Insurance & Cover for Short-Term Hire
All VOD hire vehicles include standard collision damage waiver and third-party liability as part of the hire rate. Here's exactly what's covered — and how you can reduce your excess.
Self-drive hire operated through Practical Car & Van Rental Enfield. Cover terms subject to branch conditions.
What's included in every hire rate
These protections apply to all VOD short-term hire vehicles automatically — no extras required.
As required by UK law, all hire vehicles are covered for third-party liability — injury to other people and damage to third-party property while the vehicle is in use.
Standard CDW is included, limiting your liability for accidental damage to the hire vehicle. Subject to the standard excess amount — see below.
Protection against theft of the vehicle is included, subject to the standard excess and provided all keys are returned and the vehicle was secured at the time of theft.
Windscreen and glass damage is covered subject to the standard excess. Chips and cracks should be reported to the branch promptly.
All hire vehicles include roadside breakdown assistance. If the vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside, recovery is arranged through the branch.
Excess reduction options
The standard hire includes CDW with an excess of up to £1,500. You can reduce this significantly by adding excess reduction at the time of booking. All options must be selected before the hire begins.
Standard CDW
Excess reduced to:
£1,000 – £1,500
Basic damage waiver included in every hire. You are liable for the stated excess amount in the event of a claim.
- Included in all hire rates
- Full excess liability applies
- No additional cost
Excess Reduction
Excess reduced to:
£250 – £500
Reduces your liability excess significantly. Recommended for most hirers — peace of mind for a small daily addition.
- Reduces excess to £250–£500
- Subject to branch availability
- Must be added at time of booking
Super CDW / Full Protection
Excess reduced to:
£0 – £100
Maximum protection with near-zero excess. Ideal for business hirers or those wanting complete peace of mind.
- Reduces excess to nil or near-nil
- Subject to branch availability
- Must be added at time of booking
Excess reduction rates are indicative and subject to confirmation at the branch. Pricing may vary by vehicle category, hire duration, and driver age. Ask when booking to confirm the exact rate for your hire.
What is not covered
The following are excluded from the standard CDW and all excess reduction options.
Items left in or stolen from the vehicle are not covered. You should arrange your own personal possessions insurance.
Tyre damage caused by kerbing, punctures from negligent driving, or off-road use is not covered under the standard policy.
Damage to the underside or roof of the vehicle is typically excluded from CDW. Drive carefully in multi-storey car parks and on uneven terrain.
Any damage or incident occurring while the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs voids all cover. The hirer is fully liable.
Only named and approved drivers on the hire agreement are covered. Any incident involving an unapproved driver voids the cover.
Deliberate damage or gross negligence is not covered and may result in full cost recovery from the hirer.
Important: CDW is not a full insurance policy. It is a financial waiver that limits your liability. The hirer remains responsible for the excess amount and for any exclusions listed above. Full cover details are set out in the hire agreement at the branch.
Common insurance questions
Do I need my own insurance to hire a vehicle?
Standard CDW and third-party liability are included with every hire. However, CDW is not a full insurance policy — it is a waiver that limits your financial liability. You do not need separate motor insurance for the vehicle, but you are responsible for the excess in the event of a claim.
What is an excess?
The excess is the amount you are responsible for paying in the event of a claim, before the waiver applies. For example, if the standard excess is £1,200 and damage costs £800, you pay £800. If damage costs £2,000, you pay £1,200 and the remainder is covered.
Can I use my personal motor insurance or credit card protection?
Some personal motor insurance policies and premium credit cards include hire car excess cover. You should check your own policy before adding excess reduction at the branch. VOD and Practical Car & Van Rental Enfield are not responsible for verifying third-party cover.
When do I need to add excess reduction?
Excess reduction and Super CDW must be added at the time of booking or vehicle collection. It cannot be added after an incident has occurred.
Is insurance available for young or new drivers?
Insurance terms and excess levels may differ for drivers under 25 or those with less than two years' licence history. Please enquire with the branch directly as additional conditions may apply.