Theft Protection is an insurance in car rental. This protection covers the renter from liability up to certain amount should the vehicle be stolen or if someone tries to steal the vehicle.
What is Theft Protection?
Theft Protection is a car rental insurance that is offered by car rental companies. It protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk if the rental car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it. There is an excess or as it is also known a deductible that comes with each Theft Protection. This excess is the limit to what the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it. The excess can be different from the standard Collision Damage Waiver insurance offered by car rental companies.
What does Theft Protection cover in car rental?
Each car rental company will have their own terms for Theft Protection insurance. In general, Theft Protection covers the cost of the rental car that gets stolen, and for repairs for the car if someone tries to steal it. Theft Protection will not cover items or personal belongings that are stolen from the car, such as GPS, computer, keys etc.
When you pick up your car rental you will sign a rental agreement with the rental company. If you do not go by the terms of the rental agreement, Theft Protection will not be valid. For example, if you leave the car unlocked and it is stolen, you will be responsible for the whole amount of replacing the car.
How does the excess work with Theft Protection?
Theft Protection will have an excess, also known as deductible included in the insurance. This excess is the amount the renter will need to pay if the car is stolen or if someone tries to steal it and it gets damaged. If the cost will be higher than the excess, the renter will only pay for the excess but not the whole amount.
Some rental companies, also offer ‚Zero Excess‘ insurance with Theft Protection. This will mean that if the car is stolen, or damaged by someone trying to steal it, the renter will not have to pay anything.
Do I need Theft Protection for my car rental?
Regardless of where you plan to travel in the world, it is always better to be prepared and have insurance. Theft can never be predicted, which is why it is important to have the correct coverage to avoid unforeseen costs.
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Is Theft Protection included with my rental car?
Many car rental companies include Theft Protection in their car rental rates. It can also be sold as individual insurance at the counter. In the US and in some parts of Europe you can purchase Theft Protection when you pick up your car rental. When you book a rental car with Orbit Car Hire you can see what protection each car rental company offers included in the rates. By clicking „rental terms“ in the booking process you will find this information.
Customer Service agents at the counter will also be able to provide you with great information about Theft Protection. You can also ask them about what insurance is included in the price. All prices for additional insurance can be different from companies, how long you have your car rental or what car you will rent.