QUESTION: Car rental: what insurance policies are actually needed?

When planning a trip and renting a car, the correct choice of insurance coverage is of key importance, as standard basic rates often do not protect the driver from all possible risks. To avoid unexpected major expenses, at the initial stage determine the dates of the trip, allocate a budget, and prioritize depending on your driving skills and the specifics of traffic in the chosen country.

The basic package usually includes mandatory third-party liability insurance and basic coverage in case of damage or theft, however, it implies a high deductible — the amount that the renter agrees to pay out of pocket if an insured event occurs. If you want to minimize financial risks, consider purchasing additional insurance products, such as super CDW (CASCO), which completely or partially reduces the deductible to zero.

Special attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable car elements that standard insurance often excludes from coverage. These elements include windows, tires, the underbody, the roof, and mirrors, damage to which occurs most frequently on unpaved roads or during parking.

It is best to book the chosen level of insurance and critical options in advance through reliable aggregators or directly on the websites of rental companies. Purchasing insurance directly at the airport desk or rental office at the time of car pick-up usually costs significantly more than including it in the online booking price in advance.