Car Hire Excess Insurance for Turkey

Exploring Turkey by car is an incredibly popular and cost-effective way to see more of this phenomenal country at your own pace. The roads are generally straightforward to navigate, and driving gives you the freedom to uncover hidden gems off the usual tourist track. That said, one thing that can catch travellers off guard is the steep car hire excess. In Turkey, rental agreements often come with basic insurance but leave you exposed to a high excess; typically anywhere from €1,000 to €2,500 if the car is damaged or stolen.

Even small, common issues can come with a surprisingly big price tag. A scratched door might cost you €250, a punctured tyre €300, and a cracked windscreen could be €750. These incidents can happen to the best of drivers, and they’re not always your fault — but they can still result in an incredibly expensive bill.

This is where Car Hire Excess Insurance proves to be a phenomenal safeguard. Getting your excess cover from an independent provider like Gigasure is not only far cheaper than buying the rental company’s own insurance, but also comes with stronger protection. Car hire desks in Turkey are known to push their “super CDW” and waiver products, but these often cost two to three times more and may not even include full coverage. Opting for Gigasure means you skip the upsell at the counter so common in touristic locations.

Yes, it really is a smart move. When you’re hiring a car in Turkey, you’re also taking on the risk of a pretty steep excess fee if something goes wrong — and that can make even a tiny scrape a very expensive problem. That’s why excess insurance is such a good idea. It takes the financial sting out of those unexpected mishaps.

What’s great is that standalone excess cover doesn’t cost much at all. Daily policies often come in at just a few Turkish Lira — or even less with an annual plan — which is a drop in the ocean compared to the potential 30,000 TRY you might be charged if the car is damaged. And while hire companies do offer their own waivers, they’re usually far more expensive, sometimes over 450 TRY per day. That adds up quickly and doesn’t always offer full protection.

In truth: driving in a different country, on roads you’re not used to, always comes with a bit of risk. Having proper cover in place means you can hit the road with confidence, knowing you won’t be left out of pocket if something goes wrong.

To hire a car in Turkey, you’ll need a valid driving licence (held for at least two years) and International Driving Permit may also be required. Most rental companies ask for a credit card in the main driver’s name to cover the security deposit, along with a passport or national ID for identification. You typically need to be at least 21 years old, though drivers under 25 may face additional fees. Basic insurance is usually included, but it often comes with a high excess — that’s where Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance can help by covering those extra costs and giving you some much-needed peace of mind. Always check with your rental provider, as specific requirements may vary. We recommend doing this well in advance of your journey, so you can be prepared for any unexpected requirements.

In Turkey, the excess on rental cars usually falls between 30,000 and 75,000 Turkish Lira, depending on the rental company, the type of vehicle, and the specific terms of your rental agreement. Most car hire contracts in Turkey come with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included, which helps limit your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen but it doesn’t completely remove it. The excess is the amount you’d still need to pay out of your own pocket if something happens, even when the incident isn’t your fault. This can be quite a burden without Car Hire Excess Insurance.

That means even small scratches, dents, or chips in the windscreen could cost you hundreds or even thousands of lira. Rental companies often try to sell you a “Super CDW” or extra insurance at the counter to reduce this excess, but these add-ons can be costly, usually an extra 300 to 900 TRY per day. While it might seem easier to say yes on the spot, these options rarely do your wallet any favors.

To avoid these high charges and keep your trip worry-free, many travelers turn to independent Car Hire Excess Insurance providers like Gigasure. This gives you a much more affordable way to cover any excess costs if damage or theft occurs, so you can drive Turkey’s amazing roads with true peace of mind.

While travel insurance isn’t technically a legal requirement for visiting Turkey, it’s strongly advised for anyone heading to this exciting country. Turkey offers reliable healthcare services, but without insurance, medical care can become a rather costly expense for tourists. That’s where Gigasure’s Travel Insurance comes in; it provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage delays or losses, and other unforeseen situations that could otherwise result in unexpected expenses.

 

If you’re thinking about renting a car during your trip, Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance is also worth considering. It shields you from having to pay hefty excess charges if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.

With Gigasure, you can travel with greater confidence, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, sampling the delicious local cuisine, or relaxing on the coast, having the right insurance means you can fully enjoy your Turkish adventure — and avoid financial surprises if things don’t go according to plan. Better to be prepared and ready than in a costly situation that can potentially ruin your trip.