Renters insurance and excess

All Karshare rented vehicles are covered under our insurance policy. Within this policy there is an excess to pay in case of damages. You’re only permitted to drive the vehicle in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands as our insurance only covers you when driving in these locations.

Full excess

This excess is £1200 and is the maximum amount that the renters is responsible for in the event of physical damage.

Reduced excess

Renters can reduce the excess to £350 by paying a £35 fee. This option can be selected in the 'choose any extras section' as you make a rental booking.

Deposit

The deposit is different to the excess. Before each rental period Karshare will make a temporary hold of a pre-authorisation amount of £250. This is to cover potential fines, tolls and other unintended costs.

When do I get my deposit back?

Please refer to the following article.

What does the insurance excess cover?

The standard insurance cover we provide is fully comprehensive. This means that the excess is the maximum amount you will pay if you cause damage to the vehicle. Please note that our insurance only covers the vehicle you are renting and towed vehicles are therefore not covered.

How does renter insurance work in practice?

If you have standard insurance with the full excess of £1200 and you damaged the car and the cost of the repair was £550, Karshare would keep your deposit of £250 and take a further £300. Please note we reserve the right to estimate the amount to charge until we have a finalised quote - in the event that the quote was less we would return the extra paid, or you would then be liable for the difference if the quote was higher (up to maximum of £1200).

If you have paid for the reduced excess and you damaged the car and the cost of the repair was £550, Karshare would keep the £250 deposit and charge you £100 and that would be the end of your liability as the maximum you are responsible for is £350 when the excess is paid.

What happens if I am involved in an accident or there is damage and it is not my fault?

If a renter is involved in an accident that is not their fault, they are still responsible for paying the excess on any damages unless a third party is involved and they have admitted liability and we can claim the damages from them.

We would retain the £1200 excess (£350 if reduced excess) until the 3rd party has admitted liability. Once the 3rd party has admitted liability and we have recouped the costs, we will refund the excess to the renter.

Where damage is caused to a vehicle by an incident not involving another vehicle or the vehicle is stolen the renter is still responsible for paying the excess on the vehicle.