This part of your insurance can help you get back the money you have to pay if a hire car gets damaged or stolen while you're on a trip outside the UK. This is the excess or deductible that the main insurance on the hire car might charge you.
Important information:
- This cover is only valid outside the UK.
- This cover only applies to 4-wheeled passenger cars, so 2-wheeled motor bikes or scooters would not be covered.
- Other parts of your travel insurance such as personal liability may help depending on the circumstances of the incident you had.
- Contact Zurich Assist if you have an accident.
- Always fill in the online claim form as soon as possible.
How much can I get back with the Hire Car Excess cover?
You can get back up to a maximum of £3,000 for each claim. However, there are some limits on specific types of damage:
- Up to £600 for damage to the roof.
- Up to £800 for damage to the windscreen, windows, or sunroof glass.
- Up to £500 for damage to the undercarriage (the bottom part of the car).
- Up to £100 for each tyre that needs replacing, or up to £50 for each tyre that can be repaired.
The total amount paid for all damage from one event won't be more than the overall maximum of £3,000.
Does this cover apply to any hire car I rent on holiday?
This cover applies to any 4-wheeled passenger car, MPV, or minibus (up to 9 seats) rented from a licensed rental company under a valid rental agreement.
What is excluded?
- Trips outside of the UK (at least 100km from your home) and with at least two nights prebooked accommodation.
- Any loss of or damage to a hire car arising out of wear and tear, gradual deterioration, mechanical or electrical failure not attributable to accidental damage.
- Any loss or damage arising out of misuse of the hire car.
- Failure to comply with any law or equivalent requirements in the jurisdiction in which the hire car rental agreement has been made.
- Any incidents if the hire car is driven off a public road.
- Hire cars or drivers not named in the rental agreement.
- Any defect or damage which existed at the time that you commenced your rental agreement.
- Any claim where you have not followed the terms of your rental agreement.
- Any damage to the hire car interior.
- Any damage or loss arising out of commercial use.
- Any loss or damage to non-passenger vehicles or vehicles with 10 or more seats.
Additionally for trips in the UK to be valid you need at least two nights prebooked accommodation and it to be 100km from your home to be covered.
Do I have to pay with my Monzo card to be eligible for this coverage?
No, the card you used to pay should not affect your coverage.
What kind of loss or damage to a hire car is covered?
This cover is for the money you are legally responsible for paying due to loss of or damage to the hire car.
Is there a part of the claim I have to pay myself?
No, there is no excess for claims under the Hire Car Excess cover.
Keep in mind
For medical emergencies, please call Zurich Assist for help. Then, always fill out the in-app or online claim form to submit a claim—even if you’re not sure whether it’s covered. That way, we can keep a clear record and take a closer look at your situation. Just remember to keep any relevant receipts or official documents, like a police report in case of theft, to help support your claim.