Before you go
Rental insurance explained
Insurance is where rental prices diverge most. Understand these four terms and you can decide calmly at the desk.
Updated By the DUS Car Hire editorial team How we research
The short answer
Every rental car in Germany includes third-party liability insurance by law. Most offers also include collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection – but with an excess, the amount you still pay if the car is damaged. You can reduce the excess to zero by buying the supplier’s cover at the desk or by taking excess insurance when you book, which is usually cheaper.
The four terms that matter
- Third-party liability
- Damage to others – required by law and always included.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW)
- Damage to the rental car – usually included, but with an excess.
- Theft protection (TP)
- Theft of the car – usually included, with an excess.
- Excess
- The most you pay after damage – often four figures.
Desk cover vs excess insurance
The supplier’s desk cover reduces the excess directly – convenient but expensive per day. Standalone excess insurance (added when you book or bought independently) is usually cheaper: if something happens, you pay the rental company first and claim the money back. The full deposit stays blocked on your card.
Only decline desk cover if you are genuinely covered elsewhere – and never buy the same cover twice.
What is often not covered
- Tyres, wheels, glass, underbody and roof – sometimes only with extra cover.
- Damage from misfuelling or gross negligence.
- Damage during undeclared trips abroad.
- Lost keys and towing costs.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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