If you’ve ever hired a car and worried about the excess, you’re not alone. But what happens if you get into an accident and it wasn’t your fault? Does the excess still fall on your shoulders? It’s a question that trips up many drivers, so in this blog we will break it down in a straightforward way. While thinking about potential car accidents isn’t pleasant, it’s important to think about these things beforehand so if they do happen, you know what to do.
We’ll cover what car hire excess actually means, who is responsible for paying it when you’re not at fault in a car accident and how Car Hire Excess Insurance can protect you from unexpected costs. Plus, we’ll explain how Gigasure’s cover steps in to make things simpler and, ultimately, more seamless.
What is Car Hire Excess?
When you rent a car, the rental company usually sets an excess amount. Think of it as a security buffer: it is the most amount of money you’d have to pay if the vehicle is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident during your rental period.
Excess amounts can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand pounds. It might also be useful to think of it as being like a deposit, but instead of paying cash up front, the rental company typically places a hold on your credit card. If something goes wrong, you’re liable for the excess. This can be a hefty sum, which is why many people buy car hire excess insurance, which reimburses them if they must pay the excess fee. This can give you some much-needed peace of mind, as you know this hefty fee will be covered if need be. You can’t necessarily prevent accidents from happening, but you can prevent yourself from having to dip into a lot of money.
What Happens if the Crash or Damage Wasn’t Your Fault?
You might expect that if the accident wasn’t your fault, you wouldn’t need to pay anything. This is a common belief amongst many people. Unfortunately, the reality can be a little more complicated than that.
If another driver caused the crash, the rental company will usually still ask you to pay the excess upfront. This is because they need to process the claim and recover their losses. It’s a way to protect themselves and keep their operations running smoothly. This might seem unfair but luckily, it doesn’t actually mean you’re stuck with the cost. After you pay the excess, you can seek reimbursement from the at-fault party or their insurer. This process can take time, so it’s important to be patient.
It is also important to highlight that not every claim is the result of a crash. In fact, most of the claims made to insurers aren’t dramatic collisions with other vehicles: they’re everyday mishaps. Things like scraped bumpers from misjudging a tight car park, cracked wing mirrors from clipping a post, or damage from hitting a kerb while reversing. Sometimes it’s a case of bad luck, like finding a dent or scratch on the car after it’s been parked overnight. Other times, it is simple human error, like a moment of distraction or unfamiliarity with a bigger vehicle.
These kinds of incidents might seem minor at the time, but they can still lead to major costs. Rental companies often charge excess fees even for small amounts of damage, and those bills can quickly add up.
Why Does the Rental Company Charge the Excess Even if It’s Not Your Fault?
The excess system exists to reduce the rental company’s risk and encourage customers to be careful with the cars. It also speeds up the rental return process because the company doesn’t have to wait for insurance claims to settle before closing your contract.
So, whether the crash was your fault or not, the rental company’s standard practice is to charge the excess as a precaution.
How Can Car Hire Excess Insurance Help When You’re Not at Fault?
Car hire excess insurance is a separate policy you buy to cover the excess amount. When you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, excess insurance can:
- Reimburse the excess you paid upfront
- Cover damage that the other party’s insurer delays paying for
- Give you peace of mind that you won’t be left out of pocket
Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance is designed to be affordable and easy to use, especially for drivers who want straightforward protection without hidden clauses.
What if the Other Driver Won’t Pay?
One common worry is when the at-fault driver denies responsibility, or their insurer refuses to pay. In these cases, car hire excess insurance is your safety net. It means you don’t have to chase the other party or deal with legal hassle to get your money back.
As we mentioned earlier, however, most claims do not involve dramatic crashes or other drivers. In fact, most of the time, damage happens while the car is stationary or being driven by the hirer, like scraping a bumper on a tight corner, misjudging a parking space, or catching a mirror on a post. It’s surprisingly easy to rack up repair bills, even without another vehicle involved. For situations like these, car hire excess insurance is still incredibly useful. Whether the damage was your fault or just unlucky timing, you won’t be stuck footing the full repair bill.
Here’s how it works:
- You usually pay the excess upfront to the rental company — no matter how the damage happened
- If a third party caused it and admits fault, you can try to recover the cost from their insurer
- With car hire excess insurance, you can claim back what you paid, even for damage you caused
- It covers the most common scenarios — scrapes, dents, and accidents, big or small
Gigasure’s cover takes the pressure off you and lets you focus on enjoying your trip, not on paperwork.
Here’s a quick summary:
- You pay the excess to the rental company initially, regardless of fault
- You can claim the excess back from the at-fault driver or their insurer (this is their responsibility)
- If you have excess insurance, you can claim reimbursement from your insurer to cover what you paid upfront
- If the at-fault party refuses or delays payment, your excess insurance covers your costs
Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance: What’s Included?
When you choose Gigasure, you’re not just getting basic cover: you’re getting protection designed with drivers in mind. We know when you’re on the road, you want to have as much peace of mind as possible. Here’s what’s included:
- Covers damage to bodywork, tyres, roof, windscreen, and undercarriage. These important areas are often excluded in other policies, but not in ours.
- Up to £10,000 excess protection, so you’re not stuck with a huge bill you must foot yourself
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) available for rentals in the USA, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America — full protection with no excess or deductible, accepted worldwide
- Rental vehicle key replacement cover up to £500 included as standard
- Manage your policy and make claims easily through the Gigasure app, for a digital-first and easily accessible process
With Gigasure, you can hire cars anywhere in the world and drive with confidence, knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Final thoughts
Car hire excess can be confusing, especially when you’re involved in an accident that’s not your fault. The key thing to remember is that you’ll likely pay the excess upfront, but you don’t have to carry the cost yourself: Car Hire Excess Insurance like Gigasure’s makes sure you’re covered and reimbursed, so you can have the seamless and enjoyable car journey you deserve.
Pro Tips You Should Remember
- Always report the accident to the rental company and police if necessary
- Take photos and gather witness details
- Inform your excess insurer as soon as possible
- Keep all documents and receipts for claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between excess insurance and car hire excess insurance?
Yes, there is a small but important difference. "Excess insurance" is a broad term that covers the excess costs on many types of insurance policies. "Car hire excess insurance" is a specific type that applies only to rental vehicles. It’s designed to cover the excess you’d have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. So, while all car hire excess insurance is a form of excess insurance, not all excess insurance covers car rentals so make sure your policy is specifically for car hire.
Does car hire excess insurance cover theft?
Yes, car hire excess insurance typically covers theft in addition to accidental damage. If your rental vehicle is stolen or damaged due to theft-related incidents, it can help reimburse the excess amount you are liable to pay under the rental company’s insurance policy. However, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your specific policy, as coverage can vary depending on the provider and policy type.
Can I use car hire excess insurance for one trip only?
Yes, many providers, including Gigasure, offer flexible Car Hire Excess Insurance policies that can be tailored to your travel needs. If you're only planning to rent a vehicle for a single trip, you can purchase a short-term or single-trip excess insurance policy. These policies are ideal for occasional travellers and provide the same coverage benefits as annual plans, but for a limited duration, making them a convenient and affordable option.
Can I buy car hire excess insurance if I’m over 75?
It is possible to buy car hire excess insurance if you are over 75, although it can be a little more challenging. This is because many insurers have an age limit that unfortunately does not include drivers over 75. However, there are still many insurers, including Gigasure, who do offer policies for senior drivers. Be aware that age may still affect premiums or terms.
