Vehicle Rental: What Insurance is Included and What Are the Optional Add-ons?

Why is Insurance Essential?

Whether it's for a weekend getaway or a business trip, driving a rental vehicle always involves some level of risk. Responsible or not, accidents, glass breakage, theft, breakdowns… Choosing the right insurance can help you avoid costly surprises.

Mandatory third-party liability insurance will cover damage caused to others, whether it’s an injury to a pedestrian or a collision with another vehicle. However, this coverage does not include damage to the rental vehicle or to the driver. That’s why opting for additional insurance is strongly recommended — it can save you from paying for repairs or a replacement vehicle. Moreover, some incidents may lead to expensive legal disputes. Choosing the right insurance plan based on your rental type and budget is key to driving stress-free.

What Insurance is Typically Included in Rental Agreements?

When you rent a vehicle with CarGo!, your contract includes the following standard protections:

• Mandatory third-party liability insurance, covering property damage and bodily injury caused to others in an accident

• 0 km roadside assistance in case of breakdowns, including towing or repairs

• Theft and fire coverage

While these are the legal minimums, they don’t protect you in cases where you're at fault or responsible for the damage. That’s why CarGo! offers up to three different insurance packages depending on the agency.

What Optional Coverage Can Strengthen Your Protection?

In addition to the standard coverage, CarGo! provides optional add-ons to enhance your protection in case of an incident:

• Partial or full excess (deductible) waiver: Reduces or removes the deductible you’d have to pay after an accident.

• Comprehensive coverage: Covers all damage to the rental vehicle, even if you're at fault.

• Driver insurance: Covers bodily injury sustained by the driver.

• Theft/loss of keys extension: Very useful if you lose or have your keys stolen.

• Tires, windows, and mirrors insurance: A useful extension to avoid unexpected costs, especially for things like tire punctures.

The cost of these options varies depending on the rental duration, vehicle type, and coverage limits. You can view details and prices in Step 4 of your online booking when choosing your options. A CarGo! advisor can also explain everything in person at the agency.

Are There Insurance Differences Depending on the Vehicle Type?

Choosing the right insurance also depends on the type of vehicle rented.
For standard passenger cars, basic coverage is generally sufficient — especially for city cars or short-term rentals. However, if you're going on a long journey or driving abroad, full coverage is highly recommended. It ensures you're protected in case of a breakdown or accident, with support and potentially a replacement vehicle.

For utility vehicles, often used for moving, the risk of scratches or impacts is higher. In this case, it’s best to include deductible waiver and accessory protection in your insurance.

For recreational vehicles like campervans, 7-seater vans, or 9-seater minibuses, specialized extensions are preferable. These vehicles are more vulnerable to impacts and glass breakage. Choose a policy that covers both external and internal damage, including furniture and appliances inside the van.

How Do You Choose the Right Coverage?

Choosing the right rental insurance depends on various factors such as:

• How many kilometers will you drive?

• Are you comfortable driving larger vehicles like vans or minibuses?

• Would you be okay paying a high deductible in the event of an accident?

If you're unsure, a CarGo! advisor is available to help you select the best plan. You don’t always need to take every optional coverage — they should match your actual needs. For example, for a short round trip, the basic coverage is often sufficient. But for long journeys or professional use, full coverage and deductible waiver are highly recommended.

Why Is Rental Car Insurance Review So Important?

Reviewing your rental insurance is crucial. For example, if you hit a pole while driving a van, the deductible in your contract might cost you several hundred euros. However, with a partial waiver, that amount can be significantly reduced — or even eliminated.

Similarly, losing your keys without having chosen the appropriate coverage could result in a €200 to €400 charge. Without a glass-breakage option, repairing a broken window on a campervan could cost up to €500.

What Are the Common Pitfalls to Avoid?

To avoid unpleasant surprises:

• Always read the contract exclusions. Some policies exclude driving on unpaved roads or undeclared professional use.

• Don’t underestimate accessories like GPS devices or child seats — damage to them can be charged.

• Inspect the tires and windows before driving away. Any pre-existing damage not noted may be billed when you return the vehicle.

In Summary

Rental car insurance is essential to ensure peace of mind while on the road. The right coverage depends on your needs and your budget. That’s why CarGo! and its network of 450+ agencies offers tailored advice to help you choose the coverage best suited to your trip.