Car Hire Excess Insurance, refused claim - HELP

Greguk123

Hi guys

Before going to Portugal before xmas I read the article, took the links and as I wanted to save money on the car insurance, decided to take out an excess insurance policy and put the large (£1118.14) excess reserved on my credit card which I was assured would be returned in full once the vehicle was returned with no damage. I figured this was safe as I had my excess protection insurance, taken out with insurefor.com and called 'car hire excess insurance'.

I fell ill and my hotel returned the van, undamaged, not me as I had to be taxi and wheelchair to the airport. I heard nothing so thought all was fine till I realised they had charged the full excess on my credit card. I presume because I didn't return it they must have not processed the paperwork to refund me properly.

I filed a claim with all the documents and got this:

"Please refer to the following section of your policy, which reads;
CLAIMS NOTIFICATION
You will need to provide:
Your copy of the hire company accident damage report and photographic picture of the damage caused, please ensure that the date stamp on you camera is activated.
Invoices / Receipts / other documents confirming the amount you have paid in respect of the damage to the hired vehicle for which you are seeking reimbursement.
A final repair invoice from the repairing garage which details the breakdown of parts and labour.

As you do not have these documents, we are unable to consider your claim further. In addition, the policy only covers damage to the hire vehicle and as you did not cause any damage you have no claim to make."

So I have bought car hire excess insurance in good faith, but it doesn't cover my excess.

I am now down over a grand and not happy, advice please?

Greg.

teamgb

Europcar took an extra payment from my credit card, after I returned a car to the airport, without telling me what it was for.


I made several heated calls to Barclaycard and was put through to a Manager who ask did you get an invoice, I said no. The manager then told me because they have not issued you with an invoice we will refund the charges.


I got my money back.That was over a year ago and I have heard nothing since and have stopped using Europcar.

Greguk123

Hi, thanks for that I will chase my card. I think the article could do with updating though if an admin is here, to ensure people are aware that excess insurance does not necessarily cover an excess being charged, which I think is crazy!!

sheramber

You ned to check what a policy covers

Insurefor state

You will be covered up to £10,000 for a single event or up to £10,000 for a series of events involving fire, theft, vandalism, physical damage including windscreen, roof, tyres and the under carriage; and towing costs relating to this loss or damage. Our insurance also provides cover if you are locked out of the car, require replacement keys or have your baggage stolen from the vehicle.
What does our Car Hire Excess Insurance cover?

Up to £10,000 for any single trip incident
Up to £10,000 for a series of incidents during any single car rental agreements
Up to £500 for replacing a lost or stolen key
Up to £500 for putting the wrong type of fuel into your hire car.
Up to £100 of the cost to open a vehicle by a locksmith.




Your policy does not cover for your situation.

Have you queried why they have charged you the excess, rather than assuming?

Greguk123

I haven't had any contact, I don't know that they charged me for anything perhaps they just didn't unblock that amount on my card. I have contacted my card provider so will follow that up first.