When renting a car, insurance is one of the key factors that most affects the total rental cost. It is mandatory, and compared to private vehicle insurance, it has several specific differences.
In this article, we’ll provide all the essential information and practical advice to help you choose the most suitable insurance coverage for your car rental.

What are the mandatory insurances for car rental?

In almost all European countries, car rental insurance includes three basic types of coverage, which can vary depending on local laws and the customer’s specific needs. These are: Third-Party Liability (TP), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW).
It’s important to note that the insurance coverage is valid only if all terms and conditions of the rental agreement are met.
Let’s take a closer look at the main types of car hire insurance coverage.

Third-Party Liability – TP (Third-Party Liability Coverage)

The Third-Party Liability insurance covers damage to people or property caused while driving the rental vehicle. It does not cover damage to the rented car itself but protects you against external damages, such as injuries to pedestrians or damage to another person’s property.

Collision Damage Waiver – CDW

This type of coverage protects against damage to the rental vehicle, but it only applies to specific parts of the car, usually the bodywork. It includes a maximum financial limit (the excess) that the renter must pay in case of damage or accident.

Before taking possession of the vehicle, it is always advisable to inspect the car for any existing damages and report them to the rental company.
The Collision Damage Waiver is also known as “car hire excess insurance” or “kasko” in some countries.

Loss Damage Waiver – LDW

The Loss Damage Waiver covers costs in case of theft or attempted theft of the rental car. As with CDW, this insurance type also includes a maximum limit (excess) that the customer is responsible for paying if the vehicle is stolen.

Ellepi’s insurance options

At Ellepi Rental, all rates include:

  • Third-Party Liability (RCA) with the maximum limit set by the insurance policy;
  • Limited liability for damage and theft, within the specified excess amounts.

Excluded from the standard rate are: the partial or total removal of the excess for damage or theft, fines, driver’s personal accident coverage, and any optional clauses offered by Ellepi, such as Car Protection and Car Protection Plus.

With the Car Protection option, Ellepi allows you to reduce the maximum chargeable amount in case of damage, theft, or fire. In essence, this option lowers the customer’s financial liability.

With Car Protection Plus, you can completely eliminate the excess charges for damage, theft, and fire. This clause therefore removes all financial responsibility in case of an incident, giving the customer total peace of mind.

Have you never booked a rental car before? Check out our tips for renting a car without stress.

If you’d like more information or clarification about car rental insurance, don’t hesitate to contact Ellepi Rental – your trusted car hire at Olbia Airport!