Long-term rental insurance: comprehensive cover and excesses

When you choose a long-term rental car, insurance is already included in the monthly fee: third-party liability, kasko, theft and fire are normally provided, with excesses that vary from contract to contract. Understanding what these covers include and how excesses work helps you compare offers without surprises and drive with greater peace of mind.

Why insurance is included in long-term rental

With long-term rental you don't buy the car: you take it for use for a defined period, paying a monthly fee. Since the vehicle remains the property of the rental company, it is the company that handles the compulsory insurance covers and any additional ones provided for in the contract.

This is one of the main advantages of long-term rental:

• you don't have to take out and manage policies separately;
• you don't pay the cost of insurance upfront;
• you have a single point of contact for the car, maintenance and covers;
• the monthly fee is more predictable, because it also includes these aspects.

The covers included and their excesses are set out in the contract: reading them carefully is the first step to choosing the right offer. You can compare the different solutions available in the long-term rental offers section and check what each one provides.

What is third-party liability in long-term rental

Third-party liability, i.e. compulsory motor third-party liability insurance, is the compulsory insurance required by current legislation for all vehicles on the road. It covers damage caused to third parties (people or property) while driving.

In long-term rental, third-party liability is always included in the monthly fee, because without it the vehicle could not be driven. In practice:

• if you cause an accident, the insurer compensates the injured party;
• you don't have to take out a personal policy;
• any amounts provided for in the contract, such as excesses or deductibles, remain your responsibility.

It is important to remember that third-party liability does not cover damage to the vehicle you are driving: for that you need different covers, such as kasko.

Kasko in long-term rental: what it really covers

Kasko is the cover that protects the rented vehicle against damage, even when you are at fault. It is one of the most useful covers, because it protects you from potentially high costs in the event of an accident.

Depending on the contract, kasko can cover:

• damage from collision or impact;
• damage from a road accident;
• damage from accidental causes, such as hail or falling objects;
• in some packages, damage from vandalism too.

As with third-party liability, kasko normally also has an excess: an amount that remains your responsibility in the event of a claim. The excess can be fixed or a percentage of the damage, and varies according to the type of event and the package chosen.

If you want to see how all this affects the monthly fee, you can try the rental configurator and view the different options available.

Theft and fire: the cover that protects the vehicle

Theft and fire cover protects against damage to or loss of the vehicle in the event of theft or fire. In long-term rental it is often included, but with specific conditions and excesses.

Generally speaking:

• in the event of theft, the rental company is compensated by the insurer;
• the excess provided for in the contract remains your responsibility;
• documents such as the report to the authorities may be required;
• the cover may vary according to the type of use and the area in which you drive.

Here too, reading the contractual conditions is essential to know what is covered and what is not.

Excess in long-term rental: how it works

The excess is the portion of damage that remains the customer's responsibility in the event of a claim. It is a simple concept, but often unclear: it is not a penalty, but a liability threshold provided for in the contract.

Here is how it works in practice:

• if the damage is less than the excess, you pay it in full;
• if the damage exceeds the excess, you pay only the excess and the rest is covered;
• the excess can be fixed (a defined amount) or a percentage (a share of the damage);
• it can vary according to the type of claim (collision, theft, fire, vandalism).

Some packages provide for lower or even zero excesses, often in exchange for a higher monthly fee. The choice depends on your needs and on how much you want to reduce the risk of unexpected costs.

How to choose the right cover for you

There is no one-size-fits-all package: the ideal cover depends on how you use the car, where you park it and how much protection you want. Before deciding, consider:

• your driving style and the main use of the vehicle;
• the area in which you usually drive and park;
• whether there are other drivers;
• your monthly budget;
• the trade-off between a low excess and a higher monthly fee.

An adviser can help you compare the options and understand which covers are actually included. You can contact the RentalZone consultants for a personalised comparison.

What to check before signing the contract

Before signing a long-term rental contract, check carefully:

• which covers are included (third-party liability, kasko, theft and fire, other covers);
• the amount and type of excess for each cover;
• the conditions that can invalidate the cover;
• your obligations in the event of a claim (report, documents, timescales);
• any additional services, such as a replacement car or roadside assistance.

If you have doubts about tax or regulatory aspects, it is always advisable to check with your accountant, because the rules can vary according to the specific situation and current legislation.

Frequently asked questions

Is kasko always included in long-term rental?

Not always. Many offers include it, but it is essential to check in the contract which covers are provided and with which excesses.

What is the difference between third-party liability and kasko?

Third-party liability covers damage caused to third parties and is compulsory by law. Kasko covers damage to the rented vehicle, even when you are at fault.

Can I reduce the excess to zero?

Some packages provide for reduced or zero excesses, often with a higher monthly fee. The conditions vary from contract to contract.

What happens if the vehicle is stolen?

Theft and fire cover protects against loss of the vehicle, but the applicable excess remains your responsibility. You must report the incident to the authorities in the manner set out in the contract.

In conclusion

Insurance in long-term rental is designed to make life easier: third-party liability, kasko, theft and fire are often included in the monthly fee, with excesses you can assess based on your needs. Before choosing, compare the offers and read the contractual terms carefully.

If you want to understand which solution suits you best, you can find the right car among the available offers and request a personalised quote from RentalZone: an adviser will help you assess cover, excesses and the monthly fee with no obligation.