12 Things to Know Before Booking a Self-Drive Car Rental in India

6. Insurance Coverage and Liability Understanding

Ask for clear details about insurance coverage and your liability in case of damage. Most rentals include third-party insurance as required by law, while damage waiver options vary by provider. Understand what a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) covers, and ask the company to state the deductible or excess amount you would pay after a claim. Some policies exclude tyre damage, undercarriage damage, or incidents on unpaved roads. If you plan to drive in hilly terrain or remote roads, confirm whether the policy remains valid there. Keep photocopies of the insurance paperwork in the glovebox and ask for emergency claim numbers. If a third-party platform sold the booking, verify who handles claims: the broker or the local operator. Knowing the limits of coverage saves you from surprises at a police station or insurance office.