Rental Car Excess
Rental Car Excess
Tick Travel Insurance’s rental car excess cover helps protect you from hefty fees if someone damages or steals your rental vehicle.
Before you head off on your road trip, consider coverage for rental car excess.
What Is Rental Car Excess Waiver Cover?
When you hire a car, most rental vehicle agreements include an excess you’re responsible for.
You pay this excess if there is an accident, theft, or other incidents involving the vehicle. The excess can sometimes be several thousand dollars.
Tick’s rental vehicle excess cover can cover the excess amount charged by rental companies if your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen, up to policy limits.
You can be reimbursed for the excess amount charged by a licensed motor vehicle rental company, depending on the policy you choose.
What’s Covered Under Rental Car Excess Cover?
Tick’s rental car excess benefit can cover the cost of your excess, up to policy limits, for incidents including:
- Damage to Rental Vehicle: If your rental vehicle suffers accidental damage.
- Theft of Rental Vehicle: If the vehicle is stolen while in your custody.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: If you have an accident and no other cars are involved, you’re protected under rental car excess cover.
When Can Rental Car Excess Cover Apply?
- Accidental Damage: If your rental vehicle is damaged while you’re driving or parked. Examples include damage from a car accident, a dented door or a scraped bumper bar.
- Theft or Vandalism: If your rental vehicle is stolen or intentionally damaged by a third party
- Returning Your Rental Vehicle: Damage is identified upon inspection at the time of return.
How Much Are You Covered For?
- Basic Cover
- Budget Cover
- Standard Cover
- Top Cover
| Type of Policy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip International | Cruise Travel Insurance | Domestic Travel Insurance | ||
| Level of Cover | Basic | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Budget | $0 | $0 | Not available on Domestic Travel Insurance | |
| Standard | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | |
| Top | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | |
What’s Not Covered Under Rental Car Excess?
- Violations of the rental agreement, such as driving under the influence or off-road
- General wear and tear of the rental vehicle
- Costs beyond the stated excess amount, including non-excess fees imposed by car rental companies
- Unauthorised drivers or unapproved use of the rental vehicle
- Any claim due to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tick’s Top Tips When Hiring a Rental Vehicle
- Ask about Roadside Assistance: Ask the rental car company who to call in the event the vehicle breaks down, or if you lose the car keys. Keep this number handy.
- Take Photos of the Rental Vehicle: Before you leave the rental company parking lot, walk around the vehicle. Take photos of the panels, wheels, windows and interior. These photos are an important record if there are any issues when you return the vehicle.
- Always Read the Fine Print: Always read the rental vehicle agreement for full details of cover, exclusions, and conditions.
- Don’t Use Devices While Driving: If your rental vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth, consider pairing your device so you can take calls and use GPS safely
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about Rental Car Excess? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
Do I still need to purchase the excess reduction offered by car rental companies?
Tick Travel Insurance’s rental car excess cover is designed to replace the need for excess reduction products sold by car rental companies. You may save money by opting for Tick’s travel insurance.
Can I claim for damage caused by someone else while the vehicle is parked?
If the rental vehicle is damaged while parked, and the incident falls under the terms and conditions, you may be covered.
How do I activate Rental Car Excess Cover?
You’re automatically covered as long as you hire the car from a licensed motor vehicle rental company, adhere to the terms and conditions of the rental vehicle agreement and are covered under either a Standard or Top Tick Travel Insurance Policy.
What do I need to provide Tick in the event of a claim?
You’ll need to provide your original booking confirmations, receipts for pre-paid costs, and any supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificates or official notices). You can lodge your claim online.
Why Choose Tick Travel Insurance?
How Can You Get Covered With Tick?
Whether it’s a road trip around Australia or a scenic drive overseas, travel with added confidence knowing that Tick is with you.
Simply get a quote, choose a policy that offers a rental vehicle excess waiver, and hit the road!