Search Car Hire
DriveAway Excess Refund Protection
What is Excess?
Rental rates include basic insurance - Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third Party Liability and Theft Protection (TP). In the event that a rental vehicle is stolen or accidentally damaged (whether the driver is at fault or not), the Excess is the maximum amount the renter is liable for.
The cost varies depending on the supplier, country and vehicle type e.g. in France the excess can range from €500-1,800. Additional coverage to reduce the excess is optional and can be purchased direct from the supplier when picking up your car. Alternatively, DriveAway offers protection at the time of booking to cover damage and theft excess charges up to AUD7,000 domestically and up to AUD5,000 internationally.
What is DriveAway Excess Refund Protection?
DriveAway Excess Refund Protection is an optional pre-paid product offered by DriveAway to refund the excess amount charged by the car rental supplier. It provides you with hassle free extra cover when renting a car.
For less than AUD16 per day, you will be covered for the supplier's damage and theft excess costs incurred locally. Should the local supplier charge you the excess amount on the vehicle, you may claim up to AUD7,000 through DriveAway when you claim online.
What does it cost?
Only AUD15.50 per day!
What do we cover you for?
You will be reimbursed up to AUD7,000 on Australian car hires and up to AUD5,000 on international car hires, for the amount of excess which you are required to pay under the vehicle rental agreement for any single incident or series of incidents under a single vehicle rental agreement in respect of accidental damage to the rental vehicle including:
- Physical damage to the windows and windscreens of the rental vehicle
- Physical damage to the roof, wheels, tyres and undercarriage of the rental vehicle
- Loss or damage resulting from fire, theft or vandalism
- Includes also towing costs, key replacement, mis-fuelling, and administration fee
Benefits to you:
- DriveAway Excess Refund Protection is prepaid in Australian Dollars so you don't have to worry about currency fluctuations.
- No language or processing obstacles as you make your claim in Australia.
- Best of all, DriveAway Excess Refund Protection is economical and can save you money! Have a look at the cost comparison table below.
Cost comparison in the event of an incident:
| Country | Typical supplier charges* | DriveAway Excess Refund Protection |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £20-40 per day reduces the excess to EUR 450 or nil, depending on the supplier and car category. | AUD15.50 Credit card billed for the excess amount Refund from DriveAway up to the value of AUD7,000 for Australian car hire returns and up to AUD5,000 on international returns! |
| Republic of Ireland | €20-60 per day, reduces the excess to €300-1000 or nil, depending on the supplier and car category. | |
| France | €20-45 per day, reduces the excess to nil, depending on the supplier and car category. | |
| Germany | €20-45 per day, reduces the excess to €250 or nil, depending on the supplier and car category. | |
| Italy | €20-99 per day, reduces the excess to nil, depending on the supplier and car category. | |
| Spain | €13-105 per day, reduces the excess to €200-700 or nil**, depending on the supplier and car category. | |
| New Zealand | NZD30-55 per day, reduces the excess to NZD350-2000 or nil**, depending on the supplier, car category and accident type. | |
| Australia | AUD30-90 per day, reduces the excess to AUD500-2000 or nil**, depending on the supplier, car category and accident type. |
*Depending on the supplier and car category. **Depending on the supplier, car category and accident type.
Other Protection Options
If you're planning on travelling to the USA, DriveAway has an exclusive Breakdown Protection option available.
How to make a Reimbursement Application
All applications should be notified via Car Hire Refunds within 45 days of the date of the end of your rental period of any possible incident or event that may lead to payment request for reimbursement. Failure to do this may invalidate this agreement.
Please note: When completing the request for reimbursement request you must:
- Respond to each of the questions in full and to the best of your knowledge;
- Provide copies of the documentation requested or any additional documents or photos which will assist us in processing your request
Terms & Conditions
DriveAway has procured an insurance policy covering our financial exposure to this Excess Refund Protection through syndicate underwriters at Lloyd's of London.
For a complete list of inclusions, exclusions and product terms, view our Excess Refund Protection PDF.
Last updated 20 October 2021. All information is correct at time of print & subject to change without notice.