Car Rental sales trick

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
I have rented cars all over Europe and never come across this before.
We all know these firms have you over on “excess” insurance cover, so like many I have an annual policy to cover this.
But when I arrived in Geneva I was told the car would only be covered THIRD PARTY they then went on to try and sell me comprehensive cover and excess insurance.
The car was a top end VW SUV so no one in their right would take it third party and to be honest Sixt rental are mad to allow it.
Felt like a right con trick to me and after a decent haggle I got a discount that kept me in the car, but I am not happy. To be fair when I go back to the booking it does say third party - but even so.........
Anyone else had this ?
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
I rent every week and I have done for three years now. However it is via a corporate scheme and we have our own insurance.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
Renting cars regularly for my work around Europe I always take out the full insurance.
Zero hassle taking the car back and I invoice it to the company.
Can't see why it just can't be in the charges from the start.
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Try the annual policy at icarhireinsurance it works out much cheaper and you are all covered
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
Never come across third party only and am quiet shocked at it coming from one of the big players like Sixt.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
I crashed in a hired Seat Ibiza yesterday, in Ibiza (I kid you not). A stoned bloke in a van hit us from behind while we were stationary, waiting to take a side turning. The insurance was comprehensive, but the excess was £1200 paid up front. I imgine there may be a battle getting this payment back, even though the crash was not our fault. Time will tell.

BTW, the car is the worst I’ve ever driven. Many of the hills/slopes around the Ibizan beaches have to be taken in first gear, as it’s so low on torque and power, second can’t do it. Woeful.
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
Never come across third party only and am quiet shocked at it coming from one of the big players like Sixt.
That is exactly the cover I have but it covers the “excess” on a comprehensive policy.
In this instance I was offered Third Party cover only unless I upgraded.
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
Your annual excess policy shoukd cover this and psy up once you are back in UK and submit a clsim.
Excess over is exactly that “excess cover” in my case uk to £2000. it does not provide the comprehensive cover required in order to have an excess.
 
Messages
1,117
If you have an Annual Excess (Reinbursement) Policy up to £2000, why is it an issue to recover the £1200 excess that you had to pay on the rental car policy?