Zero excess car rental, explained
Zero excess means there is no deductible to pay if the car is damaged or stolen - you are covered from the first euro. It removes the single biggest hidden cost of renting a car and the need to buy expensive counter insurance.
The “excess” (also called the deductible) is the amount a renter is liable for before insurance pays out. On a standard rental it commonly sits between €700 and €2,000. Rental desks know this, which is why they push expensive excess-reimbursement insurance on arrival.
How zero excess saves you money
Counter insurance to waive the excess can cost €15-€25 per day. Over a two-week holiday that is more than €200 - often more than the difference between a budget rate and an all-inclusive price that already includes zero excess. Booking zero excess up front is usually both cheaper and less stressful.
What zero excess typically covers
| Bodywork & collision | Covered, no deductible |
|---|---|
| Theft | Covered, no deductible |
| Glass, tyres, undercarriage, roof | Usually covered (check terms) |
| Third-party liability | Included |
| Interior, lost keys, wrong fuel | Often excluded - check terms |
Frequently asked questions
What does “zero excess” mean?
The excess (or deductible) is the amount you would normally pay yourself before insurance covers the rest. Zero excess means there is no such amount - you are covered from the first euro of damage.
Is zero excess the same as full insurance?
They go together. Full insurance (CDW + theft) covers the car; zero excess means you do not pay a deductible when you claim. Cardamar bookings include both.
Does zero excess cover tyres, glass and the undercarriage?
All-inclusive bookings typically extend cover to glass, tyres, the undercarriage and the roof - areas that standard CDW often excludes. Always check the specific terms shown at booking.