Where to get your car rental insurance?

Online, you’ll pay around €4–€6 a day. Or, with the right provider, even less. Here’s where to look.

Where to get your car insurance?

Pre-booking your insurance saves serious money — and you’ve got several options.

Buy it at the desk (not recommended; €15–€50 a day)
Book online with your car rental (€4–€6 a day)
Use a specialist site like IcarHireInsurance (from €3.30 a day or ~€50 a year)

Note: Revolut Metal used to include free car hire excess insurance, but this perk was removed from their plan. If you’ve seen older guides mentioning it, that information is now outdated. Always check your current card’s benefits before relying on it for car rental insurance.

Important: No matter which insurance you pick, it usually works on reimbursement. The rental company will still block a deposit (often €500–€1,500). Most desks do not accept debit cards for this hold. Always bring a credit card in the main driver’s name — without it, you may not get the car at all.

Tip #1: Book through a specialist provider

The best savings usually come from specialist car hire insurance companies. For example, a friend used iCarhireInsurance.com and got a full year’s cover for around €50.

They also offer daily cover from just £3 (€3.30) a day. Even if you only rent for a week, you’ll save tens of euros compared to taking the rental desk insurance.

Prices vary depending on your country of residence, where you’re travelling, and any extras, but it’s almost always cheaper than buying insurance at the counter.

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.