johnnyone

I used Goldcar from Valencia on my last trip with my own insurance. Apart from having to check the car over I had no problems and am using them again when over at the end of this week.
I have also previously booked with Firefly and also have not had any problems with them.

Countryboy1

A way of saving money I'm sure, but "never had a claim" is meaningless as an indication of any future incidents! It's like saying "I've never been ill" or "My house has never been burgled or burnt down" Meaningless!
Saved enough to pay a claim eh? What if you're involved in a "your fault" accident with another vehicle in which, aside from damage to the another vehicle(s), God forbid, people are injured and left disabled or even killed. Or you strike a pedestrian.
You'd soon find out if the "fortune" you've saved would cover all the costs involved!
Oh and by the way, I hope you never drive near me! Please put a sticker in your rear window saying "no extra insurance".

bobd22

To cover the other party is what third party insurance is for. So all that you mention is covered under standard insurance. The extra insurance is for the hire vehicle only
usually tyres underneath roof and glass .

noelrosie

We use Goldcar regularly too (twice this year already, three or four times last year) and despite having our own 'stand-alone' policy for extra 'top-up' insurance (meaning we refuse theirs), we've had no problems with getting a refund of the deposit/block/whatever you call it shortly after we return the car.

Maur-Ross

Thank you for this information. We are hoping to hire a car in a couple of weeks. Have put it off after trying to work out best thing to do after hearing awful stories from people who have their own excess policy. They have been treated shabbily. We alwats have our own policy which is similar to the car hire firms except ours is annual and theirs is weekly. We do not want to be treated badly for not taking out their policy as we go away several times a year

Loafing Along

I have always stuck with one of the majors, Europcar has been excellent over many years. Maybe pay a bit more but I think worth it. Also avoid daily extra fully comprehensive package by having an annual cover issued in the UK by using Insurance4CarHire.

Fredbargate

Yes I have Insurance4CarHire due to be renewed

Also I believe that by paying a little more one might avoid some of the queuing

But still undecided

bobd22

I think the whinging is caused by the multitude of broker scraper sites that are used these days. They tend to come up with the same company offering best deal at a particular time of the year everyone goes for that one on basic cost. Hence large numbers using a specific company that is then compounded by advertised price not incl !!!!!! Which causes further delays at already busy desk. I find it better often to forget brokers contact reputable companies direct with your requirement I.e. Full all inclusive insurance, 24 hour breakdown full full fuel if unlikely you will use a tank full etc. Often if you get full insurance you full full fuel included so no extra fuel cost. Send them your request to a few good companies and let them make the offer to you. In the end you take the one that suits you best. If you have your own excess insurance on annual basis be prepared for still a hard sell from some I found Record the worst. But stand your ground have faith in your excess insurance be prepared to leave a deposit held and refuse to take their rip off prices.

MikeJ

It really depends on how often and for how long you rent each year. Personally I don't renew my insurance4carhire annually but wait until just before I need it. There is no NCD so no benefit in keeping it going.
Last trip when I needed a hire car I went with Economycarhire and took their insurance, which was actually cheaper than i4ch and covered all the extras which local rentcos add on or don't cover. But I knew that I would not be renting again in that 12 month period. If you rent more than once then i4ch and a careful check of the rentco is usually cheaper (insurancewise)

bobd22

Yes that is also very good advice. I have done the same myself.

Fredbargate

Yes Mike I was just considering that aspect as I will not be hiring again for at least 6 months

Plus you generally come up with the right answers

casa del sol

Exactly....it would be illegal for them to hand you the keys if you did not have third party insurance.

Fredbargate

Well Mike i4ch have made the decision for me.

QUOTE

To qualify for an insurance4carhire policy you must hold a full driving licence of any nationality, be aged between 21-85 and reside within UK, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Italy or France.

ANV; the insurers of the policies we provide implemented this residency restriction on the 1st July 2016.

However, as Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory I will query with our underwriters as to whether we are able to provide a renewal policy on this basis.
Once I have this confirmed, I will get back to you regarding the renewal of policy ANV

Loafing Along

Interesting! Portugal excluded as residence.

Fredbargate

I didn't spot that Loafing Along