Free Traffic Legal Advice

The main issue with Excess Cover is that if you're involved in an incident that results in a claim, you have to pay the hire firm's excess (usually at least £1000) and then claim it back.

You may also need to pay a higher deposit when you collect the car.

Check carefully what is covered as part of the rental price. It may be "all in", covered 100%, no excess. Or it may be CDW only and you're liable for €1,000 or whatever sum they choose. If the former, then no need to take out extra cover. If the latter, then it's always cheaper to take out your own excess insurance beforehand (and not the one offered by the rental company) than the extortionate rates you'll be offered when you pick up the car. If you're likely to be doing this more often than a one-off, then an annual policy works out cheaper. As for which one is best, I've never had cause to make a claim, so can't answer that one.

Some (unscrupulous) foreign car hire companies won't hire you the car unless you take THEIR expensive insurance. We had this in Sicily. I refused the (prebooked) car and went to the one next door who was quite happy. Before I left the airport I rang Easyjet who the original hire was booked through and my money was refunded within minutes. The car was returned undamaged (amazingly considering how everyone drives in Sicily) and everyone was happy. Except the scammers, who hopefully lost the EJ contract.