*Prices are based on a 15-day hire in Australia, as of April 2026. Benefits vary from brand to brand. Always read through the product disclosure statement (PDS) to make sure the product is suitable for you.
What are the key features?
Why should you consider Car Hire Excess? Key features of Car Hire Excess include:
Additional coverage for damaged or stolen cars
Simple policy that reduces excess rental fees from an accident down to $0
All hire companies are covered
$4,000-$8,000 excess coverage available
Up to 60% cheaper prices for added hire car coverage with a range of $22.75-$33 per day
Complete reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses
Easy to file a claim; all that’s needed is a copy of the rental agreement and receipt showing how much was charged for repair
Coverage for all types of vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes
Worldwide coverage
Coverage for insured drivers from ages 21 to 75
Additional scenarios covered by car
Apart from these features Car Hire Excess offers coverage for common scenarios that may not be covered in normal insurance agreements including:
Vehicle theft
Cracked, broken or damaged windows
Water or hail damage
Damage to tyres or wheels
Damage to the body of the car including bumpers, undercarriage, roof, lights and trim
What exactly are you covered for?
Coverage applies to the nominated driver and includes coverage for the scenarios listed above. Additional terms and conditions include:
The policy covers excess costs for repair above any other insurance claims. This means that the policy does not take the place of rental vehicle insurance, but instead provides cover for excess repair or theft costs that may not be covered. This can be for scenarios as simple as bumper damage up to major accident damage.
You must be able to provide the repair quote or bill of service.
The policy must be purchased before the rental is agreed.
Coverage begins when the vehicle is collected and ends when the vehicle is returned.
The policy will also allow for a $500 payment to be made if you cannot return the vehicle because of an injury sustained while driving or other health conditions.
What are some general exclusions I should know about?
While the policy has a wide range of coverage, there are some exclusions to be aware of.
Car Hire Excess will not pay out a claim if the rental vehicle was used in violation of the rental agreement, if you are without a licence while driving, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident or if another driver was driving the car.
The claim may not be paid out if:
You do not act in what is deemed to be a responsible way and avoid making a claim or act in a way that puts the hire car at risk
The claim is made because of illegal activity and breaks government laws or is used in violation of visa requirements
The claim is a result of a governmental authority confiscating or destroying the vehicle
The claim is made during a time of war or as a result of an act of terrorism
The claim is made after an act of attempted suicide
Jessica Prasida brings a decade of experience in the travel industry, including over four years as a travel agent and branch manager at STA Travel. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Tier 1 General Insurance qualification that complies with ASIC guidelines. An avid traveller herself, Jessica combines her professional expertise with a passion for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys for all travellers. Jessica was a Travel Insurance Publisher at Finder from 2019 to 2024.
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I have booked a car rental this morning. Is this car covered by the policy if it was booked prior to taking out the policy?
Also can the policy cover 2 drivers?
The vehicle will be used only in Australia.
Finder
JessicaSeptember 23, 2019Finder
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in contact with us at Finder!
You can take out this policy at any time until you have picked up the rental car. After the car has been collected, you won’t be eligible for the policy anymore.
As for other drivers, Car Hire Excess will only cover additional drivers if they are listed on your rental agreement with the car hire company.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Jessica
dougJune 8, 2018
Does the insurance cover breakdown towing and salvage?
Does the insurance cover the vehicle if it is unattended and if damage happens to it?
ArnoldJune 8, 2018
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your inquiry
Generally, the rental company will be responsible for transporting the car to the repair shop after the accident. For vehicles that are damaged while unattended, the terms and conditions of the policy shall apply. The policy usually covers damages due to objects falling onto the hire car or the hire car being blown over as a result of a storm, and malicious damage by third parties (may also include vandalism).
It would be best to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine what it covers.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
JeffFebruary 12, 2018
Four Aussies about to hire vehicle to travel in UK. There will only be two drivers – both over 60. Can we just take out one policy for the vehicle excess to cover the two drivers
Finder
JonathanMarch 6, 2018Finder
Hi Jeff, thanks for your inquiry!
Did you have the insurance policy provider who will be covering you for the vehicle hire in the UK? If you are inquiring about Car Hire Excess Insurance unfortunately they did not specify whether two drivers can be covered under the one policy.
It would be best to contact them directly on 1300 101 511.
Best regards,
Jonathan
TerryFebruary 3, 2017
Do Car Hire Excess cover hail damage?
Finder
RichardFebruary 3, 2017Finder
HI Terry,
Thanks for getting in touch. While cover will vary from brand to brand, some policies do cover damage from hail.
Avoid hefty car rental excess charges with rental cover.
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I have booked a car rental this morning. Is this car covered by the policy if it was booked prior to taking out the policy?
Also can the policy cover 2 drivers?
The vehicle will be used only in Australia.
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in contact with us at Finder!
You can take out this policy at any time until you have picked up the rental car. After the car has been collected, you won’t be eligible for the policy anymore.
As for other drivers, Car Hire Excess will only cover additional drivers if they are listed on your rental agreement with the car hire company.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Does the insurance cover breakdown towing and salvage?
Does the insurance cover the vehicle if it is unattended and if damage happens to it?
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your inquiry
Generally, the rental company will be responsible for transporting the car to the repair shop after the accident. For vehicles that are damaged while unattended, the terms and conditions of the policy shall apply. The policy usually covers damages due to objects falling onto the hire car or the hire car being blown over as a result of a storm, and malicious damage by third parties (may also include vandalism).
It would be best to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine what it covers.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Four Aussies about to hire vehicle to travel in UK. There will only be two drivers – both over 60. Can we just take out one policy for the vehicle excess to cover the two drivers
Hi Jeff, thanks for your inquiry!
Did you have the insurance policy provider who will be covering you for the vehicle hire in the UK? If you are inquiring about Car Hire Excess Insurance unfortunately they did not specify whether two drivers can be covered under the one policy.
It would be best to contact them directly on 1300 101 511.
Best regards,
Jonathan
Do Car Hire Excess cover hail damage?
HI Terry,
Thanks for getting in touch. While cover will vary from brand to brand, some policies do cover damage from hail.
Cheers,
Richard