Those who have ever rented a car are used to being bombarded with various offers for add-ons, not least those related to insurance.
– Start by reviewing the rental car’s insurance before you book the rental car. The most important thing is that both you and the rental car are protected. The protection in a rental car insurance can vary depending on which country you rent the car in. Also check how high the deductible is in the rental car insurance, says Sofia Ulriksson, lawyer and motor expert at Konsumenternas Försäkringsbyrå.
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Traffic insurance abroad
Traffic insurance covers damage to other people and other vehicles caused by a rental car. The rules differ from country to country and in Sweden traffic insurance also includes personal injury, something that is not always the case abroad.
For example, if you rent a car in the USA, you can rent a car completely without insurance. If you instead book the rental car in the USA from Sweden, however, insurance is included.
It is important that you have what is called Third Party Liability Insurance, alternatively Personal Accident Insurance. Otherwise, you can end up in a situation where you are left without compensation in the event of a single accident or if you are at fault.
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Renting a car in the US can be expensive if you don’t have insurance. (Photo: Marcus Berggren) Protection against damage to the car
A rental car that is fully insured is usually covered in case of theft of the car as well as scratches and dents. When it comes to wildlife accidents, vandalism, punctures or damage to the wheels, however, the reality can be different.
Make sure you get written confirmation from the lessor about what exactly applies. Most often, you get an offer to take out insurance for, for example, rockfalls and punctures separately.
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Deductible reduction
In the event of an accident with a rental car, the deductible can sometimes be so high that you have to pay for a full repair yourself, full insurance notwithstanding.
If you cannot afford to pay a deductible, you should instead opt for deductible reduction or elimination, something that is included on some payment cards and home insurance policies. Many smaller rental car companies often have sky-high deductibles and high deposit fees. More established players usually have more reasonable arrangements instead.
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Tips when renting a car
The Consumers’ Insurance Agency recommends that you photograph the rental car both when you pick it up and when you return it.
Also make sure that damage that the car already has is carefully documented, both by you and by the lessor. It is also important to review how the insurance conditions differ between different countries, especially if you are going on a longer trip with your rental car.
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