Free Hire Car Excess insurance from AVIVA PLUS

AlexMac

As you all probably know, it's often cheaper to buy stand-alone Excess cover from someone like insurance4carhire - especially if you rent several times a year and buy an annual policy rather than pay the rental companies' own daily rate.

OK - you run the risk that the rental operator's staff (who are presumably pressured by incentives to sell their own) will try to browbeat you into taking their more expensive product. I've had veiled threats that if I don't, returning the car will take hours. And many customers who've used the dodgier rental companies report big sums taken from credit cards after return, for minor scratches or even imaginary damage. (which is why you should always check reviews on the web or on Tripadvisor forums BEFORE renting; google GOLDCAR and you'll see what I mean!)

Anyway, to get to the point; I've just renewed my UK motor insurance with AVIVA PLUS. Not only was I delighted that it was much cheaper than the mainstream AVIVA policy I previously had -(by about 45% even with comprehensive Foreign-use cover as a £30-odd add on), but that their Premium level policy throws in free Car Hire Excess protection.

OK, I've never had to claim in many years of European renting, but on the strength of one claim handling by AVIVA, many years ago, I'm optimistic if I ever have to.

Any experiences out there?