Renting a car in France can be a great way to see the country at your own pace. However, it is crucial to understand the different types of car rental insurance available before you hit the road.

Check out our insightful guide to car rental insurance in France before setting off on your adventure!

Looking for a specific section? Use the menu below to navigate around this rental car insurance guide quickly:

• How To Rent A Car in France
• Mandatory Car Rental Insurance in France
• Additional Rental Car Coverage Explained
• What if You Decline Additional Coverage
• Damage To The Rental Car
• Bonus- Rent A Car in France

Without further ado, let’s jump into the guide!

How To Rent A Car In France

The process of renting a car in France is very similar to other EU member states. In short, you will need the following to rent a car in France:

• Valid driver’s license
• International Driving Permit- only if your license was issued outside of the EU, or if it is not in French
• Valid passport/ID card
• Credit or Debit Card (depending on the rental company and car class)- must be under the renter’s name

Some rental companies, like Enterprise, will require a credit card for those renting premium vehicles. If you’re traveling with a debit card, double-check the rental company’s policy before setting off.

A premium location surcharge, a young driver fee, or a late drop-off fee- these are just some fees that can quickly add up to your rental bill. Be mindful of the additional fees before booking your rental car to budget accordingly.

Most rental car companies in France require a security deposit before handing over the keys. This deposit is typically charged to the credit card used when booking your rental car. While some local companies may accept a debit card for the deposit, this is less common.

Rentalmoose insider tip: Booking your rental car in the local currency can often lead to lower costs due to better exchange rates.

Mandatory Car Rental Insurance in France

First of all, it’s crucial to distinguish the three types of car rental insurance- liability, collision damage waivers (CDW), and theft protection (TP). Personal liability insurance

Personal Liability Insurance, also known as Third-Party Insurance, is a mandatory component of car rental contracts in France. It’s automatically included in all rental agreements.

While liability insurance is the mandatory type of coverage, it often proves insufficient. It’s strongly advised to invest in additional protection. Especially because personal liability insurance does not cover damages done to the car in any way.

You can find comprehensive information about rental car insurance in various countries in this guide.

Personal Liability Insurance- Why It May Not Be Enough

As the name suggests, Third-Party Liability Insurance covers personal injury claims and material damage done only to the other driver. This means it doesn’t protect the rental car in any way.

If you’re involved in an accident and only have basic coverage, you’ll be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any damages to the rental car. This can quickly add up to thousands of euros. On the plus side, French law requires that the personal liability insurance is unlimited.

We hope you’ll never need it, but just in case, let’s be prepared. It’s like wearing a seatbelt: you hope you’ll never need it, but you’re glad you have it when you do.

Additional Rental Car Coverage in France Explained

Before you dive into car rental deals, take a closer look at the fine print to avoid hidden costs. Make sure you understand exactly what coverage you’re getting to prevent any surprises later.

These are the different types of car rental insurance and coverage you can get in France. Check below for details.

• Third Party Liability Insurance in France and Fire Insurance(LI)
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Theft Protection (TP)

Third Party Liability Insurance+Fire Insurance in France (basic coverage)

As mentioned above, providing this type of basic coverage is a legal requirement for every rental company.

While liability insurance is mandatory, it’s highly recommended to purchase additional coverage like CDW and TP to protect yourself financially in case of accidents or theft.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)

A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is not technically insurance. It’s a contract where the rental company agrees to waive a portion or all of the costs associated with damage to the rental vehicle.

Your credit card might offer CDW coverage. Check with your credit card provider to see if their insurance extends to France. If not, consider purchasing CDW from the rental company.

Remember, you must use your credit card to pay for the rental for your credit card’s CDW to apply. Also, most credit card companies require you to decline any additional insurance offered by the rental company for their CDW to be effective.

There may be exclusions for certain rental car types, especially luxury vehicles, so read through the policy carefully!

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

This is the type of coverage that will protect the occupants in the rental car. Make sure you add PAI to your rental car quote for additional peace of mind.

Most holiday insurance policies include PAI by default. In that case, there is no need to get it once again from the rental company.

Theft Protection (TP)

Theft Protection is a crucial add-on for car rentals in France. While it’s not required by law, it provides invaluable peace of mind.

If your rental car is stolen, this coverage ensures you won’t be held financially responsible for its replacement cost. Given the potential high value of rental cars and the risk of theft in urban areas, purchasing Theft Protection is a wise investment.

It protects you from significant financial loss and allows you to continue your trip without undue stress.

Remember, while most travel insurance policies include some level of theft coverage, it’s essential to check the specific terms and conditions to determine if it covers rental cars.

What If You Decline Additional Car Insurance in France

While it’s tempting to save money by declining additional car rental insurance in France, it’s important to consider the potential risks.

If you’re involved in an accident or the car is stolen, you could be liable for significant repair or replacement costs.

While the basic liability insurance included in your rental fee covers damage or injury to others, it doesn’t protect you or the rental car itself. By opting out of additional insurance, you’re essentially taking on the financial risk.

If you’re comfortable with this risk, you can save money. However, if you’re unsure or want added protection, considering purchasing collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection (TP) is advisable.

Damaged Rental Car In France

Fighting rental car damage claims can be tricky, no matter which country you’re in. This should not discourage you from renting a car in France. Nonetheless, every renter should be aware of the local procedures.

Bonus- France Rental Car

Unsure where to book your rental car in France? Be sure to check out Rentalmoose. We’re a global car rental broker that serves over 15 000 locations worldwide.

We only offer rental cars from trusted and verified suppliers.

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