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Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Europe?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Published Mar 19, 2026

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Europe?

When you hire a car in Europe, cover called Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) insurance is usually included (in America, you are required to have this cover but it won't be included in the price of the rental). With car rental agreements, this excess amount varies.

Correspondingly, do I need to buy additional insurance when renting a car?

when rental car insurance coverage is a good ideaOtherwise, rental insurance isn't legally required — which is not to say it can't help. If any of the following scenarios apply, the extra protection provided by rental insurance is worth considering: Your current policy doesn't have comprehensive and collision coverage.

Also Know, does my auto insurance cover rental cars in Europe? Your first call should be to your car insurance carrier or agent, although most U.S. personal auto insurance policies will not cover you in Europe. However, your credit card might offer coverage for free. You will also have to decline the rental car agency's damage waiver coverage.

Regarding this, what insurance should I get when renting a car in Europe?

“It can be confusing.” To begin with, most rental rates in Europe include liability insurance, which covers damage to anything outside the car—but not to the vehicle itself. For that you need a collision damage waiver (CDW).

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Spain?

Spain Car Rental Insurance. In Spain, unlimited third party liability insurance is legally required on all rental vehicles, and, fortunately for you, this is included in the price of all car rentals when you book with Auto Europe.

Does my credit card cover car rental insurance?

Most Visa cards will cover theft, damage to the rental car, towing and loss-of-use charges if you do not have a personal auto insurance policy. A few credit cards automatically offer primary coverage, meaning you are covered even if you have your own car insurance.

How much extra is rental car insurance?

This coverage usually costs anywhere from $9 to $19 per day, but this varies by state, vehicle and rate. For example, if you purchase a collision damage waiver from Alamo, the cost is around $23.99 per day, while Hertz offers its loss-damage waiver for around $38.95 and a collision damage waiver for $29.95.

Does Mastercard include car rental insurance?

Mastercard car rental insurance covers your rental vehicle against physical damage and theft. It may also pay for reasonable loss-of-use and towing charges. To get this coverage, use your Mastercard to pay for the entire rental and decline the rental company's coverage.

What happens when you damage a rental car?

If the rental car's bodywork gets damaged during your rental, your Collision Damage Waiver will cover it. It won't cover damage to other parts of the car, though, and you'll have to put some money towards the cost. Most of the time, they'll just take this out of the deposit you left when you picked the car up.

How long will insurance pay for rental car after total loss?

five days

How much is insurance with enterprise?

Insurance Coverage offered by Enterprise. Damage Waiver (DW) ranges between $11.99 and $16.99 per day. DW is offered at the time of rental for an additional daily charge.

Can I add rental car to my insurance?

If you carry comprehensive and liability coverage on your personal car, coverage typically will extend to your rental car within the United States. If there are any gaps in coverage with your personal auto policy, the credit card company could provide secondary coverage.

Do you need excess car hire insurance?

As long as your rental agreement includes Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection and Third Party Cover you do not have have to take additional cover at all, but consider whether you: a. If you want a totally relaxing holiday it is a good idea to think about car hire insurance.

Is my car insurance valid in Europe?

When you register a car in any EU country, you must insure it for third party liability. This compulsory insurance is valid in all other EU countries. Check the terms and conditions with your local insurer before you travel abroad. Insurers can apply different rules in each country.

Does my car insurance cover international rentals?

You can usually purchase auto insurance from an overseas car rental company, but in some countries the required coverage is minimal. In that case, you may want to consider buying insurance coverage equal to what you carry at home.

Does my credit card cover international car rental insurance?

Credit card rental car insurance. It's a mouthful that is worth looking into before you begin your adventure. Since U.S. auto policies typically won't cover you abroad, your credit card could step in to help cover the unexpected.

How much is car insurance in Europe?

CDW generally costs $15–30 a day (figure roughly 30–40 percent extra). Sometimes the CDW charge itself is a little less when combined with theft/loss insurance as part of an inclusive rental rate — and it's often cheaper to pay for this kind of coverage when you book than when you pick up the car.

Does AAA offer international car insurance?

With AAA, you're covered for rental cars in the US. If you're traveling outside the country, you'll need to purchase supplemental insurance.

What insurance do you need to rent a car in Spain?

In Spain, unlimited third party liability insurance is legally required on all rental vehicles, and, fortunately for you, this is included in the price of all car rentals when you book with Auto Europe.

What is CDW when renting a car?

What is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for rental cars? A Collision Damage Waiver, often referred to as 'CDW insurance,' is not insurance as such. It's an agreement from your car hire company to waive the costs of any damage incurred to the car in the event of a collision.

What does a collision damage waiver cover?

A collision damage waiver (CDW) is additional insurance coverage offered to an individual renting an automobile. The waiver typically covers losses from the theft of or damage to a rental car but is unlikely to cover bodily injury caused by an accident.

Do I need rental car insurance in France?

When renting a car in France it is required by law that drivers carry unlimited third party liability insurance, and as a result it is automatically included in the price of all car rentals. The cost of fire insurance is also included in your daily car rental rate when you book a car with Auto Europe.

Do you need extra insurance when renting a car in Europe?

When you hire a car in Europe, cover called Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) insurance is usually included (in America, you are required to have this cover but it won't be included in the price of the rental). With car rental agreements, this excess amount varies.

Which credit card is best for car rental insurance?

Best Credit Cards for Rental Car Insurance

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Best Overall.
United Explorer Card. Best Airline Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve. Best for Earning Rewards on Car Rentals.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. Best for Businesses.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card. Best with No Annual Fee.

Is my car insurance valid in France?

Does my car insurance cover driving in France? With Admiral Car Insurance, your policy will cover you for driving abroad as long as your trip doesn't exceed 30 consecutive days (90 of the year as a whole). However, make sure you take your certificate of insurance with you.

Does Geico cover car rental in Europe?

Insurance Outside The U.S.

So, you're allowed to drive at your destination, and now you need to protect yourself. Know your insurance options before you go. Whether you're staying in North America or renting a car internationally, here are a few options: Good news — your GEICO auto insurance policy will cover you!

Do I need insurance in Europe?

Do I need travel insurance for Europe? Yes – even when travelling in Europe insurance is a wise idea. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is also a good addition to your travel documentation. The EHIC will only cover emergency medical care in the local equivalent of an NHS hospital.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Europe?

To begin with, most rental rates in Europe include liability insurance, which covers damage to anything outside the car—but not to the vehicle itself. For that you need a collision damage waiver (CDW).

Is it worth it to get insurance on rental car?

Rental car insurance costs vary by company and coverage, but one thing's for sure: It isn't cheap. You may pay $10 to $30 a day for a loss damage waiver alone. If you opt for supplemental liability, add another $10 or so. Personal accident insurance and personal effects coverage could add another $5 each to your tab.

Why is car rental so cheap in Spain?

When you rent in Spain, the price of the actual car can look cheaper because other parts of the cost of renting are not always included in that basic price. In other words, if you only compare the price of the actual car when booking online, car hire in Spain will seem much cheaper than in other countries.

Is it worth it to rent a car in Spain?

Renting a car in Spain will never be the cheapest option for transportation, but it might be the most convenient. If your Spain itinerary only hits the country's big cities, renting a car is not a good idea. For a start, parking in most big cities in Spain is a nightmare.

Why is car rental in Spain so cheap?

When you rent in Spain, the price of the actual car can look cheaper because other parts of the cost of renting are not always included in that basic price. In other words, if you only compare the price of the actual car when booking online, car hire in Spain will seem much cheaper than in other countries.

What insurance do I need for car hire in Spain?

Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement when you're hiring a car in Spain. This type of insurance covers other road users, pedestrians and the other passengers in the vehicle you are driving. Anyone renting a car needs this in case they injure someone or damage property that's not theirs.

Is it a good idea to rent a car in Spain?

Renting a car in Spain will never be the cheapest option for transportation, but it might be the most convenient. If your Spain itinerary only hits the country's big cities, renting a car is not a good idea. For a start, parking in most big cities in Spain is a nightmare.

Why is car hire in Spain so cheap?

When you rent in Spain, the price of the actual car can look cheaper because other parts of the cost of renting are not always included in that basic price. In other words, if you only compare the price of the actual car when booking online, car hire in Spain will seem much cheaper than in other countries.

Can you rent a car in Spain without an international driver's license?

To rent a car in Spain, you need to be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver's license, a passport and a major credit card. The law in Spain requires non-EU driver's license holders to posses an International Driver's Permit, which you can obtain through AAA.

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