What does Zero Excess mean when I book a car rental?

The term "excess" refers to the amount you are responsible for paying if your rental car is either damaged or stolen. This amount is calculated as a fixed percentage of the estimated repair costs. You'll find this figure outlined during the booking process and detailed in the rental terms and conditions. The specific amount varies based on the vehicle category and the policies of the local rental supplier.

To eliminate this charge entirely, Auto Europe provides the option to purchase Zero Excess coverage at the time of booking. While local car rental companies also offer this coverage, opting for it through us during the booking process can streamline the collection procedure on the day of your rental. It's essential to understand that Zero Excess coverage only applies to certain types of damage; specific components like the wheels, roof, undercarriage, glass, and tyres may not be covered. If any of these excluded parts incur damage during your rental, you will still be responsible for the costs associated with them.

How is my car rental protected with Zero Excess with Breakdown Cover?

When you choose to rent with Auto Europe, you can now enhance your experience by adding our Zero Excess with Breakdown Cover. This option covers towing fees and any damage to the windscreen, mirrors, external lights, roof, and undercarriage of the vehicle, all with zero excess. Furthermore, Auto Europe provides an upgraded option: Zero Excess with Premium Breakdown Cover. This includes additional components and fees that are not part of the standard Zero Excess with Breakdown Cover, giving you even greater peace of mind during your rental.

Zero Excess with Breakdown Cover

No Excess. Physical damage to the exterior of the rental vehicle including damage to the windscreen, mirrors, external lights, roof and undercarriage of the rental vehicle with zero excess. Loss or damage resulting from fire or theft. Breakdown including towing fees.

Zero Excess with Premium Breakdown Cover

No Excess. Physical damage to the exterior of the rental vehicle including damage to the windscreen, mirrors, external lights, roof and undercarriage of the rental vehicle with zero excess. Loss or damage resulting from fire or theft. Breakdown including towing fees. Administration and Credit Card Fees. Emergency Accommodation and Transport. Refund of unused days due to medical reasons or car damage. Damage to additional items (GPS/Child Seat etc.).

What to do if you have an accident or the vehicle is stolen?

In the unlikely event that you happen to be involved in a road traffic accident, have your vehicle stolen or discover vehicle damage that wasn’t there upon collection – do not panic and stay calm. In all cases Auto Europe is here to help and provide advice. It is important that you do the following procedure:

• Contact the Police:
  It is vital to obtain a police report regardless of how insignificant the damage is, or if the vehicle is stolen. If involved in an accident with a third party, then a filed police report is mandatory, with the third parties full details noted.
• Contact the Rental Supplier:
  It is important to contact your local car rental supplier within 24 hours. Details like telephone number for your car hire supplier can be found on your contract and rental voucher.
• Take Photos/Video:
  If you have the means to do so, take detailed photos or video evidence of the damage(s).
• Complete Rental Supplier Accident Report:
  Once your rental has come to an end, you will need to complete an accident report, duly signed, with your car rental supplier.

What if the local supplier insists that you purchase additional coverage?

Local car rental staff often have the responsibility of promoting additional products and features to customers. One common offering is insurance coverage, which is typically discussed when you go to pick up your vehicle. It's important to note that all coverage options presented by the rental employees are optional. If you arrive to collect your car and are offered coverage aimed at eliminating your excess, you likely won't need it, as you may have already secured this through Auto Europe.

You might also be presented with extra insurance options that cover specific parts of the vehicle, that the basic insurance offered by the supplier through Auto Europe does not cover. Choosing to purchase this additional coverage is entirely up to you. We recommend considering Auto Europe’s Zero Excess with Breakdown Cover, which effectively covers these vehicle components, making it a wise choice during the booking process.

Our offerings are designed to ensure you have complete peace of mind during your vacation, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable rental experience.