If your car is stolen and not recovered, your comprehensive insurance will typically only pay out the car’s market value at the time of theft—which may be much lower than what you originally paid. This can leave you with a financial gap, especially if you have outstanding finance.
Articles by Olivia Hale
If you’ve ever rented a car, you know the drill. You arrive at the counter, excited to hit the road—and then you’re hit with the hard sell: “Would you like to add full protection today?” Sounds reassuring, but here’s the truth: buying car hire excess cover at the rental desk is one of the easiest ways to waste hundreds.
Let’s be honest: rental desks push their own insurance hard because it’s a massive profit-maker. They use fear-based tactics, like asking “What if something happens?, to convince you to buy overpriced protection. But now you know better. In 2025, savvy travellers are saying no to high desk prices and protecting themselves for less.
Paying for excess insurance at the rental desk is one of the most common ways travellers waste money. By planning ahead and purchasing a standalone policy, you’ll save a significant amount—and get better protection. Don’t fall for the pressure tactics. Be smart, be prepared, and never overpay for rental car insurance again.
Car rental insurance doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By planning ahead, knowing your rights, and using these hacks, you can drive away fully covered—without emptying your wallet.
Travel insurance isn’t just a tick-box formality, it’s your safety net against the unexpected. While it can’t prevent things from going wrong, it can certainly cushion the impact. The key is to read the fine print, ensure your policy matches your plans, and never leave home without it. Because while travel nightmares can’t always be avoided, they can be fixed.
While manufacturer warranties offer essential protection against defects, they often fall short in covering the myriad of issues that can arise during the ownership of a vehicle or gadget. Bettersafe's insurance products are designed to fill these gaps, providing comprehensive coverage that ensures you're well-protected against unexpected costs. By understanding the differences between manufacturer warranties and Bettersafe's offerings, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your valuable assets.
Car Excess is the maximum amount you would need to pay if the rental car is damaged, involved in an accident, or stolen while in your possession. It’s essentially a form of self-insurance built into the rental contract.
By staying on top of these checks, you can avoid breakdowns and ensure your A/C runs smoothly when you need it the most.