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CS No Excess Car Hire
Find the best "No Excess" deals
With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for no excess car hire.
- Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
- Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
- 10 years experience in car hire
No Excess Car Hire - Your protection package
Are you interested in no excess car hire, but not sure exactly what it’s all about? This guide will fill in the gaps, dig into the details, and help you decide if it’s for you.
For now, let’s take a look at a few high-level reasons it might be the car hire/insurance combo you’ve been looking for. Peace of mind is always a biggie, because with no excess, there’s no need to stress about a big upfront cost if there's damage to the vehicle during your rental – if the excess amount is high, it can be a financial headache.
Furthermore, clarity about what you’ll pay for your car rental upfront makes budgeting much easier and there are no unpleasant surprises if something unexpected happens to the vehicle.
And don’t forget the convenience. No excess means there’s less pressure to upgrade at the pick-up counter (or online checkout). Your package is already robust, so providers don’t have as much leverage to upsell.
There are also several types of trips where no excess car hire comes into its own. For instance, if you’re headed for an unfamiliar destination where you’re not used to driving, the risk of accidents can be higher and no excess provides the reassurance you need.
No excess is also suited to short rentals, where the cost of excess cover might represent a big chunk of the complete rental price. If you’re planning for multiple places to share driving duties, no excess makes sure everyone is covered. And if you’re on a budget, no excess can possibly help you save money overall on car rental, combined with a high level of coverage.
We’ll get into the nitty gritty of no excess shortly, but safe to say it can be a good option, provided you compare prices and weigh up the difference in price between no excess and standard rental with excess cover.
The freedom of no excess car hire
There are a few ways no excess car hire can give you more freedom on your trip.
First off, it’s worth reiterating the reduced stress lots of people feel with no excess (or ‘zero excess’ as it’s sometimes called). There’s no big deposit or out-of-pocket payments for minor damage, so you can unwind and enjoy your break without worrying you’ll have to shell out for a minor ding.
Pick-up and drop-off will also most likely be smooth and swift, because there’s not as much to discuss at the car hire counter as there would be with standard rental with excess, and you can roam around your destination with confidence, safe in the knowledge there’s nothing to worry about if you go off the beaten track and have a small scrape.
And overall, with these money concerns out of the way, you can focus on making the most of your trip and enjoying your destination to the maximum.
Understanding no excess car hire policies
In simple terms, a no excess car hire policy minimizes your financial responsibility for damage to the hire car. Here’s the lowdown on how it works.
Standard car rentals typically come with an excess amount – a set figure you'd be on the hook for if the car gets damaged or stolen. The excess varies according to the car hire firm, and it can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand.
No excess works differently, because you no longer have financial liability for covered damages. This is achieved through rental companies offering zero excess coverage as an added component during the booking process, or stand-alone insurance from a third party insurer specifically covering the car rental excess (which would reimburse you for the excess amount you pay to the car hire firm).
There’s lots to like about no excess car hire but it’s important to remember it usually doesn’t cover everything – areas like tires, windows, and undercarriage are often excluded. Plus, bear in mind you might still need to provide a deposit on car rental with a credit card, even with no excess, and it isn’t always the most cost-effective option.
Financial benefits of no excess car hire
We’ve touched on the main financial benefits of zero excess car hire, but there are a couple more worth spelling out.
Firstly, if there is any dispute, it’s usually resolved more smoothly. Because with no excess, the car hire company has less incentive to blame you for minor damage and this makes the process quicker and more hassle-free.
No excess also frees up your credit card because there’s usually a hold put on it for the excess amount. With no hold on your card, there’s more space should you need to use it abroad for unexpected expenses.
How to find no excess car hire
The good news is there are lots of ways to find no excess car hire.
You can take the direct route and browse car hire company websites, where lots of firms offer zero excess as an optional add-on.
Alternatively, comparison sites (like the one you’re on now) let you compare deals side-by-side from multiple small, large, local and international companies.
Whichever deal you choose, please always make sure you know for sure what’s covered (such as damage or theft) and what’s excluded, before you commit to booking.
Guide to a smooth booking experience
There are a few steps you can take to make your booking experience even smoother.
Before you pick up your car, remember to double-check your policy so you’re sure what damage types are covered, book with a reputable firm, and whenever possible, prepay online.
When you pick the car up, inspect it thoroughly and document any pre-existing damage, and ask your car hire provider any questions at all about things like roadside assistance, and fuel and return policies.
During the rental, drive safely to minimise damage risk, and when you return it, stay throughout the final inspection to avoid any potential arguments.
What you need to know before you book no excess car hire
Is no excess car hire sounding good so far?
Before you book, just remember to check the coverage, compare prices, and read the fine print carefully (for limitations, security deposits and exclusions).
Eligibility requirements and essential documents
No excess car hire sometimes has stricter requirements than its standard equivalent.
Hire companies might ask that you’re over 25 (or sometimes 30), with a clean driving license, and that you’ve held a license for at least 1-2 years.
You’ll probably also need a credit card in your name, passport and booking confirmation to pick your vehicle up.
Global availability of no excess car hire
No excess car hire isn't available everywhere. But it's offered by many rental companies in Europe in particular. Check with the company directly or with a good comparison site to confirm.
Popular destinations with no excess car hire
You’ll find zero excess car hire in countries like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, as well as popular destinations like Iceland and major cities like Dubai.
Top no excess car hire companies
Major car hire firms like Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt offer no excess car hire. But it’s also worth considering reliable local firms.