What Do You Need to Hire a Car Abroad?

Hiring a car abroad can seem daunting, especially when you consider that driving rules vary from country to country. It is always best to plan your car hire abroad before you jet off, allowing you to iron out any queries with the company you are using and ensure you have the correct insurance in place. Always remember to read the terms and conditions when hiring a car.

Typically, when renting a car overseas, you will be asked to provide the following:

• Driving license
• Passport
• International Driving Permit (if country requires)

You can find out more by visiting the government’s dedicated webpage on driving abroad.

Do I need to take out insurance?

Sometimes insurance is included in the price agreed for the vehicle you are hiring. This cost of this can vary between countries and hire companies. You should always make sure to read paperwork thoroughly and asks questions if you are unsure.

Within your paperwork you may see terms that you don’t understand relating to your cover. These can include:

• Third party cover – this means if you damage someone else’s vehicle, property or person whilst driving they will receive a financial payout
• Vehicle theft – you are covered if the car is stolen from you
• Collision damage waiver – this protects you in the event of a car crash or damage

These three types of cover should come as standard with a car rental agreement, but this is not always the case. Check that these are included as a base level of insurance an discuss with the provider the possibility of fully comprehensive insurance as an option if you would feel more comfortable.

Do I need car hire excess insurance?

When hiring a car overseas you will be able to add extras to your package, one of these is car hire excess insurance. Just like our car insurance at home, you may be subject to an excess charge towards any claim you make. When you hire a car abroad you will be expected to pay the excess if you damage the car and have to make a claim. To fully illustrate what is covered by such policies, you can check our additional guide to all things relating to excess policies.

Car hire excess insurance is important because if you need to make a claim you will be able to get the excess cost back. You won’t be out of a pocket a penny. Many people take out car hire excess insurance for added peace of mind whilst on holiday. You can get a free car hire excess quote today. Companies like ours for example, offer car hire excess insurance Europe and worldwide, whether it be for holidays, business or anything else!

Other optional insurance extras

You may be offered some of the following additional insurance policies. If you feel they would benefit you they can be added to the package when you hire the vehicle.

• Additional Liability Insurance – protects multiple authorised drivers should they injure someone or damage someone else’s property
• Liability Insurance Supplement – boosts your financial protection regarding injury or damage claims
• Personal Accident Insurance – designed to pay out compensation if you suffer a serious injury or death
• Personal Effects Protection – covers the belongings of the authorised driver/s and any family members in the vehicle
• Personal Effects Coverage – covers loss or damage of valuables for the policyholder
• Super Collision Damage Waiver – an upgraded version of the standard Collision Damage Waiver
• Theft Protection – covers part of the cost replacing a hire vehicle that is stolen or the damage that occurs during an attempted theft
• Uninsured Motorist Protection – protects you if you have an accident with an uninsured driver