Car hire rental third party excess insurance

Question

I am an EU resident who will be renting a car for 16 days from MCO airport in the summer. Instead of getting stung by the car rental company’s high insurance prices, can anyone recommend a company where I can purchase a third party excess insurance policy? Also, is it a case that all I need to do is politely decline the car rental company’s efforts to sell me their insurance when I get to the desk, and inform them of the details of the third party excess insurance policy?

Answer

For EU residents renting a car in Orlando, purchasing a third-party excess insurance policy is a common way to avoid the often expensive insurance add-ons offered by U.S. rental car companies. These policies typically cover the deductible (excess) in case of damage or theft, and they are generally accepted by major car rental agencies.

Recommended providers for third-party excess insurance:

RentalCover.com: Offers worldwide coverage, including U.S. car rentals, with easy online booking. Policies cover collision damage waiver (CDW) excess, theft excess, and some include roadside assistance.
AXA Travel Insurance / Allianz Travel: Some plans include rental car excess coverage; check that U.S. rentals are specifically covered.
Insure My Rental Car: Specializes in covering the excess portion for rentals worldwide and is often cheaper than what rental companies charge.
Protect Your Bubble: Another reputable provider offering excess insurance for U.S. car rentals to EU residents.

How to handle the rental desk:

When you arrive at the rental desk, politely decline the rental company’s insurance. You can simply state that you already have a valid third-party excess insurance policy.
Have the insurance policy details ready, including provider name, policy number, and coverage limits, in case the agent requests proof.
Ensure your credit card used for the rental meets the rental company’s requirements; some companies still require a credit card hold for the deposit regardless of insurance.
It’s generally not necessary to show the policy unless asked, but carrying a printout or digital copy is recommended.

Additional tips:

Check the terms and conditions carefully for exclusions, such as off-road use, driving outside of the U.S., or specific vehicle types.
Confirm that the third-party insurance covers all drivers listed on the rental agreement.
Keep emergency contact details for the insurance provider handy in case you need to make a claim while in the U.S.

In summary, purchasing a reputable third-party excess insurance policy before you arrive is a cost-effective and widely accepted way to avoid expensive rental desk insurance. Having your policy details ready and politely declining the rental company’s coverage is usually sufficient for a smooth check-out and rental experience.

Car hire rental third party excess insurance

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