Car Rental Excess Insurance

• What is rental vehicle excess Insurance?

• When you hire a car, you’ll be asked if you want to take out excess insurance, which eliminates the excess charged by your rental company should you have an accident, or the vehicle is damaged. You will be charged a daily fee on top of the cost of the rental for this which is usually overpriced. Our travel insurance covers for this excess insurance whether you’re renting a car in Australia or Overseas, so you don’t need to pay for it at the depot.

• What does Rental Car Excess Cover?

• There are several rental vehicle excess cover amounts across our different plans. We will reimburse you up to the rental vehicle excess insurance amount listed on your policy, covering any excess or deductible you become legally liable to pay under your rental vehicle hiring agreement.
  
  It is payable if your rental vehicle is involved in an accident while you are driving, or if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody.
  
  Please be aware this benefit does not take the place of rental vehicle insurance. Also, the following conditions must be met for cover to be available under this benefit:
   
  1. The rental vehicle must be rented from a recognised rental agency;
   
  2. The hiring arrangement must incorporate motor vehicle insurance or damage waiver against loss or damage to the rental vehicle; and
   
  3. You must comply with all requirements of the rental agency under the hiring agreement and, if applicable, the insurer under such insurance.

• Are scooters and motorcycles covered under rental car excess?

• Rental vehicle excess cover is not applicable to scooters and motorcycles, and is also not available with our Medical Only policy.  

• Do I Need To Purchase The Additional Cover Offered By The Rental Company?

• If the car company is offering you additional cover they are usually referring to an excess reduction fee which is paid to the car company to reduce the excess on the motor vehicle insurance to $0.
  
  1Cover offers you cover for this rental vehicle insurance excess. But note that this doesn’t take place of the rental vehicle insurance.
  
  We don't cover you for personal liability while driving/riding - this cover should be sought through your car rental company.

• When Making A Claim For Rental Vehicle Excess What Documents Will I Need?

• You must provide a copy of:
  • your Rental Vehicle agreement;
  • an incident report that was completed;
  • repair account;
  • an itemised list of the value of the damage; and
  • written notice from the rental company or agency advising that you are liable to pay the excess or liability fee.

• What Vehicles Are Covered with rental vehicle excess insurance?

• When we refer to “Rental Vehicle” we mean a campervan/motorhome that does not exceed 4.5 tonne, a sedan, hatchback or station-wagon, four wheel drive or mini bus/people mover rented from a licensed motor vehicle rental company.

• Are wheels or tyres covered?

• Yes, only if the rental vehicle insurance also covers it. Our insurance does not cover your liability in respect of tyres, windscreens, roof and underbody damage, if you are not already covered by the protection from the rental company under the Rental Vehicle agreement.  

• How much is rental car insurance in Australia?

• Generally speaking, if you're hiring a car out of a Sydney airport rental company (for example) you can expect to pay around $70 dollars per day for your rental vehicle excess, whereas domestic travel insurance with 1Cover can be as little as $47 with rental excess includeed. Prices based on quote with a 35 year old, prices will vary depending on age and trip details. 

• What Is Not Covered With Rental Car Excess?

• Rental car excess doesn't take place of normal car insurance, and we won't pay any claims if you violate your rental car agreement.
  Additionally, if you're affected by alcohol or illegal drugs we won't be able to pay your claim.
  
  If you don't hold the correct licence for the vehicle you're operating then you won't be covered. A correct license means an Australian driving license, and wherever an Australian driver's license is not valid, you'll need to have an additional international driver's license as well. Terms and conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please see PDS for full details.

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