Besides rental fees, car hire companies require renters to get insurance for the rented vehicles. Renters have also become wiser by considering optional insurance coverages, like car hire excess. Before getting this Car hire excess insurance compare the options available. You may also benefit from learning a few things about excess insurance for rented cars.

What is car hire excess insurance?

Car hire excess insurance is an optional coverage that protects car owners from excess costs if a rental car is damaged or stolen. This type of insurance cover has recently gained a lot of popularity. However, many people still do not understand what it is all about. When you rent a car, it typically comes with basic insurance added to its price. The standard insurance is also known as a Collision Damage Waiver. This coverage protects you from paying the full cost for repairs or replacements if your rented car is stolen or damaged. However, the basic insurance coverage is subjected to an excess. The insurance company will only cover up to a specific amount of the repair or replacement costs. For instance, if your rented car gets into an accident and the repair costs amount to $2500, your basic insurance cover may not cover the entire amount. Depending on your basic insurance provider, the company may only cover up to a certain amount of the repair costs, like $1600. The remaining $900 is up to you to pay. This is where car hire excess coverage comes in. This coverage will cover the excess amount the basic insurance will not pay (in this case, $900). Therefore, you need not pay anything with excess insurance.

Car hire excess coverage FAQs

Since many renters are new to this insurance coverage, they still ask many questions. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this type of car insurance coverage;

Conclusion

Numerous companies are offering excess insurance for rented vehicles. When choosing the best option, there are a few elements to consider. For instance, always consider the cost of the extra coverage. You may also benefit from considering your travel destination. Driving a car on foreign roads with different rules than your locale is more dangerous. In such a case, excess coverage may be more necessary. The weather conditions in your destination may also matter. For frequent travelers, annual car hire excess insurance is recommended.

Have you been planning on exploring the United Kingdom during your free time? Why not explore it using a private car rental UK? This is one of the smartest choices that you can make. The country is renowned for its cultural landmarks and historic sites. Over the years, it has gained fame for its exemplary country charm, old manor houses, and eccentric cities. But if you are from the US or Australia where freeways are the norm, how do you go about learning the intricate car hire and UK road systems?
Well, you are in the right place as uk.getaround.com has got you covered. Whether looking for information on how to lease a car or learn about the local age limits, you should find everything you want to know here.

What Are Your Private Car Hire Options as an International Visitor?

Driving on new roads is one thing, but driving on the other side, as opposed to what you are used to at home is something else altogether. Leasing a car in the UK means that you have to get accustomed to driving on the left side, and not the right as you are used to. This is likely to be a bit confusing for you at the beginning, especially given that the driver’s seat is located on the right-hand side. Before you land, you may want to scour YouTube in search of videos that can at least give you a clue on what to expect.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age restrictions for private car rental tend to vary from company to company and will normally be between the ages of 17 and 25. Drivers under the age of 25 years can expect to incur some hefty surcharges.
It’s also important to note that there are rules governing older drivers as well, and this will also vary based on the company you are dealing with. The insurance companies that have insured the rental vehicles get to set the maximum and minimum age limits.
The maximum age limits can vary between seventy to eighty years.

Transmission Type

When dealing with car sharing UK, you should note that standard transmission is the most common. Even though it’s not impossible to find an automatic transmission, it will usually cost much more money than the standard transmission.
For drivers who aren’t accustomed to driving standard transmissions, it may be ideal to consider paying more for the automatic transmission. It’s the safest way to ensure that you will not endure additional stress when on the road.
It’s also the simplest way to make sure that you will not get into unnecessary accidents.

Leasing a Car Without Insurance

Insurance is not just an option. As is the case with any other peer to peer car rental services, car insurance in the UK tends to be on the higher side. And regardless of the coverage option you choose, chances are that you will not be covered in case any damage occurs due to a breach of the vehicle lease agreement or due to misuse of the vehicle. Breach of contract will include using the wrong fuel in the vehicle. Make sure that you are conversant with terminologies such as TPC (Third Party Cover), Excess Insurance, Vehicle Theft Cover, and Vehicle Damage Cover. All these are types of insurance policies.

The scrapping premium was introduced to promote the sale of environmentally friendly vehicles. This helps to protect the environment by limiting CO2 emissions. This bonus is granted by the State. However, to obtain it, motorists must comply with certain clauses and procedures.

The scrapping bonus, an operating principle

The scrappage bonus is a reward dedicated to people with new vehicles that emit low levels of carbon dioxide. The owner obtains the premium according to a scale previously fixed at the time of purchase of the car or when it is rented. In the second case, he must rent it for at least 2 years.

To obtain this bonus, the motorist must abandon his old car that emits more CO2 and buy a new clean vehicle. Thus, the old vehicle must be destroyed. Second-hand cars with Crit’Air stickers from 0 to 2 and emitting less CO2 are also eligible for the scrapping premium.

News on the scrapping bonus for 2019

A decree on the 2019 scrapping bonus was made official on 28 December 2018. It recommends the conditions of eligibility for this bonus. These clauses concern both the vehicle and the owner. First, the new car purchased must emit less than 122g/km of CO2. In addition, it is no longer possible for legal entities and taxable households to benefit from the scrapping premium when purchasing a vehicle with a Crit’Air 2 sticker, i.e. when purchasing a diesel car. For new vehicles ordered before 1 January 2019, there is a 3-month transition period between the 2018 and 2019 scales. The buyer benefits from the most advantageous system under the clause that the invoice has been received within the first 3 months.

Vehicles concerned by the scrapping premium

Apart from petrol and diesel cars, new or rechargeable electric vehicles, second-hand electric or rechargeable hybrid cars and new electric motorcycles may be eligible for the scrapping premium. The amount of the bonus varies, however, depending on the household income. To have a bonus doubled in 2019, the household must have a maximum reference tax income of €6,300 per share. Please note that the application for the scrapping bonus can be made online or by mail to the government department.

Buying a car with the old vehicle back is an easy way to get a new one by making sure the old one is taken back. In order to briefly understand how these professionals work, there will be an explanation of the benefits of buying a used car. However, it is possible to negotiate with the professional in order to provide more benefits with respect to the contract.

What you need to know about buying a car with a trade-in

In general, a person changes his car every 3 to 5 years, hence the need for a new car purchase with the return of the old vehicle. Before starting a process, it is important to have some knowledge of the subject. First, there is an assessment of the value of the car. This value is estimated based on the Argus rating. An inspection will be carried out inside and outside the vehicle. The regularity of the interviews will be considered. The price will also depend on the kilometres travelled by the vehicle. It should be noted that it is possible for you to make a dry return and a return with purchase. The latter involves a take-back under the condition of purchase. In general, there is a discount on the price of the new car.

How to assess the profitability of buying a car with a trade-in?

Opting for a purchase with a trade-in is a very practical solution because there is the possibility of saving time. Indeed, the takeover and purchase are done at the same time with only one contract to sign. All administrative procedures will be handled by the professional or the concessionaire. Above all, it is a safe and fraud-free method. The takeover will be done with a professional, risks between individuals will be banned. It is a fair transaction between the parties involved.

The advantages of buying a vehicle with a trade-in of the old one

You don’t waste time taking back your vehicle. Indeed, the car will be taken back within a period of about 24 hours. If the vehicle breaks down, the removal of the car will be insured by the professional. There is no longer any need for roadworthiness tests and the formalities are simplified. In addition, the consideration of the assignment is guaranteed in advance. For the takeover, you no longer need to wait for the customer’s visit to ensure your resale.

The acquisition of a car must be a carefully considered investment, the buyer must consider several parameters. Among these parameters, the choice of the seller is one of the most important. Choosing between an agent and a concessionaire can be difficult; these two entities, although working in the same field, have major differences.

Vehicle prices differ

The car agent is an intermediary who buys new cars in large quantities from dealers, obtaining a certain discount. Buying a new car from an authorised car dealer is cheaper than buying a new car from a dealer. The slogan of the agents is often focused on this more attractive financial aspect, with discounts of up to 20% of the dealer price, while the price of a new car at the dealer is close to the ex-factory price and includes some additional costs such as taxes and transport costs. Finally, you will need to bring a large sum of money, but also know how to negotiate with the sales representatives so as not to ruin yourself too much.

The parameters and appearance of the car

The agent proposes cars already configured: replaced engines, few choices of colours, changes made to certain parts. Although the car is new, the parts are not necessarily original parts. The customer can place an order by specifying these specifications, but the price will increase, while the dealer offers a multitude of choices for colours, engine and vehicle configurations. In addition, dealers are often manufacturers and sellers or exclusive partners of the manufacturer. The cars sold there are original brands.

After-sales services

Car representatives are often criticized for these services, for example: the customer does not have the right to test the car he wants to buy. The after-sales service remains rather vague with short-term guarantees, no coverage in case of car failure and many other inconveniences, while the dealer offers a guarantee of about 5 years, a possibility of returning and replacing the car in case of failure on the model. The dealer’s garage will take care of visits and repairs throughout the warranty period, and the car representative remains an interesting choice if he has a clear idea of the car to be purchased and its specifications. The concessionaire remains a wise choice for lay people if he is willing to spend a relatively large amount.

Faced with a multitude of choices in terms of mobility solutions, carsharing is gradually gaining notoriety among French customers. This new system of car rental between private individuals or not has many advantages. Car-sharing rental is more convenient, less expensive and less polluting than other services. But how do you rent a car-sharing car?

What is car-sharing?

Car-sharing is a rental system that allows people who need to drive occasionally to have a car without being the owner. More accessible with a very low cost per kilometre, the principle is simple. All you must do is locate the self-service car parked nearby via a mobile app, reserve it when you need it and leave it in a car park when you no longer use it. Other carsharers may use the vehicle the rest of the time. Unlike other offers, subscribers to this service no longer worry about insurance, maintenance or even parking the car. Everything is the responsibility of the company that offers the car-sharing service as in the case of the Drivy car-sharing platform.

How to rent a car-sharing car?

Self-service car-sharing cars are generally accessible via telephone applications. So, all you have to do is find an online car-sharing company based on your location and the type of vehicle you need. If you can find some, register. Registration may be free or for a fee depending on the company. You may pay an additional amount such as the coverage amount and monthly subscription in addition to the registration amount depending on the company. You will obtain a magnetic badge as soon as possible that will allow you to access your car. A badge that will also allow you to open and generally start the car.

What is the advantage of renting a car-sharing car?

This system is more economical for users since they free themselves from the costs related to the purchase of a vehicle and no longer must worry about maintenance, insurance, fuel, parking… Renting a car-sharing car also allows them to maximize their trips. Self-service vehicles are for the most part car-sharing services that can be located via a mobile application. An app that allows you to book a car at any time, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, whenever you need it.

Don’t forget to always check the condition of the vehicle and the validity of its card. In order to avoid any risk of accident, it is useful to report any problems that may have occurred during your trip. At the end of each month, you will receive an invoice indicating your mileage, the duration of the rental and the amount to be paid.

Long Term Leasing or LLD is a contract by which an individual or company rents a car without a buy-back option. This formula allows the tenant to use the vehicle for a long period of time while managing his budget as well as possible. It is very suitable for those who tend to change cars from time to time.

In concrete terms, what is LWB?

The LLD is a car rental contract offered to individuals and companies. In return for the use of the vehicle, the lessee pays monthly payments to the lessor. According to the terms of the LLD long-term car rental contract, the rental period varies from 1 to 5 years. Unlike Lease with Option to Purchase (LOA), LLD does not allow the lessee to purchase the car at the end of the agreement. This leasing offers many advantages for private individuals. Indeed, they have the privilege of having a vehicle even if their budget is lower.

The calculation of monthly rents in LLD

The monthly payments to be paid during the term of the LLD contract are fixed. Several elements are considered in the calculation of rents, namely the new price of the vehicle, the residual value of the car at the end of the contract, the rental period, the mileage during the rental period and the services offered by the lessor. Other parameters such as the make and model of the vehicle can also be considered.

Additional services offered by funding agencies include car insurance, alternative vehicle insurance in the event of a breakdown and car maintenance. At the end of the contract, the lessee gives the car back to the lessor.

Information to know before subscribing to a LLD contract

Although LLD is an alternative to buying a car in case of a limited budget, certain conditions must be met to subscribe to this contract. This relates to mileage. Indeed, the latter is fixed and fixed in advance in the terms of the agreement. If the tenant exceeds the previously indicated mileage, he will have to pay penalties.

In addition, some LLD contracts do not provide for a contribution. However, depending on the valuation made by the lessor at the beginning of the agreement, the lessee may make a security deposit. This guarantee will be returned to him at the end of the contract. At the end of the agreement, the tenant can submit to a new LTA as many times as he wishes.

Apart from rental agencies, there is also another way to rent a car. The car rental system between private individuals is a cost-effective way for both the tenant and the owner. It is an effective solution to save money or earn money.

Specialized car rental sites for private individuals: a modern intermediary

Car rental between individuals becomes possible thanks to intermediaries who facilitate the meeting between tenants and owners. There are specialized sites to rent your car to individuals, each of them has its own organization to make the cars available to tenants. Some sites use a box that will be installed at the edge of the car to reserve, locate, control and unlock the car.

Operation of sites specialized in car rental between private individuals

To rent your car, you just must choose a platform specialized in car rental between individuals. In general, the site requires a description of the vehicle and the days of availability to rent it. After the contract is established on site, the box will be installed in your car to open and close the car doors and track it remotely. If a person wishes to book your car, you will be notified by message or email. You have a minimum time, depending on the site, to refuse or accept this request. When you accept the rental, the tenant will make the payment in advance. Both parties have the right to renounce the lease at any time.

Car insurance to avoid risks in the event of vehicle rental

The rental site must verify the identity of all tenants and establish a rental contract to ensure the safety of the vehicle. Renting your car can be risky, because you deliver your car to a stranger. It is possible that the person who will book the car will commit a traffic violation, an accident, or even a theft. Therefore the sites include a specific car insurance policy for car rental in the rental contract, which will be the responsibility of the tenant. This insurance therefore replaces that of the owner.

If you wish to rent a car, it is essential to read the insurance contract carefully. Of course, your insurance certificate is valid in the event of a police officer examination, but what is also important to know is your insurance in the event of an accident.

Car rental on specialized sites: automatic specific insurance

Renting a car is done either through a rental agency or via sites specialized in renting between individuals. Before making the rental, it is necessary to check the insurance contract established either with the rental professionals or with the rental site. It is important to know what guarantees you have. In general, the rental services offer with the rental contract a comprehensive insurance policy that covers civil liability and all material damage caused to the car in the event of a claim. The lessee must pay for some or all of the repairs to the car in the event of an at-fault accident in accordance with the terms of the contract. The owner is also protected by this specific insurance contract, he does not lose his bonus and he does not have to pay a deductible in the event of an accident even if the tenant is at fault, this is the case of Drivy insurance coverage. Opt for such automatic insurance for more peace of mind on the road.

Personal car insurance: a minimum coverage

Car rental between individuals is also subject to mandatory insurance. If you have decided to rent your car without going through an intermediary, be aware that the rental is different from the vehicle loan. For the latter, drivers should be members of the family or close friends. In general, traditional car insurance does not cover commercial trips such as rentals. Thus, in the event of an accident caused by the tenant, the responsibility will be with the owner. Check your insurance contract with your insurance company and add this option if necessary, to adapt the contract if it is feasible since some insurers do not have this coverage.

The essential guarantees when renting a car

The procedures for reporting a claim are different for a rental through a contact platform and for a rental without an intermediary. So, depending on your case, you will contact either the rental site or the owner of the car respectively. In both cases, the contract must contain the vehicle damage coverages and the bodily injury coverages for all drivers to be reimbursed if the tenant is at fault.

You are about to move, and you want to rent a van that will transport your belongings to your new address. But among the different types of trucks and the available storage volumes, you don’t know which one to choose. From 10m3, 40m3 to 100m3, how do you know which vehicle and volume will meet your needs?

Calculate your moving volume: the bulkiest furniture

To calculate his moving volume, you must first know the volume of the house or room. Then, it is advisable to sort and make a list of the furniture and boxes to be moved.

Some furniture can be dismantled. Others must be transported as is, or with additional protection. Here are some typical examples. An armchair, a double sofa or a corner sofa occupy 0.80m3, 1.30m3 and 2.50m3 respectively. A single bed with 2 places makes between 0.70m3 and 1.20m3. A bedside table is 0.1m3, a table 0.7m3, and a wardrobe 1.5m3. A washing machine, dishwasher or gas cooker occupies about 0.30 m3, compared to 0.5 to 1.15m3 for a refrigerator, and 0.90m3 for a TV cabinet.

Calculate your volume of boxes to move

On the day of the event, the movers will come to transport your furniture, but also suitcases and boxes. In the latter, there may be fragile objects that need an additional protective layer. Cardboard boxes and their protective packaging also take up space. It is advisable to add a margin to obtain the approximate moving volume. The volume of 10 standard boxes of 50 x 40 x 35 cm is 1 m3. For 10 boxes of books (35 x 28 x 30 cm each), you will have about 0.5 m3.

Calculate your moving volume to choose the right utility

Moving trucks vary from 10m3 to 100m3. It is important to choose the right volume for your needs to limit your rental expenses. After dismantling your furniture if possible and packing the rest of your belongings, take the time to calculate the volume of the move according to the tips above. For a small volume, you can opt for a van. However, if the volume of business to be moved is large, a large truck is essential. Some are equipped with a lift or tailgate to facilitate loading and unloading, especially for upstairs housing.

Plan du site