What is the rental car excess?
The excess (deductible) is the amount you pay in the event of damage or theft, even with CDW or TP. The insurance covers everything above that — you pay the first portion.
Typical excess in Europe: 500–2,000 €. In the US or with budget providers it can be much higher.
Damage: 1,500 €. Excess: 1,000 €. You pay 1,000 €, insurance covers 500 €.
How to reduce or eliminate the excess
Buying excess protection in advance is almost always cheaper than at the counter.
What excess waiver does NOT cover
- Tyres and wheel rims (unless tyre protection purchased)
- Windscreen and glass (unless glass protection purchased)
- Roof damage (almost never covered)
- Undercarriage and muffler
- Negligence damage (keys locked in, wrong fuel)
Even with zero excess, excluded damage is charged at full cost. Always check the exclusions list.
What to check in your contract
The excess in the on-site contract may differ from your booking. Local surcharges are sometimes added. This is one of the most common discrepancies detected by RentalScan.
- Excess amount exactly as in your voucher?
- Exclusions clearly listed?
- Zero excess valid for all damage types?
- Additional local charges mentioned?
Check if the excess matches your booking
Upload your voucher and photograph the contract. Our AI instantly detects any excess discrepancies between what you booked and what you're asked to sign.
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