Before You Book: 10 Questions to Ask About Zero-Excess Car Rental Policies

This is the most important question. True zero excess means you pay nothing for any damage.

There are insurance options that reduce the deductible, but not eliminate it, so it is smart to always confirm that you will pay nothing in case of damage.

Another thing to ask is what is included in the coverage. This is important because zero financial liability exists only for the parts of the car that are included in the insurance.

Although basic damages are always included in the insurance, there are some areas that are covered only in the premium packages:

• tires
• glass and mirrors
• wheels
• underbody
• roof

A complete zero-excess package should include theft protection. Please confirm that you are fully covered if the vehicle is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft.

Even with full coverage, a deposit may be blocked as a security measure, but in many cases, there is no deposit.

So, you should clarify whether zero excess means also no deposit.

Read: Renting a Car with Zero Excess: How to Get Full Protection on Your Road Trip

Every insurance policy has conditions and coverage may not apply in cases such as:

• driving under alcohol influence
• reckless driving or negligence
• unauthorized drivers
• driving on prohibited roads.

Some third-party insurance providers require you to pay for damage upfront and request reimbursement afterward.

Direct zero-excess coverage from the rental company avoids this process to have a totally stress-free journey.

Breakdowns, flat tires or battery issues can happen anywhere and especially when you travel abroad this situation can cause you stress. A full protection package includes roadside assistance for peace of mind wherever you travel.

Minor incidents in parking areas are among the most common incidents when you hire a car. Confirm that your coverage protects you even if the responsible party is unknown.

Even with zero excess coverage, documenting the car’s condition is a smart habit. Taking photos or videos before you pick up the car and after the drop off is a process that should often be done even with zero excess coverage.

Full protection usually adds a small daily fee compared to basic insurance. However, this cost is minimal compared to the potential costs of repairs or damages.

The most important is that it keeps away the stress about every scratch or difficult parking, as you know even before drop-off that you won’t pay anything unexpected.

Read: Is ‘Full Insurance, No Excess’ Real? What Rental Companies Don’t Tell You
 

With Abbycar, you can rent a car and enjoy full protection insurance coverage with zero excess and no deposit to know exactly what you will pay during your journey and 100% avoid unexpected charges!