When you hire a car, there are usually two ways to deal with the excess.
You can take the cover offered by the rental company when you pick up the car, or you can arrange your own car hire excess insurance before you travel.
Both are designed to protect you from the same basic risk, but the experience can be quite different.
What is rental desk cover?
Taking cover at the rental desk is certainly convenient. It’s there when you arrive, and you can sort everything out in one go.
The downside is that you’re usually paying for it by the day, which can make it an expensive addition to your car hire. You’re also making the decision there and then – often after a flight, with a queue behind you and without having had much time to sit down and read through the terms.
It’s not necessarily the ideal time to make an insurance decision.
Can I arrange my own car hire excess waiver insurance?
With CHEW, you can arrange your car hire excess insurance before you leave home.
Our quotes take less than 30 seconds online, with cover from £3 a day. That gives you time to look at the cover, understand what’s included and decide whether it’s right for you before you travel.
Then, when you reach the rental desk, the decision has already been made. No pressure, no last-minute choice – just collect your keys and get on with your holiday.
Of course, every policy has its own terms, conditions and exclusions, so it’s important to read your policy documents and make sure the cover is suitable for your trip.
Is CHEW a regulated insurance product?
We think insurance is easier when you have time to make the decision yourself.
CHEW is arranged by Freedom Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and underwritten by AmTrust, an A-rated insurer. This means CHEW sits within the same UK regulatory framework as other regulated insurance products, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, where applicable.
So you can arrange your cover before you travel, know what you’re buying and avoid having to make the decision at the rental counter.
Taking out travel insurance too?
If you’re travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, Freedom travel insurance is designed with you in mind.
It also works naturally alongside CHEW, meaning you can arrange both your travel insurance and your car hire excess cover before you leave home.
One less decision to make when you arrive. More time to enjoy your trip.
Get your quote in less than 30 seconds and arrange your car hire excess insurance before you travel.
