Rental Car Damage Claims Rise Ahead of Autumn School Break
Insurer If has received over 110 travel insurance claims for rental vehicle damage since early 2025, ten of them in recent weeks. Travellers are advised to photograph the car thoroughly and check their policy coverage before trips.
As the autumn school break approaches, many families are planning trips abroad, and many travellers choose to rent a car or a camper van. This also brings a risk of damage and unexpected costs.
Since the start of 2025, insurer If has received more than 110 travel insurance claims for damage to rental vehicles. Ten of these were submitted in recent weeks. The incidents took place in several countries, including Italy, Estonia and Denmark.
The average payout exceeds 1,000 euros, and in some cases it has reached about 1,850 euros. Several claims involve camper vans rented both abroad and in Latvia. In one case strong wind damaged a camper van, and in another a falling pot damaged a hob, after which the rental company withheld a security deposit.
Parking damage and disputes with rental firms
Claims have also been filed for passenger cars scratched or otherwise damaged in car parks. Sometimes a rental company attributes damage to a customer who does not accept responsibility for it, and the excess set in the contract is deducted from the customer's account.
Inga Draule, head of travel insurance products at If, notes that even minor damage can cost several hundred or thousands of euros. If a rental company withholds the contractual excess, travel insurance can reimburse it up to 2,000 euros.
To reduce the risk of disputes, the car should be inspected and photographed from all sides before the trip, including the interior, existing scratches, glass, lights, rims and tyres. All damage should be listed in the handover documents, and it is advisable to photograph the car again on return. Rental documents and correspondence should be kept.
Theft risk in Italy
Recently, cases have been observed in Italy of rental car windows being smashed and belongings left inside stolen, including in paid car parks. Valuables should be taken along, and travellers should check that their policy covers luggage and personal items.
Advice for families
When travelling with children, it is worth considering third-party liability cover in case a child accidentally damages hotel, shop or other property. For trips in Europe, a European Health Insurance Card should be obtained in good time, but it does not replace travel insurance.
