Does anyone know of a good frequent renters insurance (Australia) that covers the $3,000 odd excess that is the default from many hire car companies?
I'm at 150 days rented this year and I have nothing and I think I've pushed it far enough.
A few comments/observations:
Credit Card excess cover is probably your cheapest option.
Given you've noted an excess of approx. $3,000, I assume you're renting from Avis or Budget, which have an excess of $3,017 and $2,846 respectively, inclusive of GST (10%) and admin fee (3.5%). According to the rental agreements, the location/airport surcharge can apply to all or some services/charges, depending on location, so it is possible that the excess may be higher (though when I paid the excess at LST last year, the airport surcharge did not apply) at some locations.
If you're renting from Hertz or Europcar, their excesses are significantly more than $3,000! Hertz excess recently increased to $4,000 and Europcar is $4,015, both inclusive of GST. According to the rental agreements for both Europcar and Hertz, the location/airport surcharge also applies (though Hertz reps have repeatedly told me this is not the case, despite the agreement saying it is) and in the case of Europcar, also the admin fee (3.5%). This could mean the standard excess could be over $5,000! And in the case of Hertz, if no other car is involved, an additional SVA of $2,200 +++! Note that these are the excesses for standard sedans or wagons - excesses for SUV's, 4WD's and prestige cars are higher!
In any event, if you've rented over 150 days, at a cost of at least $25 a day for excess reduction (often a lot higher, when airport surcharges and lower or no excess), even if you had to pay the excess, you'd be still be ahead!
