Car Rental Insurance United Kingdom
Complete rental guide for the United Kingdom.
From Stonehenge to the Scottish Highlands, a rental car is one of the best ways to see the UK, and while central London driving is its own challenge, the rest of the country is safe and straightforward.
This guide covers what you need to know about rental car insurance in the UK — what’s covered, what to ask for at the rental desk, and the roach rules that catch visitors out.
Understanding rental car insurance in the United Kingdom
Every car rental in the UK comes with basic third-party liability cover and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) built into the price, so you’re covered for some accident damage from day one. If your CDW extends to cover theft as well, it’s usually called a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). But CDW/LDW usually comes with a high excess and real gaps in coverage.
With the rental company
What isn't included and what you may pay out-of-pocket.
High excess.
CDW from rental companies often leaves a large amount to pay if you make a claim.
Windscreens, tyres, lockouts & keys.
Commonly excluded from basic CDW.
Towing & loss of use.
Can cost extra even with an upgraded SCDW policy.
With RentalCover
Fill in the gaps with protection from RentalCover
£0 excess.
Nothing to pay if something goes wrong.
Windscreens, tyres, lockouts & keys.
All covered.
Towing & loss of use.
Included, no extra cost.
Beat the rental desk price by 50%† — for just a few dollars a day!
Get an instant quoteKey driving information in the United Kingdom
A quick guide of rules and conditions that catch out most visiting drivers. For more detail, see GOV.UK’s road safety guide.
Drive on the left
Same side as Australia and Ireland.
Yellow box junctions
Don’t enter unless your exit is clear.
Speed limits
20-70 mph, varies by road type.
Roundabouts
Common at intersections, give way to right.
London congestion charge
£18/day in central London.
International driving permit (IDP)
Needed for many travellers.
Blood Alcohol Limit
0.08% in England, Wales, and Norther Ireland. 0.05% in Scotland.
Road signs
Standard system. See the Highway Code for full overview.
Pre-departure preparation checklist
Prepare these essentials before you travel!
Valid driver's licence
Bring your full driver's licence and an IDP if required.
Book RentalCover protection
Buy before you travel. This is typically 50% cheaper than at the rental desk.†
Review rental agreement
Read carefully and note the fuel policy, mileage limits and any additional fees.
Security deposit
Ensure your card can cover the deposit (often £200-£2,500).
Download important documents
Save copies of your licence, protection documents, rental confirmation and passport.
What to do at the car rental desk
Decline extra insurance
Have RentalCover Full Protection? Decline the rental desk's cover. You're already covered, even if they push back.
Conduct thorough inspection
Photograph existing damage and take a 360° video before driving.
Check fuel level
Note the level at pickup and confirm your rental company’s refuelling policy.
Understand the vehicle
Get familiar with the controls and ask about anything unfamiliar.
Emergency numbers
Save the rental company's roadside assistance number.
Ready to hit the road with confidence?
Get an instant quoteWhat to do in the event of an accident
Stay calm and handle the urgent things first, then work through the rest once everyone is safe.
Emergency number in the UK - 999. Check for injuries and call 999 if anyone’s hurt. Move to safety is possible.
Right now - at the scene
Make sure everyone is safe
Check for injuries and call 999 if anyone's hurt. Move to safety and switch on hazard lights.
Call the police if needed
Required for injury or major damage. Call 999, or the local police for non-emergencies.
Once everyone is safe
Take Photographs
Photograph all vehicles, the damage, road conditions and the location. Get any witness details.
Exchange information
Swap names, vehicle registration and insurance details with the other party. Don't admit fault at the scene.
Notify the rental company
Contact them as soon as possible. They'll guide you through the next steps.
File your claim with RentalCover
Submit a claim online with your photos, the police report and repair invoices. Claims are typically processed within 5–7 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Credit card coverage varies significantly from one provider to another. Many credit card insurance policies do offer coverage for vehicles in the United Kingdom, though some providers may exclude cover.
Credit card insurance is generally secondary coverage, meaning it relies on a primary form of insurance like your personal auto insurance before it kicks in. This means it typically covers your rental car deductible and other things your primary policy might exclude.
Since personal auto insurance often doesn't apply when you travel overseas, some credit card policies will default to primary coverage in these cases.
Even if your policy does include coverage for the UK, it may have significant exclusions worth being aware of. If you have any concerns about your coverage, contact your card provider and make sure you fully understand your policy.
Rental desk insurance in the UK typically covers you for the basics. But it leaves some real gaps.
When you rent a vehicle in the UK, you'll get the legally required minimum insurance included, and a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is also almost always included.
That's a reasonable baseline, but CDWs commonly exclude:
- Windscreen and headlight damage
- Underbody damage
- Lost keys
- Additional driver costs
Rental companies often sell a step up, a Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), to close these gaps. It's usually pricier than third-party options like RentalCover that cover the same exclusions.
Some travel insurance policies include a level of rental vehicle cover. For example, some policies offer rental vehicle excess/deductible insurance, covering your out-of-pocket costs if you make a claim with another insurer, like your rental car company.
Your travel insurer typically won't offer primary cover for damage or theft to the rental vehicle itself.
The insurance that's legally required to drive in the UK is automatically included in your rental's daily price.
Additional cover from providers like RentalCover can bolster your peace of mind, filling gaps often excluded by rental company cover, with nothing to pay out of pocket if you need to claim.
The average cost of RentalCover protection comes to approximately £10 a day. Rental vehicle insurance from car rental companies comes to around £36 to £46 a day.†
Generally, your UK car insurance policy will not cover you when travelling overseas. Read your product disclosure statement or contact your insurer for more precise information.
Car hire excess insurance offers financial protection if things go wrong while driving a rental vehicle. Outside the United States and Canada, your rental price usually includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW).
Your CDW/LDW reduces your liability if the rental car is damaged or stolen, similar to basic insurance. However, it usually comes with a high excess, meaning you could still face significant out-of-pocket costs.
Car hire excess insurance covers that excess. You can buy it from the rental desk, or choose an alternative provider that may offer better value.
London's ULEZ covers all of Greater London, 24/7. Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day on top of the £18 central London congestion charge. Most modern rental cars are compliant, but confirm with your rental company or check the TfL website before you travel.
The minimum rental age in the UK is typically 23, higher than in most countries. Drivers aged 23–24 usually face a young driver surcharge of around £30–£40 per day, and may be restricted to smaller vehicle categories. Check your rental company's age policy before booking.