Car hire CDW

[sammydeville]

Hi guys,


We have booked our holiday through Thomson which includes car hire but only includes third party insurance. It was £171 to take out the CDW insurance at the time of booking I decided not to take this out as it wasn't much more to hire the car direct with Alamo.

I have seen sites where you are able to buy the cover before you go for around £80, does anyone have any experience of using companies such as icarhireinsurance? I saw a website that mentioned not all car hire companies accept these policies so I don't want to waste my money if I will have to pay for CDW when we collect the car.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sam

 

[wilma-bride]

It is for precisely this reason that many people choose not to take the 'free' car that comes with a package/flydrive booking. Personally, I do think you need the cover (I certainly wouldn't want to be without it) but you are probably going to be better shopping around to see if you can find cheaper car hire elsewhere and just not take the car that comes with your package.

Alternatively, like you say, you can buy separate overseas car rental insurances but I have never done that so can't advise - sorry!

 

[wayneg]

A few problems with these policies.
You might have trouble on arrival, they should accept them but it could be hassle, some have reported $1500 being withheld on credit cards, OK if you have enough credit but if you have low credit it can be a problem.
If you have to claim, how does it work? do you pay for any damage(which can be $1,000's) then claim back in UK.

When I rent a car on holiday I want ease, yes it might cost more but even if I have a problem I want to hand the keys back, walk away and leave them all the hassle. A UK policy would bring it home with me.

 

[sammydeville]

Thanks for the advice guys