Zero Excess Berlin Car Hire

Why You Should Choose Zero Excess Car Hire in Berlin

Peace of mind is often the biggest reason for choosing zero excess car hire. Because when you’re fully covered (even for minor scrapes or dents) means you’re far less stressed and you can enjoy Berlin to its fullest.

And believe it or not, the overall cost can actually be lower. Because although it’s dearer up front, the potential cost of damage repairs exceeding standard excess could be much higher. So depending how risk averse you are and your level of confidence behind the wheel, it could be an attractive option.

But that’s not all. Because when you buy zero excess, there are no annoying arguments about who’s to blame for minor damage, so there’s no need for rental counter stress. And here’s a little-known benefit – you’re actually less likely to fall prey to car hire scams when (pretty much) everything’s covered.

And there’s more. Because if you fancy hiring a sports car (or any other type you’re not used to), zero excess car hire gives you the confidence you need while you acclimatise. Plus, it also provides peace of mind when you’re navigating a new city and might be more prone to make mistakes.

Perhaps you’re hiring a car for a film or photography project, long-distance road trip, wedding or special event? For all these scenarios, zero excess provides the reassurance you need when the stakes are raised a little higher than a regular holiday.

Top Zero Excess Car Hire Providers in Berlin

There are several zero excess car hire providers in Berlin, so it’s no problem to shop around.

Wheego is one great example, with its zero excess comfort plus package. This covers all vehicle damage, except gross negligence, intoxicated/drugged driving, wear and tear, tire damage and interior damage. But it also includes vehicle replacement, breakdown assistance, and theft protection.

Meanwhile, UFODrive offers 24/7 car hire across Berlin and its UFODrive All Inclusive package is a zero excess policy covering most types of damage.

Zero Excess Car Hire in Berlin: Save Time and Money

Whatever your reason for being in Berlin, saving some time and money never goes amiss. And zero excess car hire helps you do that in a few different ways.

You can look forward to a faster pick-up and drop-off, avoiding disputes and reducing the risk of excess payments. There’s a lower risk of excess payments, no need for additional insurance and zero excess eliminates admin fees.

What is Zero Excess Car Hire and How Does it Work?

Also known as zero deductible car rental, zero excess car hire is a car hire plus insurance option offered by some rental companies. Within certain limits, it cancels out your financial liability for any damage to the vehicle during your rental period.

With standard car rental, you usually have an excess amount – that’s the maximum you would have to pay if the car is damaged. And depending on the car hire company, this can be anything from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand.

Now, it is possible to reduce your excess amount by buying extra insurance (like LDW or CDW) but this means the hire cost will be higher.

So what’s different about zero excess car hire? Well for starters, there’s no excess to pay. So this means you’re not financially responsible for any damage to the vehicle during your hire period (within the terms and conditions of the specific policy).

Zero excess does usually come at at a premium compared to standard insurance, but (depending on your outlook), it might be worth it for the peace of mind. Please bear in mind though, there are typically some exclusions – like glass damage, wheel and tire damage and undercarriage damage, for instance.

While you’ll want to take your time choosing the right zero excess option, the process itself is pretty smooth indeed. Just choose the zero excess option when you book the car, read the agreement carefully, double-check with the agent you’ve got zero access cover when you pick up your vehicle, and return it in the same condition you picked it up in.

How to Find Zero Excess Car Hire in Berlin

You’ve got a few options for finding zero excess car hire in Berlin.

You can search the individual websites of companies like those we’ve already mentioned, book directly and choose zero excess as an extra component while you book.

Alternatively, you can use a comparison site (like this one) or look at independent car hire brokers for good zero excess coverage.

In general, it’s always worth booking as early as possible to get the best choice and price, and also bear in mind that longer rentals typically have better zero excess coverage deals.

The Most Important Factors to Consider: Reputation, Customer Service, and Vehicle Quality

There’s no doubt price is a major factor when you’re looking for zero excess car hire in Berlin. But it’s certainly not the only one – and if you choose a zero excess package which is unsuitable for you in other ways, you might regret it.

When it comes to car hire firms, you can look for Google Reviews and Trustpilot ratings, paying particular attention to detailed reviews about the condition and age of the fleet vehicles, and check car hire firm websites directly, to see vehicle photos and descriptions, as well as average fleet age.

As far as customer service is concerned, you can check social media to see what customers are saying, or even call the firm directly to inquire about the claims process and zero excess policies.

Finally, you can check review sites to gauge reputation and research whether the company has won industry awards and honours.

Enjoy Your Trip With Zero Excess Car Hire in Berlin

When you’re looking forward to taking in iconic Berlin sights like the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and Humboldt Forum, the last thing you want on your mind is car insurance.

And there are several reasons Zero Excess Car Hire in Berlin can help with this. As we’ve said, it reduces stress, lets you focus on enjoyment and might even help you drive more confidently in new territory.

Other benefits include the fast pick-up and drop-offs, dispute avoidance, and protection against scams.

How to drive safely and responsibly in Berlin

Zero Excess isn’t a free pass to drive recklessly, so it’s still important to follow the rules of the road and drive as safely as possible in Berlin.

Firstly, always drive on the right side of the road and pass on the left. Remember to wear your seatbelt, and make sure your passengers do the same.

Kids under 12 or less than 1.5 meters tall have to use a child seat in the back, and you should use headlights at all times – even during daytime.

As always, don’t drink and drive, don’t use your phone when driving, and observe the speed limit.

But how about some specific Berlin advice? Well, you should definitely watch out for the trams – they’ve got priority and their own lanes, so look out for the markings and signs.

Always yield to vehicles emerging from the right at unmarked intersections and be careful on cobblestone streets – especially when it’s wet.

Another issue to note is the city centre environmental zone, which only allows vehicles with certain emissions – if your car doesn’t comply, you could get fined.

What to do in a road accident or emergency in Berlin

If you’re unfortunate enough to have a road accident in Berlin, please remain calm.

Stop the car, make sure the scene’s secure, check for injuries and call 112 if anyone needs help.

Exchange contact information with the other driver/s, but don’t admit any fault, report the accident to your insurance.

How to Avoid Extra Charges With Your Excess Car Hire in Berlin

You might incur extra charges, even with some zero excess car hire policies.

To minimize the chance of this, please read the rental terms and conditions carefully, consider additional coverage if you’re concerned about exclusions, and inspect the car thoroughly before taking the car away.