Car Hire Excess Insurance for Italy

When you rent a car in Italy, the price usually includes basic insurance like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. But here’s the catch: these come with an excess, which means you’re still on the hook for a chunk of the cost — often €800 to €1,800, if the car gets damaged or stolen.

Legally, you’re not required to buy any extra cover. But without it, you’d have to pay that excess yourself if something goes wrong. Rental companies may offer their own version of “super” CDW to reduce your liability, but it tends to be pricey.

It all depends on whether something goes wrong during your rental. The excess (also known as the deductible) is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket if the car is stolen, damaged, or written off. This amount is clearly stated in your rental agreement and is usually “held” on your credit card at the time of pickup.

If the rental period goes smoothly and you return the car in perfect condition, the rental company simply releases that hold — no charge, no stress. But if there’s an issue, like a scratch, dent, broken mirror, cracked windshield, or anything more serious: the rental company can charge you up to that full excess amount, even if the damage wasn’t technically your fault.

This is exactly where Car Hire Excess Insurance comes in. It’s designed to cover those unexpected costs, so you’re not left footing a surprise €1,000 bill over a parking scrape or minor accident. It gives you extra peace of mind and protection against the kind of stuff that’s hard to predict when you’re travelling, from unpredictable weather to tight alleyways and enthusiastic scooter drivers. Basically, it’s your safety net for the “just in case” moments.

Excess amounts in Italy vary depending on the rental company and the type of car you hire. On average, it ranges between €800 and €1,800, though premium cars or vans can carry an excess of over €2,000. Economy models typically sit around the €900–€1,200 mark. You’ll usually find the exact figure in the rental terms and conditions when booking, so make sure to check carefully. The rental company will place that amount on hold via your credit card, and if something happens, you’ll be charged up to that limit.

Adding an extra driver in Italy typically comes with a fee and budget is no exception. Expect to pay around €7 to €11 per day, though some locations cap the total cost for longer rentals.

The good news? With Gigasure, all named drivers on your rental agreement are covered under the same policy, for up to 9 people. That means no extra charge from us per driver. Just remember: the car hire company will still apply their own per-driver fee, so factor that into your budget.

If you're travelling to Italy, travel insurance is a smart companion — especially if you’re hiring a car. While Car Hire Excess Insurance protects you from rental-related costs, travel insurance covers things like medical emergencies, cancellations, delayed flights, and lost baggage.

Basically, it adds a broader layer of peace of mind while you're exploring gelato shops and winding coastal roads. Having both policies means you're covered from more angles, so you can focus on the fun stuff. Enjoying all the gorgeous cultural marvels in Italy is a lot easier when you know you have a reliable policy that covers you where it matters.