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Does Travel Insurance Cover Car Rental?
Most standard travel insurance plans in Singapore cover your rental car's excess, the deductible you'd otherwise pay for damage or theft. It's usually included automatically, though coverage limits, exclusions, and plan exceptions vary. Here's exactly what each plan offers, and what's not covered.
Rental Vehicle Excess Cover: What It Is and Which Plans Include It
What is "rental vehicle excess"? When you rent a car, the rental company holds you liable for an excess if the car is damaged or stolen, even with their own insurance in place. This typically ranges from $500 to $3,000, and rental vehicle excess cover reimburses that amount.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Most insurers require you to select rental vehicle excess coverage at the point of purchase—you typically can’t add it later. Avoid missing this benefit by double-checking before checkout.
Travel Insurance Car Rental Coverage: Comparison
Many basic travel insurance plans include rental vehicle excess cover as standard. Here's how they compare:
| Plan | Rental vehicle excess |
|---|---|
| Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze | Up to $500 |
| HL Assurance Travel Protect360 Basic | Up to $500 |
| Singlife Travel Lite | Up to $500 |
| INCOME Standard Classic | Up to $1,500 |
| DirectAsia Voyager $5K | Up to $1,500 |
| MSIG TravelEasy Standard | Not included |
| FWD Premium | Not included |
| Tiq Entry | Add-on only (Up to $300) |
Eligibility requirements for rental vehicle excess cover
To claim rental vehicle excess reimbursement under your travel insurance, you must fulfil these conditions:
- Maintain the rental company's comprehensive motor insurance for the full rental period
- Be a named driver on the rental agreement, with a valid licence for the country where you’re driving
- Keep the vehicle in your custody and control at all times; coverage (and thereby, claims) don't apply if damage happens while it's outside your care
- Comply with all rental agreement terms and local traffic laws
Rental vehicle excess coverage exclusions and limits
Regardless of insurer, rental vehicle excess cover does not include:
- Third-party liability. You'll still need the rental company's own insurance for damage to other vehicles or property.
- Damage beyond the stated excess amount. Your coverage is limited to the excess / deductible amount shown in your policy.
- Business, commercial, or corporate vehicle hire. Only personal holiday use qualifies.
- Luxury vehicles, sports cars, off-road vehicles, or motorcycles. Standard passenger cars only.
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or damage during repairs. Pre-existing conditions excluded.
- Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, illegal driving, or speed trials. Any such policy violations void coverage.
- Multiple claims. Usually capped at 1 claim per trip
Best Travel Insurance Plans with Rental Car Coverage in Singapore
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Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
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- S$5,000
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- S$3,000
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Allianz Travel Silver
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
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MSIG TravelEasy Elite
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$10,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$5,000
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How Travel Insurance Excess Cover Works with Rental Company Insurance
To cover your rental vehicle during your overseas trip, 2 layers of cover work together:
How the two layers work together
- Rental company's insurance (CDW, or Super CDW/SCDW): Required for the full rental period, regardless of your travel insurance
- Travel insurance's excess cover: A top-up that reimburses the deductible you're still liable for, once the rental company's cover is already in place
How the two layers work together
| Condition | Rental Company Insurance (CDW/SCDW) | Travel Insurance Excess Cover |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers ✅ | Waives or reduces your responsibility for damage, theft, and third-party liability; some packages add breakdown cover or personal accident |
Reimburses the excess / deductible you're still liable for under the rental agreement. For e.g.: |
| What it excludes ❌ |
|
Third-party liability Breakdown / roadside assistance Damage beyond the stated excess Commercial use Prohibited vehicle types |
| When it applies | Runs only for the rental contract's duration; paid directly to the rental company | Only if you already have the rental company's cover in place, you're the named hirer, and it's for private holiday use |
| Typical cost | $15–$50 per day for SCDW / extra cover | Often included, or added for as little as $6–$12 per trip |
| Eligibility | Subject to the rental company's driver restrictions and age requirements | Singapore residents, named hirer, personal use only |
While the rental company's base insurance is mandatory, it often leaves significant coverage gaps and high deductibles. Travel insurance excess cover effectively closes these gaps, offering a more affordable and streamlined claims process to protect your wallet.
How to Purchase Travel Insurance With Rental Vehicle Excess Cover: Step-by-Step Guide
Purchasing travel insurance with rental vehicle excess cover is straightforward when you know what to look for. Apply through MoneySmart to complete the purchase in minutes and enjoy activated coverage immediately.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Apply within 24-48 hours of booking your trip, not just before departure. Early application ensures coverage for pre-trip cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, or travel restrictions. For rental vehicle excess cover, early purchase means you're protected even if you book your rental car weeks in advance.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Apply within 24-48 hours of booking your trip, not just before departure. Early application ensures coverage for pre-trip cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, or travel restrictions. For rental vehicle excess cover, early purchase means you're protected even if you book your rental car weeks in advance.
Step 1
Get a quote via MoneySmart
Visit MoneySmart's travel insurance comparison page and enter your travel dates, destination(s), trip type (single or annual), number of travellers, and ages.
Next, filter results to see plans that include rental vehicle excess cover and other coverage amounts before confirming.
Next, filter results to see plans that include rental vehicle excess cover and other coverage amounts before confirming.
Step 2
Compare coverage limits
Review rental vehicle excess amounts across shortlisted plans.
Entry-level plans offer coverage up to $500, while mid-tier plans provide up to $1,500-$5,000.
Ensure coverage matches or exceeds your rental car's typical excess (usually $500-$1,500).
💡 Always verify if rental vehicle excess is part of the base plan or as an add-on.
Entry-level plans offer coverage up to $500, while mid-tier plans provide up to $1,500-$5,000.
Ensure coverage matches or exceeds your rental car's typical excess (usually $500-$1,500).
💡 Always verify if rental vehicle excess is part of the base plan or as an add-on.
Step 3
Choose plan and apply via MoneySmart
Click "Apply Now" on your selected plan. Use Singpass MyInfo for auto-filled details if available. Have passport details, travel dates, and traveller information ready.
⭐ Remember to fill in the MoneySmart Rewards Form during purchase to track and qualify for sign-up bonuses, if any.
⭐ Remember to fill in the MoneySmart Rewards Form during purchase to track and qualify for sign-up bonuses, if any.
Step 4
Select optional add-ons
Review additional coverage via riders if needed:
Select only what matches your trip’s needs.
- COVID-19 protection
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Adventure sports
- Cancel For Any Reason
Select only what matches your trip’s needs.
Step 5
Review and make payment
Verify all details are correct: traveller names, trip dates, plan tier, and rental vehicle excess coverage.
Complete payment via credit card, internet banking, or PayNow.
Complete payment via credit card, internet banking, or PayNow.
Step 6
Receive and review policy documents
Upon purchase, coverage activates within minutes of payment and policy documents are emailed. Save digital copies and note your policy number.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Download your policy document to your phone before travel for easier reference.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Download your policy document to your phone before travel for easier reference.
What customers are saying about MoneySmart
4.4 rating of 2075 reviews
Having using another competitor’s platform with same credit card promotions and travel insurance… I can firmly say MoneySmart is a much better choice with top notch customer service. Their reply is fast, responsive. Not only that, if they are unsure, they give you a call with email follow up. This is what I call seamless customer experience. Moneysmart’s portal may not be perfect, I will still go to this platform. Tks!!
MoneySmart sells genuine products at good prices. I got my travel insurance through them and even won an AirTag, super happy with the deal!
Sorted out my rewards issue over a travel insurance I purchased on their platform. Dayang of Customer Service unfailingly responded promptly and clearly my questions through a series of emails. Thanks so much!
I had a typo unknowingly during the purchase of my travel insurance and MoneySmart responded within a working day after I sent in my request for assistance and it was resolved in 3 days’ time! Ms Kama who assisted me was pleasant and responsive.
Had been using money smart to buy my travel insurance. Many brands can be found. It’s fast and easy to apply. Some plans are entitled to cash reward and you will get it if you are eligible. It’s a good platform to use for comparing different products and values.
Travel often and will purchase travel insurance from moneysmart. Great gift like free esim or ichangi rewards. Will be great if able to redeem free esim for same account
A must stop before any insurance purchase. I used Moneysmart for all my travel insurance whenever I need. The web provide comparison and all benefits bird eye view.
A very useful platform for comparing credit card benefits and rewards. It's also great for purchasing travel insurance. The rewards are highly attractive and delivered promptly. Well done, I love it!
Enjoy using MoneySmart. It is easy and quick to use. They have great promotions on credit cards, insurance, etc. Love the comparison tool as it shows the best value from different companies and it is efficient way for me to compare. I use it a lot, especially for travel insurance. Great money and finance related tips and tricks.
Rent a Car Overseas With Peace of Mind 🚗
Rental vehicle excess can set you back up to $3,000 if something goes wrong. The right travel insurance plan covers that—often automatically. Compare plans that include excess cover and find one that fits your trip.
How to Claim Rental Vehicle Excess Reimbursement From Travel Insurance
Step 1
Secure the scene and document it
Ensure everyone's safe, then take timestamped photos of all damage, including close-ups, wide shots, and other vehicles' plates if involved.
Step 2
Report to police and rental agency
Get a police report (mandatory overseas, even for minor incidents) and a written incident report from the rental agency.
Step 3
Gather your documents
Documents like rental agreement, police report (translated if not in English), payment receipts, and the rental agency's damage report are necessary.
It’s recommended to keep the originals until your claim is closed.
It’s recommended to keep the originals until your claim is closed.
Step 4
Submit claim within 24–48 hours
Contact your insurer's hotline or online portal with full documentation; incomplete paperwork is the top cause of delays or rejections.
Step 5
Follow up with travel insurer promptly (where needed)
Respond to any insurer queries and keep your claim reference number
Common Claim Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Not the main driver: Claims are routinely denied if you're not the named hirer / main driver.
- Missed deadlines: Late reporting or filing can void your cover, even if your case is valid.
- Missing or incomplete paperwork: No police report, unclear receipts, or missing agency documentation. Check requirements for your specific destination country.
- Excluded vehicle type / use: Business use or luxury, sports, or off-road vehicles trigger exclusions, even with documentation.
- Unapproved repairs: Repairs at a non-approved provider, or without rental agency agreement, are a frequent cause of denial.
FAQs About Travel Insurance Car Rental Coverage
Does my Singapore credit card provide car rental insurance?
- Some credit cards offer complimentary rental car insurance, usually for the rental vehicle excess or collision damage waiver. Coverage only activates if you:
- Pay for the entire rental with the eligible card
- Are named as the main driver on the rental contract
- Rent from a recognised company, for personal use
- Meet the card's minimum age and licence requirements
See our guide to credit cards offering complimentary travel insurance. Which Singapore travel insurance plans cover car rental excess?
- Most standard travel insurance plans include it:
- Starr TraveLead Bronze, HL Assurance Travel Protect360 Basic, Singlife Travel Lite: Up to $500 each
- INCOME Standard Classic: Up to $1,500
- DirectAsia Voyager $5K: Up to $5,000
- MSIG TravelEasy Standard, FWD Premium: Not included
- Tiq Entry: Add-on only ($300)
Always check if you need to select this as an add-on before purchase. See the MoneySmart travel insurance comparison tool for full details. How do I claim for a rental car excess under my travel insurance?
- To claim for rental car excess, notify local authorities and your rental agency immediately, and keep all documentation (police report, rental contract, excess receipt). Next, ensure you submit your claim within 24–48 hours (or upon your return to Singapore if overseas) for the best chances at claim validity.
Should I buy both travel insurance and rental agency car insurance?
- Yes, buy both; they work together as two complementary layers. The rental agency's insurance base coverage is always mandatory, while travel insurance's excess cover is an optional top-up only costing $6–$12 per trip that can reimburse your deductible (typically $500-$1,500).
Does my travel insurance cover car rentals for business or company (SME) hire?
- No, all standard travel insurance plans in Singapore exclude business, commercial, or corporate vehicle hire. Rental vehicle excess cover only applies to personal holiday use. If you're renting a car for business purposes (client meetings, work events, corporate travel), your travel insurance won't reimburse the excess.
What are the main exclusions and limits for car rental excess cover?
- Rental vehicle excess cover has several common exclusions and conditions:
- Third-party liability (damage to other vehicles or property)
- Damage beyond the stated excess amount in your policy
- Business, commercial, or corporate vehicle hire
- Luxury vehicles, sports cars, off-road vehicles, or motorcycles
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or damage during repairs
- Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, illegal driving, or speed trials
- Claims when you're not the named/main driver on the rental agreement
Key conditions: You must maintain the rental company's comprehensive motor insurance for the full rental period, be listed as the named driver with a valid licence, use the vehicle for personal purposes only, and keep it in your custody at all times. Most plans cap coverage at one claim per trip. When should I add rental car excess coverage to my policy?
- For most Singapore insurers (e.g. Income, Singlife), the add-on must be selected at the point of purchase—you can't add it later. Double-check before checkout to avoid missing the benefit.
What's the best-value rental excess cover for typical Singaporean travellers?
- For rental vehicle excess coverage, consider:
- INCOME Standard Classic: $1,500 excess cover
- Singlife Travel Lite: $500 excess cover
Both are typically more cost-effective than buying extra cover at the rental counter. Can I claim from both my credit card insurance and my travel insurance for the same rental incident?
- No. Claiming from both for the same incident is "double dipping" and is prohibited. If eligible under both, pick one provider for your claim, and list your secondary cover as "other insurance held" if asked.
Do I need to be a Singapore resident to buy travel insurance with car rental cover?
- Yes. For nearly all insurers, car rental excess cover is only available to Singapore residents buying a plan from a Singapore travel insurer. Non-residents or visitors should check options in their country of residence.
What should I check before and during my rental to avoid a rejected claim?
- Beyond the standard documents, protect yourself from disputes by:
- Taking timestamped photos at pick-up (all 4 sides, interior, odometer, fuel gauge)
- Photographing pre-existing scratches or dents noted on the rental agreement
- Saving digital copies to cloud storage immediately
- Keeping rental company contact details and your insurer's emergency hotline saved in your phone
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Many rental disputes arise from "phantom damage" claims. Comprehensive photo documentation is your strongest defence.