How does 4×4 rental insurance work?

The rental of a 4×4 is covered by standard comprehensive insurance, which can be supplemented by additional insurance and excess reductions.

The 4×4 insurance covers:

  • Damage to the vehicle

  • Theft of the vehicle

The 4×4 insurance does not cover:

  • Camping equipment

  • Personal items

However, in the event of an accident, the excess applies and the customer remains liable for the cost of repairs, limited to the amount of the excess, regardless of fault.

4x4 Insurance, deposit, excess: how does it work?
Application of the excess in the event of damage to the 4x4

As with all insurance, there are exclusions that depend on the rental company and its insurer. In these cases, standard insurance does not apply and the customer is liable for all costs incurred in repairing damage to the vehicle and equipment, with no excess limit. Details are specified in the general terms and conditions of the rental contract.

The following are generally excluded:

  • Damage caused by driving through water or salt water damage,
  • Damage to tyres, windscreens, windows, deterioration of the interior of the vehicle or equipment,
  • Damage to shock, clutch , and damage sustained to the undercarriage,
  • Damage to the vehicle caused by careless, willful or if the driver is in breach of any traffic laws,
  • Damage in case of a single vehicle rollover (which usually happen in case of speeding or loss of control of the vehicle).

The rental company remains responsible for mechanical breakdowns that are not linked to misuse of the vehicle.

Reduced excess and additional options

It is possible to reduce the applicable excess amount by purchasing a reduced excess option. The cost and amount of the reduced excess depends on the rental company and the vehicle. These options are available on the quote given with our travel proposals.

In all cases, and even with a zero excess, exclusions still apply. There is no option to cover the damage in 100% of the cases.

It is also possible to opt for additional insurance which can be included with credit cards. In this case, if damage is invoiced at the end of the rental, the amounts may be refunded by this insurance. Be careful to check the conditions of these insurances because the rental of all-terrain vehicles is sometimes excluded.

Excess and Security deposit

When picking up the vehicle, the company will request a security deposit by credit card.

The credit card must be a VISA or Mastercard . AMEX cards are not accepted.

The amount of the security deposit depends on the vehicle and the excess option purchased. It is generally equal to the amount of the excess which is specified in the invoice received and in your travel documents.

This operation is carried out either:

  • By bank authorization: in this case, the amount is blocked on the card but is not debited from the bank account,
  • By imprint of a credit card,
  • Or by debiting the amount on the credit card: in this case, if there has been no incident on the vehicle, the amount is refunded a few weeks after the end of the rental.

Our tips to make this part of your journey easier

  • 1
    It is essential to read the terms and conditions to know the rules and exclusions. They are provided on request and are systematically given to you when signing the rental agreement.
  • 2
    Any accident must be reported immediately to the police and to the rental company (within 24 hours).
  • 3
    It is essential to check that the payment limit of the credit card used to pay the security deposit is sufficient. If the bank reject the transaction, the vehicle cannot be supplied.
  • 4
    It’s important to check through the vehicle and ensure that all necessary equipment is provided and returned after the rental period. Keep the signed documents that can serve as proof.

Rent a fully-equipped 4X4 and go on an adventure!

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Land Cruiser