Sears Appliance Extended Warranty

• Home Insurance for Rented Property Ireland
• Car Insurance Online
• UK Car Insurance
• Florida Car Insurance
• Cheapest Car Insurance