Car Hire Excess - Germany

Exploring Germany by car is a fantastic way to see the country: easy, fun, and flexible. But here’s the catch: car hire excesses in Germany can be shockingly high. When you rent a car, the basic insurance usually comes with a hefty excess (or deductible) ranging from about €1,000 up to €2,500 for damage or theft. So if your rental ends up with a scratch, dent, or worse, gets stolen: you could be slapped with a bill for thousands of euros. Even small damages aren’t cheap: expect around €250 for a scratched door, €300 for a flat tyre, and up to €750 if your windscreen gets cracked.

That’s where Car Hire Excess Insurance steps in to save the day and your wallet. Getting excess cover from an independent provider like Gigasure is way more affordable than shelling out for the rental company’s pricey insurance add-ons. Rental counters in Germany often push their “super CDW” or excess waiver options hard, but these can cost 2 to 5 times more than independent policies.

Opting for Gigasure means you dodge the common rental desk upsell, save a bundle, and get better coverage you can trust. (Pro tip: Rental companies’ waivers often exclude things like tyres, glass, or the underside of the car—and come with tricky fine print. Gigasure covers those gaps, so you’re truly protected).

With car hire excess fees in Germany being so steep, taking out excess insurance is a smart move if you want real peace of mind on your trip. Independent policies are usually very affordable, often costing just £2 to £5 per day, or even less if you go for an annual plan. That’s a small spend compared to the €1,500 or more you might be liable for in the event of damage or theft. A minor expense for major protection.

By contrast, rental companies often charge much more for their own excess waivers. In some cases, you’ll be paying over €20 per day, which can add up to £150 or more over the course of a week. An independent excess policy can pay for itself surprisingly quickly, even if you don’t end up needing to make a claim.

Driving abroad always involves a little extra risk, even for confident drivers. Roads, signage, and traffic rules may be unfamiliar. Without excess cover, even a scratched panel or cracked windscreen could result in a hefty bill. With insurance in place, you can focus on the journey and not stress about what-ifs.

If you're planning to rent a car in Germany, you'll need a valid driving licence that you’ve held for at least two years. If your licence isn’t in English, you may also be required to present an International Driving Permit. Rental companies typically request a credit card in the main driver’s name to secure the deposit, along with a passport or national ID for verification.

The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, but drivers under 25 may incur additional charges. While basic insurance is generally included in the rental price, it often comes with a high excess — potentially leaving you with a large bill if something goes wrong. That’s where Gigasure’s Car Hire Excess Insurance proves valuable, helping to cover those extra costs and offering added peace of mind.

Since requirements can vary between providers, it’s a good idea to confirm the specific terms in advance of your trip.

In the event you do need to make a claim through our website or the Gigasure app, regardless of your insurance product. The app streamlines the process by using your account data, making submission a seamless process that does not take up much of your time.

How to make a claim via the Gigasure app: Log in, select the relevant policy, and click the 'Make a Claim' button. The app pre-populates most required policy information, so you don't need to search through old emails or documents. Follow the remaining steps to submit your claim in moments, saving you time and frustration.

How to make a claim via the website: Visit our claims page, click "Make a Claim" and follow the claims process. Please ensure you have your insurance documents ready before you start.

Travel insurance isn’t legally required to travel to Germany. However, it is still highly beneficial and thus recommended to have it in place before your trip. Germany has excellent and reliable healthcare, but medical treatment can be expensive for visitors without insurance. Gigasure’s Travel Insurance helps cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed luggage, and other unexpected costs that could otherwise leave you out of pocket or in less-than-stellar situations.

If you plan to rent a car, Gigasure’s car hire excess cover is especially useful, protecting you from having to pay high excess fees if the rental car is damaged or stolen. Having Gigasure Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying Germany’s culture, sights, and experiences without stressing about expenses if things do go wrong.