Renting a car: what additional cover should you get?

At a glance

While renting a car automatically includes third-party liability cover, some rental agencies offer additional cover. Which types are there?

Renting a car: the cover on offer

In Europe, renting a car automatically includes third-party liability insurance. You're therefore covered for material and bodily damage caused to third parties. However, be careful, as many rental companies apply a deductible, sometimes quite high, in the event of a claim.

What's more, additional cover can be taken out to cover other types of risk. This will of course add to the bill, but is meant to protect you. Here is the cover most commonly offered:

ALI (Additional Liability Insurance) & LIS (Liability Insurance Supplement): raises the third-party liability cover to a higher maximum amount.
CDW (Car Damage Waiver): comprehensive cover (all risks, collision damage waiver). This option increases cover (with a deductible) for damage caused to the rental car in an accident you're responsible for. In some cases, this cover is included automatically. Some assistance contracts (such as Redion's annual VIP assistance) include this cover.
Super CDW (SCDW): cover that provides comprehensive coverage with a lower deductible or no deductible.
LDW (Loss Damage Waiver): insurance that includes CDW cover plus coverage in case of theft or vandalism.
PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) or PI: insurance that provides compensation for passengers in case of injury or death.
TP (Theft Protection): insurance in case of theft.
TDP (Theft and Damage Protection): insurance in case of theft and material damage to the vehicle.
STP (Super TP): provides theft insurance with a low deductible or no deductible.
PEP (Personal Effects Protection) and PEC (Personal Effects Coverage): luggage insurance.
PERSPRO/CCP (Carefree Personal Protection): covers people and luggage as well as medical care in an emergency.
UMP (Uninsured Motorist Protection): additional insurance in case of injury and/or death caused by an uninsured third party or a hit-and-run offender.

Get informed before renting

The rental company is required to inform you about the additional cover included, the exclusions and the amount of the deductibles, as well as any option to buy them down. Ask them for explanations, this will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a dispute.