Claims
If you had an accident we sincerely hope that everyone is safe! We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help ensure that the claim process is stress-free. We currently approve claims within 3 days of submission on average, but we need your help! We kindly request that you read all these FAQs, and remember to check your emails for updates from our Claims Team.
Before you start your claim
We need these 4 or 5 documents. More Info ›
Submit your claim
Enter your details for immediate hassle-free payment. More Info ›
We might have a question or two, usually we don’t!
95% of claims get approved without question. It’s a simple claims process, we’ll keep you updated as it progresses. More Info ›
Our payments team will get you the money
With the exception of Supplemental Liability Insurance claims (for US rentals), your claim will take between 5 - 10 days to process depending on where you live and where you went. Claims involving multiple vehicles may take longer. More Info ›
Remember, we’re here to help!
We’ve got your last trip covered, why not book your next one!
FAQs
Are international card fees deducted from claim payments?
When paying a claim out via money transfer, banks charge a minimum of $15 (or equivalent in your local currency). We do not pass those costs on to you if the bank charges us the fee. If the bank charges you the fee, however, we are unfortunately not able to cover the cost. Similarly, we unfortunately don't reimburse exchange fees charged by card companies.
Submitting a claim
All claims must be submitted online - we recommend that you use a computer instead of a mobile phone for easier document uploading. Just enter your Reference Number (this ends with "INS" and can be found on your confirmation email).
After the protection is completed and the damage charge has been settled with the rental company, please submit your online claim and attach any supporting documents. You can click on the button below to get started.
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Claim is started via the online claim form |
Our Claims Team will assess your claim |
Once approved you will receive a payment link via email and text message |
Payment is completed quickly by electronic transfer |
We will keep you updated by email at every step of the claims journey. With the exception of Supplemental Liability Insurance claims (for US rentals), your claim will take between 5 - 10 days to process depending on where you live and where you went. Claims involving multiple vehicles may take longer.
Tracking the status of your RentalCover claim
All claims follow these four stress-free steps:
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Claim is started via the online claim form |
Our Claims Team will assess your claim |
Once approved you will receive a payment link via email and text message |
Payment is completed quickly by electronic transfer (learn more) |
We will keep you updated by email at every step of the claims journey. With the exception of Supplemental Liability Insurance claims (for US rentals), your claim will take between 5 - 10 days to process depending on where you live and where you went. Claims involving multiple vehicles may take longer.
If you have any questions about your claim, for example if you would like to submit additional documents to support your claim, please reply to our email and the team will be happy to help.
What should I do if my vehicle is damaged, breaks down or is involved in an accident?
1. If applicable, collect the other parties' details including their:
- Full name.
- Address.
- Licence number.
- Vehicle registration number.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Name of their insurance.
3. Contact the police to report the incident. Keep documentation of this process. During the claim submission process you will be asked to provide details and documents to support your claim, e.g. police reports or written statements. This may also be a requirement by the rental company. To check if it is required by your rental company, please contact them directly.
4. After following the rental company's instructions and when your rental period is over and the final charges have been settled by the rental company, submit a claim with RentalCover.
If you were involved in a multiple-vehicle accident, contact your rental company to see if they intend to refund those charges if you are found to be “not at fault”. Gather documentation explaining your rental company’s process and rules in this case, as you will need it during the claims process. Check your wording in your RentalCover Account for more information on how we handle "not at fault" accidents.
When you complete your rental
Typically if you are travelling outside of the US, you will be charged an excess/deductible for the damages. Sometimes rental companies will charge you the full excess/deductible upfront and partially refund you later if the repair costs end up less than the excess/deductible amount. This helpful article explains what you can do if you don’t receive your partial refund.
After we’ve received all required documents and information our Claims team can begin processing your claim. Please allow time for our Claims Team to assess all the circumstances and evidence related to your claim. Depending on the country and complexity of the claim, it can take several days. Any updates will communicated via email, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
Which documents do we need to process your claim?
To help our team assess your claim as quickly as possible we ask all customers to provide the following documents using our online claims form. We need full information to assess your claim, so please attach the requested evidence. We will not be able to assess your claim without the required evidence.
1. A copy of the rental agreement
> What is this?When you pick up your vehicle, the rental company will provide you with the rental agreement to sign. It should include the names of authorised drivers, the rental dates, rental terms and the excess amount charged by the rental company. The rental agreement is different from the booking confirmation you received when initially booking the vehicle. If you do not have the rental agreement, you can reach out to your rental company for a copy.
Please note that the protection holder needs to be named as an authorised driver on the rental agreement in order for the protection to be valid.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify that you and any additional drivers are included in the agreement. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What should it include?
- Rental dates.
- Names of authorised drivers.
- Excess amount.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include correspondence with your rental company or other confirmation of your rental.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
2. A photo of your driver's licence
> What is this?This is a photo of the driver’s licence that you used to rent the vehicle. Depending on your country or region, this document may have important information on the front and back. If this is the case, please provide photos of both sides of the licence.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify that your identity matches the details on your rental agreement and that you held a valid licence at the time of the rental. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What should it include?
- Name.
- Licence number (if applicable).
- Date of birth.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include any form of identification that is formally recognised by an issuing government entity.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
3. Proof of payment for the final rental company charges
> What is this?Once you have made your final payment to the rental company, and if you receive any refunds, this information should show on your bank or credit card statement, depending on which method you used to make your purchase. This should clearly show the final amount you paid to the rental company for damages and any refund you may have received. Refunds often occur if the full excess was charged initially and the final damage cost was less than the amount that you paid.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the amount that has been paid to the rental company. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What should it include?
- Booking agent.
- Security deposit.
- Excess or deductible cover.
- Refund for security deposit.
What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include any records from your bank or credit card provider showing that you paid the amount required for your rental and any refunds you received.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
4. Repair invoice from the rental company
> What is this?
If your vehicle was damaged during your trip, you will receive a final repair invoice or receipt from the rental company after your trip has ended that clearly shows a cost breakdown that separates your rental costs from the damage costs or excess charges. In some cases, this document will also indicate any refund amounts due to you.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the final damage amount charged by the rental company. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
> What should it include?
- Repair cost breakdown.
- Total cost.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include correspondence from your rental company, or another document from them including a breakdown of your rental and repair charges.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
5. Proof of correspondence between the driver and the rental company
> What is this?If you have interacted with the rental company after your accident, please send us a copy of any emails, letters, or customer support chats you have exchanged.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the details of your situation. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include any documentation of your interactions with the rental company.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
6. Final damage invoice from the rental company
> What is this?After your trip has ended, your rental company will provide you with a final invoice detailing the final amount you have been charged. It should include a cost breakdown that separates rental costs from damage costs or excess charges and any refunds you may have received.
Some rental companies will charge you the full deductible excess applicable for the car, and later they will refund you. Alternatively, they may just charge you an amount for damages that is less than the full deductible excess. The invoice will make this clear (learn more here).
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the damage charges (i.e. the excess that you are required to pay for the damages). The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What should it include?
- Cost breakdown
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include the most recent invoice you received from your rental company or other documentation of the charges for your rental.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
7. Police report
> What is this?When an accident occurs and you suffer loss or damage, the police or local law enforcement agency can typically supply you with a document detailing the circumstances surrounding the incident. This document contains important information about your accident, including the date and time of the incident, the time and date that the police were notified, driver and passenger details, a summary of the damage, and any witness statements. If your claim becomes a legal matter, this report can be invaluable.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the circumstances of more serious accidents. If your claim becomes a legal matter this report can be invaluable. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
>What should it include?
- Date and time of the incident.
- Details of the incident.
- Personal details of individuals involved.
- Any witness statements.
- Date and time the police were notified.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include photos, correspondence about the incident, etc.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
8. Damage report
> What is it?When your rental car is damaged during your trip, your rental company will provide a damage report, also known as an accident or incident report. It will generally be a form where the rental company will indicate the areas on the car that have been damaged. You can contact your rental company if you have not received this document.
> Why is it needed?
During a claim assessment, we need to verify the damage that has been done to the car. It helps us ensure that the correct information has been exchanged between the parties involved in the accident. The documents you provide as proof help us to do so.
> What should it include?
- Customer information.
- Vehicle information.
- Event information.
>What if I don’t have these documents?
If you don’t have the particular documents requested, please supply other evidence to support your claim. This can include photos, correspondence about the incident, etc.
You will have an opportunity to explain your circumstances and missing information during your claim submission.
How will I receive payment for an approved claim?
Once your claim is approved, our friendly Claims Team will send you a payment email containing a secure link. Simply click 'Get My Payment' and carefully complete your bank details. Incorrect or incomplete payment details may cause delays in payment processing.
As soon as we have received your details, we will automatically process your payment. Payments may take up to 5 days to complete. The biggest cause of delays is incorrect bank details.
If any alternative payment types are available, they will be listed on the secure page. We don’t send cheques in the mail.
What is the final invoice and why do I need this?
This invoice displays the final amount that you will have paid your rental company in the event of an accident, once the final charges have been settled.
We need this document to pay your claim as it confirms the final amount you have been charged.
If you are having difficulty obtaining this document, we recommend calling your rental company for a speedier response.
How to make a claim
After your trip has ended and your vehicle has been returned you can submit your claim using our online form.
When you first visit RentalCover you will need to activate your account. Simply find the RentalCover confirmation SMS or email in your inbox or spam and click the activation link. If you’re having issues, it may be because the email addresses of some Apple users aren’t shared with RentalCover. Instead, you can simply click on the link provided in the confirmation email you received when you purchased RentalCover Protection and update your email address.
How long after my accident can I make a claim?
Please submit a claim as soon as the rental period is complete and the damage charges have been settled with the rental company. Please check this helpful article to make sure you have all the necessary details and documents to support your claim before submitting.
I paid the full excess for damages. What do I do?
Rental companies often deduct the full excess value of a vehicle and later issue a refund if the repair costs are lower than the excess amount. A refund will also be issued if another vehicle is involved and the other driver is deemed to be at fault. However, if the repair costs are higher than the excess amount, a refund will not be issued and the original invoice will be your final invoice.
For more information on the claims process for multi-vehicle accidents, please refer to this helpful article.
How are claims handled for multi-vehicle accidents?
- Full name.
- Address.
- Licence number.
- Vehicle registration number.
- Phone number.
- Email address.
- Name of their insurer.
The claims process is different for single and multiple-vehicle accidents, and it can also differ by country.
Generally for accidents where more than one vehicle is involved, an investigation usually takes place between your rental company and the third party’s insurer. Please share the details of your rental company as the primary protection provider to the third party. However, in the US and some other countries, the investigation is between us and the other driver's insurer.
Please remember for a successful claim you must ensure you have not broken any local laws or breached your rental agreement.
For more information on the claims process, please read the wording in your RentalCover Account.
How Do Supplemental Liability Insurance (for US rentals) Claims Work?
If you have a US rental with our “Supplemental Liability Insurance” plan, your claim will follow these four steps:
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Start the process via our online form and then we will advise the next steps. |
Once you've submitted your claim with the insurer, they will assess your claim. |
You’ll be notified when your claim has been approved. |
The insurer will issue the payment to the third party. |
Please contact us if you have any issues with your claim. For more information about SLI please read this article.
What is an excess?
Excesses are usually part of most insurance products and help keep prices lower by having the RentalCover Protection holder absorb or contribute to part of the loss.
If applicable, your excess or deductible will be shown on your certificate.
I already submitted documents with my claim. Why was my document rejected?
- An issue with your document file. Common file issues include formatting issues, documents that are blurry or hard to read and blank files. Please upload a new version of your document file and make sure it is clear and easy to read.
- Information is missing from your document. Our claims assessors need certain information in your document in order to verify the details of your claim. Please re-upload your document ensuring that it includes all the required information. This helpful article explains what information your documented evidence needs to include, based on your claim reason.
- The information in your document doesn’t match the information you provided during the claims process. Please ensure you upload the correct document to support your claim.
How do I appeal my claim outcome?
The RentalCover Claims Team does a thorough assessment of each claim based on the inclusions and exclusions outlined in your wording, the circumstances you describe in your claim information, and the supporting evidence you provide. If you have new evidence to support your claim, you can reply to any of our emails for a reexamination of your claim.
In the email, tell us why you’d like to appeal your claim. Then attach any documentation that supports your appeal. Please make sure the documents you upload are high-quality and easy to read.
How do I lodge a formal complaint about my claim?
Start a new claim
For fast payment you will need the Booking Reference for your policy (ending with "INS") and digital scans/photos of your:
- Your rental agreement from the rental car company
- Your driver’s licence
- Bank statement showing your payment for the rental
- Final invoice from the rental company (available when the damage costs are settled - this may differ from your initial invoice).
- We may also request that you provide an invoice showing the repair cost for damages.