Car Hire Excess Insurance Review

Car Hire Excess is a car rental insurance company that offers extra coverage when you hire a rental car. Compared with the cost of extra insurance purchased from a car hiring company, Car Hire Excess can save you up to 60% on your car rental excess. Car Hire Excess adds extra coverage for scenarios like cracked windscreens, tyre or wheel damage, bumper or trim damage or vehicle theft. When a claim is necessary, Car Hire Excess will reimburse you for excess repair costs that exceed your normal insurance coverage.

Name	International or domestic cover	Eligible driver age	Features	Starting price (per day)	Apply
Car hire excess	Both	21–75 years	Cover from $4,000 to $8,000 Additional cover for damage to windscreens, roof, tyres and underbody Underwritten by Lloyds No further excess payable	$9.30 ($0 excess)	Get quote

^{*Prices are based on a 15-day hire in Australia, as of September 2019. 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

How do I make a claim?

A claim must be made as soon as possible and within 30 days of the accident or theft. Car Hire Excess will provide you with a telephone number and email link for submitting a claim.

When making a claim, you must provide detailed information and submit the rental vehicle agreement and a receipt showing the amount paid for repairs. If there is insufficient information or missing documents, a claim amount can be reduced or waived completely.

A claim will be assessed within 10 business days and a decision will be sent to you. If a claim is accepted the amount due will be paid to you in Australian dollars.

Who is eligible for this cover?

Coverage is available if you have a valid driver’s licence, car insurance and are between the ages of 21 and 75.

The coverage available through carhireexcess.com.au can vary slightly if you have an Australia-only plan or a plan with worldwide coverage.

• For a domestic, Australia-only plan, you only have coverage for travel within Australia. However, you can purchase coverage regardless of your country of residency.
• An international plan is only available if you live in Australia but can be used for rental in any country in the world. If you are an Australian citizen but have your residence in another country, you will not be eligible for the international plan.

Additional questions

Q: What does Car Hire Excess cover?

A: The excess liability charged by rental car company or the cost of repairs up to the selected limit ranging from $4000 to $8,000. This includes, single and multi-vehicle accidents, cracked or damaged windscreens, tyres, wheels, lights, bumpers and trim (excluding normal wear and tear) and undercarriage damage, and theft.

Q: Who underwrites Car Hire Excess?

A: Car Hire Excess policies are underwritten at Lloyd's of London

Q: Can I cancel my policy before I travel?

A: Yes you have 14 days to cancel and receive a full refund provided your policy hasn't started. You can cancel after this time but will not receive a refund.

Q: Can I use Car Hire Excess for campervans?

A: Yes, you can use it on any rental vehicle up to 4.5 tonnes.

Q: Can I purchase a policy for just one day?

A: Yes, there is no minimum number of days. One policy day lasts for 24 hours from the time you pick up the rental vehicle.

Q: I am from overseas. Can I reduce my excess in Australia with Car Hire Excess?

A: Yes, if you're planning to hire a car for travel within Australia you can purchase a policy regardless of your country of residency. Overseas visitors can register from overseas or in Australia, while travelling downunder.

Q: How much does Car Hire Excess cost?

A: On a one week hire, prices start from $10.90 a day and can be reduced to $9.86 depending on the time of drop off. This can be further reduced to $7.50 a day on a one month hire.

Q: Is trim covered (bumpers etc)?

A: Yes, Car Hire Excess includes cover for bumpers and trims (but not for normal wear and tear, which is the responsibility of the rental car company. It also covers a broad range of circumstances often excluded by the car hire companies such as, damage to windscreens and glass, roof, tyres and underbody, single vehicle accidents, collisions with animals, and driving at night.