11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

3. Understand rental insurance types and gaps

Insurance is the part that confuses many renters. Rental companies usually offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection as add-ons, but those policies often leave you with an excess — the amount you must pay after a claim. Third-party liability coverage is required in most countries, but the limits vary. Before declining any offer at the counter, check whether your credit card or personal travel insurance covers rental cars abroad and what exact scenarios are included. Some cards only cover damage if you pay the rental fully with that card and decline the company’s insurance, so read the fine print carefully. European breakdown cover from the rental firm or a third-party provider is often worth the extra cost, especially for drives through rural areas or mountain passes. When evaluating coverage, note whether windscreen, tyre, and underbody damage are included; these items are sometimes excluded from standard policies. Take photos of the vehicle at pickup, including odometer and any existing scratches, and send them to your phone or email. These photos make any claims easier to process and cut down disputes at the return time.