Extra insurance at the rental car counter: what to check before accepting

You arrive to pick up the car, you have already paid the booking and you are offered extra insurance that adds several dollars a day. Before you sign it is worth knowing what you already bought covers.

What to compare

What your booking already includes

Check the confirmation to see which coverage and which excess (the amount you pay) are included. Often the counter offers to reduce that excess.

What your card or insurance may cover

Some cards or travel insurance policies include cover for rental cars, with their own conditions. Ask your issuer what is covered and whether you must pay with that card.

How to decide without pressure

Ask for the detail in writing

Ask for a breakdown of what each option covers, what it excludes and how much it costs per day before you sign.

Document the car's condition

Take photos of the car when you collect it and keep the contract. They are your backup for any claim.

A simpler way to check your trip

To cross-check the amounts and conditions of your car booking with the rest of the trip, upload them to AuditorTravel: it flags with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴) what deserves a second look.

You pay once per trip, it's not a subscription you have to remember to cancel.

👉 Check your booking for free at auditortravel.com.

AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.