Who Provides Hertz UK's Optional Car Insurance Coverage

Hertz UK's optional car insurance is underwritten by Zurich Insurance plc, a major UK insurer

When you rent a car from Hertz in the UK, the optional damage waiver and liability coverage they offer comes from Zurich Insurance plc. Zurich is a well-established insurance company operating in the UK market, and Hertz has partnered with them to provide rental car protection as an add-on to your booking.

This matters because understanding who backs your coverage helps you know what you're actually buying. Zurich's underwriting means the policy terms, claim procedures, and coverage limits follow UK insurance regulations and Zurich's specific policy wording — not Hertz's own rules.

The optional insurance Hertz offers typically includes a damage waiver (sometimes called a collision damage waiver or CDW) and a liability excess reduction. These are separate from your personal car insurance and exist only to cover the rental vehicle itself during your rental period.

Key Takeaways

• Zurich Insurance plc underwrites Hertz UK's optional rental car coverage, including damage waivers and liability protection.
• Optional insurance at Hertz covers only the rental car and applies only during your rental period, not your personal vehicle.
• Your personal car insurance policy may already cover rental cars, so check before paying for Hertz's optional coverage.
• The cost and exact coverage limits of Hertz's optional insurance vary depending on the vehicle type and rental duration.

What Zurich's coverage actually includes

Zurich's damage waiver through Hertz typically covers accidental damage to the rental car, theft, and vandalism. It reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility if the car is damaged during your rental. However, the waiver usually has limits — certain types of damage (like windscreen damage or undercarriage damage) may be excluded or have separate excess amounts.

Liability coverage through Zurich protects you if you damage someone else's property or injure another person while driving the rental car. This is separate from the damage waiver and covers third-party claims, not damage to the rental vehicle itself.

The exact terms, exclusions, and excess amounts are set out in the policy document Hertz provides when you book or pick up the car. You should read this document before committing to the optional coverage, as different rental companies structure their add-ons differently.

How Zurich's coverage interacts with your personal insurance

Your own car insurance policy may already cover rental cars, depending on your level of cover and the terms of your policy. Many comprehensive policies include rental car coverage, either automatically or as an optional add-on you've already paid for.

If your personal policy covers rentals, paying for Zurich's optional coverage at Hertz could mean paying twice for the same protection. Before you book, contact your insurer and ask whether your policy covers rental cars in the UK. If it does, you can usually decline Hertz's optional insurance and rely on your existing cover.

If your personal policy does not cover rentals, or if you're unsure, Zurich's coverage through Hertz provides a way to protect yourself during the rental period. Just be aware that accepting Zurich's coverage means you're paying Hertz's quoted price for that protection, which may differ from what you'd pay if you bought a standalone rental car insurance policy elsewhere.

Checking the policy details before you rent

Hertz will show you the cost of Zurich's optional coverage when you complete your booking online or at the rental desk. The price depends on the vehicle type, the rental duration, and your age. Younger drivers often face higher premiums for optional coverage.

Before you confirm your booking, Hertz should provide or allow you to view the policy wording or a summary of what Zurich covers. This document will list the excess (the amount you pay toward any claim), what damage is covered, what is excluded, and any special conditions. Read this carefully — it's the only way to know whether the coverage actually protects you against the risks you're worried about.

If Hertz does not provide clear information about the coverage before you book, ask them directly. You have the right to understand what you're buying before you commit to it.

What happens if you need to make a claim

If the rental car is damaged and you've purchased Zurich's optional coverage, you'll report the damage to Hertz first. Hertz will then handle the claim process with Zurich on your behalf. You'll need to provide details of what happened, photographs of the damage if possible, and any police report if the damage involved a third party or was the result of a crime.

Zurich will assess the claim and decide whether it's covered under the policy terms. If it is, they'll either repair the car or pay out the claim, depending on the damage. You'll be responsible for paying the excess amount stated in the policy.

The claims process can take several weeks. During that time, Hertz may charge you for the rental car if it's not available for other customers, though this varies depending on the circumstances and Hertz's own policies.

Alternatives to Hertz's optional coverage

You don't have to buy Zurich's coverage through Hertz. If your personal car insurance doesn't cover rentals, you have other options. Some credit card companies offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit — check your card's terms. You can also buy standalone rental car insurance from other insurers before you travel, sometimes at a lower cost than Hertz's quoted price.

Travel insurance policies sometimes include rental car coverage as well, though you'll need to check the specific policy. If you rent cars frequently, a standalone annual rental car insurance policy may be cheaper than buying coverage for each rental through Hertz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I decline Zurich's optional coverage and drive the car without any insurance?

No. You must have at least third-party liability insurance to drive legally in the UK. If you decline Zurich's coverage, your personal car insurance must cover the rental car, or you must have another form of coverage in place. Hertz will not rent to you without proof of valid insurance.

Is Zurich's coverage the same price every time I rent from Hertz?

No. The cost varies based on the vehicle type, rental duration, your age, and sometimes the pickup location. Younger drivers and longer rentals typically cost more. Always check the quoted price when you book, as it may differ from your last rental.

What if my personal insurance already covers rentals — do I still need Zurich's coverage?

No, you don't need it if your personal policy covers rental cars in the UK. However, you should confirm this with your insurer before you decline Hertz's optional coverage. If your personal policy has a high excess, you might choose to buy Zurich's coverage anyway if it has a lower excess.

Does Zurich's coverage include damage from bad weather or natural disasters?

This depends on the specific policy terms. Most damage waivers cover accidental damage but may exclude certain events. Check the policy document Hertz provides to see what weather-related damage is covered and what is excluded.

How long does a claim with Zurich take?

Claims typically take two to four weeks to process, though this varies depending on the complexity of the damage and how quickly you provide the required information. During this time, Hertz may charge you for the rental car if it's out of service, depending on the circumstances.