Why hire a car? 

Let's start with why you might want to hire a car for your trip: 

• Freedom to explore at your own pace 
• No reliance on public transport schedules 
• Access to off-the-beaten-path locations 
• Convenience with luggage and shopping 
• Perfect for family trips and group travel 
• Often more cost-effective than multiple taxis or tours 

At Gigasure, we believe in making your adventures stress-free, so you can focus on creating memories, not worrying about the details. Hiring a car while travelling gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, ensuring you don’t miss those hidden gems. But navigating car hire abroad can feel overwhelming with complex insurance jargon and confusing options. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Our guide will help you make sense of everything, from choosing the right cover to avoiding unnecessary extras, so you can hit the road with confidence. 

Finding the Right Car Hire Deal (2-3 months before travel) 

When to Book 

The earlier you book, the better! Here's why: 

• Access to the best rates (prices typically increase closer to travel dates) 
• Better vehicle selection 
• More time to compare prices and read reviews 
• Ability to take advantage of early booking discounts 
• Free cancellation options often available 

Choosing Your Vehicle 

Consider these factors when selecting your car: 

• Number of travellers and amount of luggage 
• Travelling with children 
• Driving conditions (city vs. countryside) 
• Parking situation at your destination 
• Fuel efficiency 
• Transmission type (manual is often standard in many countries) 
• Air conditioning
• Time of year and terrain at destination. 

Read the Small Print: Key Questions to Ask 

Before confirming your car hire, it’s essential to carefully read the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected costs. Here are some critical questions you should always ask: 

• Will I need a shuttle bus from the airport? 
  Off-airport car hire companies are often cheaper, but they can be inconvenient—especially if you’re arriving late with lots of luggage or tired children. Companies with on-site offices are typically more convenient, allowing you to get on the road faster. 
• Are there age-related surcharges? 
  Drivers over 70 or under 25 may face additional fees or restrictions, which aren’t always made clear when booking. Make sure to check if these apply to you, as they’re often hidden in the small print. 
• What’s the fuel policy? 
  Avoid "full-to-empty" deals, where you pay upfront for a full tank and are expected to return the car empty. It’s nearly impossible to return the car without unused fuel, meaning you’re paying for fuel you won’t use. A "full-to-full" policy is much more cost-effective. 
• Is my mileage limited? 
  Some car hire companies impose daily mileage limits, and if you exceed this, you could face hefty surcharges. Always check if there’s a mileage cap before booking. 
• Will I be charged extra for an additional driver? 
  If you plan to share the driving, factor in the cost of adding an extra driver. You could pay around £75 per week if you book this upfront, and even more, if you add them at the car hire car collection desk. However, some car hire car companies include additional drivers for free. 

By asking these questions and reading the small print carefully, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy a hassle-free car hire experience. 

Understanding Insurance Options (4-6 weeks before travel) 

Basic Insurance (Usually Included) 

Your car hire will typically come with: 

• Third-party liability (covers damage to other vehicles or third-party property) 
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - covers damage to the car hire vehicle 
• Theft Protection (TP) - covers car hire vehicle theft 

But watch out - these usually come with a high excess (sometimes called a deductible), anywhere starting from £500, but could go higher into the thousands! 

Additional Protection You Might Need 

1. Excess Insurance (Buy this 2-4 weeks before travel) 
• Covers your liability if something happens 
• Much cheaper when bought in advance online 
• Usually includes: 
  • Tire and windscreen damage 
  • Underbody damage 
  • Lost keys 
  • Misfuelling protection 
2. Personal Insurance 
• Check if your travel insurance already covers: 
  • Personal accidents 
  • Personal belongings 
  • Medical emergencies 

Gigasure Car Hire Excess Insurance 

At Gigasure, we’ve made car hire excess insurance simple and cost-effective, providing peace of mind at an affordable price. Here’s how we can help protect you from hefty excess charges: 

• Extensive cover: our policies cover parts not usually protected under your hire car agreement, such as tyres, windscreen, roof, and undercarriage. 
• Flexible policy type options: choose from Single Trip or Annual Multi-trip cover, depending on how often you travel and hire cars. 
• Worldwide protection: whether you're hiring a car in the UK, Europe, the USA, or elsewhere in the world, our policies ensure you're protected, with Collision and Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) included in our annual USA and Canada and Worldwide policies. 
• Additional Drivers included: our cover extends to you and up to 9 additional drivers named on the car hire car agreement, so there’s no need to worry about extra charges for sharing the driving. 
• Additional benefits: we include cover for misfuelling, vehicle key replacement, and being locked out of your vehicle, ensuring you're covered for common mishaps. 

By securing Gigasure Car Hire Excess Insurance, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected repair costs or expensive add-ons at the car hire desk. 

Essential Documents (Check 3-4 weeks before travel) 

Don’t Forget the Essentials 

You’ll need specific documents to hire a car abroad. Make sure you have them ready before you go. 

What you’ll need: 

• Driving Licence: You must carry your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving license with you. Check it’s valid before you travel and renew it online if it’s expired or about to expire. 
  • If your licence has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, apply for a new one before travelling. 
• Credit card in the main driver's name 
• International Driving Permit (IDP): In some countries, you might need an International Driving Permit. You can get this from PayPoint shops, and you may need one for each country you plan to visit. Always check before you travel. 
  • Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)? An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required to drive in certain countries. The type of IDP you need depends on the country you’re visiting, how long you’re staying, and the type of driving licence you hold. 

When you may need an IDP: 

• Europe: If you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK, you won’t need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. However, if you have a paper driving licence or one issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP in some EU countries. 
• Other Countries: Outside Europe, many countries require an IDP, and some may even require specific types of IDPs for longer stays or vehicle hire. 

Types of IDPs: There are three types of IDP – 1926, 1949, and 1968 – and the one you need depends on the country you’re visiting. Some countries may require more than one type of IDP if you’re travelling through multiple destinations. Always check the specific requirements for each country and consult the embassy if necessary. 

• Countries that require a 1949 IDP include Canada, Japan, and the USA (if you have a paper driving licence or are staying longer than 30 days). 
• Countries that require a 1968 IDP include Brazil, Armenia, and Vietnam. 
• Countries that require a 1926 IDP include Mexico and Somalia. 

Important Tips: 

• Make sure your IDP is valid in the country you’re visiting, especially if you’ve had it for a while. 
• If you’re hiring a car, check with your hire company to confirm if an IDP is necessary. 
• You can get an IDP from PayPoint retailers, and you may need more than one if you’re travelling to multiple countries. 

Exceptions: 

• For most European countries, no IDP is needed if you hold a valid UK photocard licence, but it’s always a good idea to check embassy advice before you travel. 
• If you're staying abroad for an extended period, you may need to exchange your UK licence for a local one. 

Full information for IDP requirements visit gov.uk 

• Booking confirmation 
• Insurance documentation 

Pre-Trip Preparation (1 week before travel) 

• Print all booking documents 
• Check local driving rules 
• Note emergency contact numbers 
• Research routes from the airport/pickup location 
• Check fuel locations near the drop-off point 

At the Car Hire Collection Desk: What to Expect (Day of pickup) 

The Pickup Process 

1. Documentation Check 
• They'll verify your license and ID 
• Credit card for deposit (must be in main driver's name) 
2. Common Extra Costs to Watch For 
• Additional drivers 
• Young driver surcharge (usually under 25) 
• Sat nav car hire 
• Child seats 
• Winter tyres (seasonal) 
3. Insurance Sales Pitch 
• You'll likely be offered additional insurance 
• If you've bought excess insurance in advance, politely decline 
• They might be persistent - stay firm! 

Vehicle Inspection 

Before driving away: 

Fuel Types and Policy 

Before you drive away, verify: 

1. Which Fuel Type to Use 
• Check that the fuel type clearly marked on the fuel cap 
• Common types: 
  • Unleaded/Petrol (usually green handle at the pump) 
  • Diesel (usually black or yellow handle) 
  • Premium fuel (not usually required unless specified) 
• If in doubt, ask car hire staff to mark it on your agreement 
• Write it down or take a photo of the fuel cap information 
• WARNING: Using the wrong fuel can cause expensive damage not covered by insurance 
2. Fuel Policies 
• Full-to-full (recommended): 
  • Car supplied with a full tank 
  • Return with a full tank 
  • Refuel within 5-10km of the return location 
  • Keep fuel receipt as proof 
• Full-to-empty: 
  • Pay for full tank upfront 
  • Return as empty as comfortable 
  • Usually more expensive 
  • Rarely economical unless you'll use the entire tank 
• Pay-for-what-you-use: 
  • Note exact fuel level at pickup 
  • Return with same level 
  • Take photo of the fuel gauge at the start and end 

Essential Vehicle Inspection (30 mins minimum) 

This step is CRUCIAL to avoid unfair charges. Don't rush it! 

1. Before You Start 
• Arrive with plenty of time (at least 30 mins before you plan to leave) 
• Use your phone or camera with time/date stamps 
• Good lighting is essential - if it's dark, ask to move the car 
• Have the car hire agreement ready to mark damages 
2. Exterior Documentation Take clear photos/videos of: 
• All four sides of the vehicle 
• Each corner at an angle (shows two sides at once) 
• All wheels and hubcaps 
• Wing mirrors 
• Roof 
• Front and rear bumpers 
• License plates 
• The windscreen and all windows 
• Any existing scratches, dents, or damage (no matter how small) 
• Take close-ups AND context shots of damage 
• Fuel gauge reading 
3. Interior Documentation Take clear photos/videos of: 
• Dashboard (including mileage) 
• All seats and floor mats 
• Boot/trunk space 
• Ceiling 
• Door panels 
• Any visible damage or stains 
• All technical equipment (sat nav, radio, etc.) 
4. Additional Checks 
• Test all lights (ask staff to help) 
• Check wipers and washer fluid 
• Verify spare tyre and tools presence 
• Test air conditioning 
• Check all power windows 
• Verify fuel type and level 
• Test all doors and locks 
5. Documentation Process 
• Mark ALL damage on the car hire agreement diagram 
• Have staff sign off on noted damage 
• Get a copy of the signed inspection form 
• Keep photos/videos for at least 3 months after car hire 
• Email important photos to yourself as backup 
• Consider taking a video walk-around while discussing the damage with staff 
6. Red Flags to Watch For 
• Staff rushing you through the inspection 
• Poor lighting conditions 
• Dirty vehicle making damage hard to spot 
• Resistance to noting minor damage 
• Pressure to move the vehicle before inspection complete 

Additional Pro Tips for Vehicle Inspection 

• Take more photos than you think you need 
• Light scratches show better at an angle 
• Don't forget to document high/low areas (roof/underneath) 
• If possible, inspect the car in daylight 
• Trust your instincts - if something seems off, document it 
• Keep time-stamped photos/videos for at least 3 months after car hire 
• Consider taking photos/videos when refuelling to prove the fuel type used 

Remember: The few minutes you spend thoroughly documenting the vehicle's condition at pickup can save you hours of hassle and potentially hundreds in disputed charges later. Never feel rushed or pressured during this process - it's your right to properly inspect the vehicle. 

Understanding Car Hire Terms 

Common Policies to Check 

1. Fuel Options 
• Full-to-full (most straightforward) 
• Full-to-empty (usually more expensive) 
• Pay-for-what-you-use 
2. Mileage Terms 
• Unlimited vs. limited mileage 
• Charges for exceeding limits 
• Cross-border restrictions 

Important Terms to Know 

Let's break down each type of insurance and whether you really need it: 

Essential Coverage (Usually Already Included) 

CDW/LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver) 

• What it is: Basic insurance covering vehicle damage 
• What it covers: Damage to your car hire car from collisions 
• Do you need it? Yes, but it's usually included 
• Watch out for: High excess (deductible) amounts 
• Pro tip: Buy separate excess insurance in advance to cover the deductible 

TP/THW (Theft Protection/Theft Waiver) 

• What it is: Coverage if the car is stolen 
• What it covers: Total loss due to theft 
• Do you need it? Yes, but usually included 
• Watch out for: May not cover personal items 
• Pro tip: Check your travel insurance for personal item coverage 

Additional Coverage Options 

Q: "The car hire company is pushing these extras - are they worth it?" 

SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) 

• What it is: Reduces or eliminates your excess/deductible 
• Worth it? No - buy excess insurance separately before travel 
• Cost comparison: £15-20/day vs £40-50 for entire trip 
• Pro tip: Book excess insurance online 2-4 weeks before travel 

STP (Super Theft Protection) 

• What it is: Enhanced theft coverage with lower excess 
• Worth it? No - regular TP plus separate excess insurance is sufficient 
• Why? Same reason as SCDW - much cheaper to buy separately 

Q: "What about personal insurance options - do I need these?" 

PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) 

• What it covers: Medical costs for you and passengers 
• Do you need it? Check your travel insurance first 
• Usually covered by: Standard travel insurance policies 
• Pro tip: Almost never worth buying at the car hire desk 

PEP/PEC (Personal Effects Protection/Coverage) 

• What it covers: Your belongings in the car 
• Do you need it? Rarely 
• Why not? Usually covered by: 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Home contents insurance 
  • Credit card benefits 

PERSPRO/CCP (Carefree Personal Protection) 

• What it is: Combined personal accident and effects coverage 
• Worth it? No - typically overpriced bundle 
• Better alternative: Comprehensive travel insurance 

Q: "What about liability insurance?" 

ALI/LIS (Additional Liability Insurance/Supplement) 

• What it covers: Extra third-party liability coverage 
• When you need it: 
  • In countries with high litigation risks (e.g., USA) 
  • If base coverage is low 
• Pro tip: Check the basic coverage limits first 

UMP (Uninsured Motorist Protection) 

• What it covers: Damage/injury caused by uninsured drivers 
• Worth considering in: Countries with high rates of uninsured drivers 
• Usually needed in: USA, Mexico 
• Pro tip: Check if included in basic coverage 

Q: "How do I avoid paying twice for the same coverage?" 

Create your insurance checklist: 

1. List what's already covered by: 
• Your travel insurance 
• Credit card benefits 
• Personal car insurance 
2. Identify gaps in coverage 
3. Buy only what you need: 
• Standalone excess insurance (always recommended) 
• Any specific coverage for your destination 
• Additional liability if required 

Remember: 

• Never feel pressured at the car hire desk 
• Most additional insurance products sold at the counter are overpriced 
• Booking insurance in advance can save up to 80% 
• Keep all insurance documents easily accessible 
• Take photos of all insurance paperwork 

Pro tip: Create a simple table of your coverage before travel to avoid duplicate insurance and confidently decline expensive extras at the car hire desk. 

During Your Car Hire 

Keep handy: 

• The car hire company's emergency number 
• Local emergency services 
• Insurance contact details 
• Fuel receipt(s) 
• Parking tickets/receipts 

Driving Abroad – Key Considerations 

Driving abroad is different from driving in the UK, so it’s important to know the rules. 

Things to check: 

• Speed Limits: Research the speed limits in the country you’re visiting, as they can vary widely. 
• Alcohol Limits: Many countries have stricter drink-driving limits than the UK, and some have zero tolerance. 
• Local Equipment Rules: Some countries require extra equipment, such as reflective jackets and warning triangles. In certain European cities, you may also need emission stickers. 
• Headlight Converters: These may be required to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. 

Returning Your Hired Car (Before drop-off) 

Before Return 

• Fill up fuel (keep receipt) 
• Remove all personal items 
• Allow time for inspection 
• Clean the interior 

At Drop-off 

• Get there during business hours if possible 
• Take final photos/videos 
• Get a signed return receipt 
• Keep all documents for at least 3 months 

If Things Go Wrong 

Common Issues 

• Breakdown? Contact the car hire company first 
• Accident? Document everything 
• Damage? Report immediately 
• Theft? Get police report 

Making Claims 

• Document all incidents 
• Keep all receipts 
• Take photos 
• Contact your excess insurance provider promptly 

Top Tips for a Smooth Car Hire 

1. Book early for best rates (2-3 months ahead) 
2. Buy excess insurance in advance (2-4 weeks before) 
3. Take photos of everything 
4. Read the contract before signing 
5. Keep all documentation 
6. Check local driving rules 
7. Know who to contact in emergencies 

Remember: A little preparation goes a long way. Don't rush the pickup process, and always ask questions if you're unsure about anything. Happy driving! 

At Gigasure, we’re all about making your car hire experience as smooth as possible. By following these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free adventure, knowing you’re in control of your journey from start to finish. Safe travels!  

To find out more about Gigasure, our products and the overall insurance experience, please visit gigasure.com/car-hire-excess.