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- Key number
- The excess
- Common terms
- CDW, TP, SCDW
- Often excluded
- Tyres, glass, underside
- Before pickup
- Photo all damage
Car rental insurance has several layers, and the key number to find is the excess, the amount you pay yourself if the car is damaged or stolen. Auto Europe is our first pick for comparing offers, because the booking shows cover terms before you pay.
In Slovakia, third-party liability is part of a rental by law, while damage and theft cover come as separate products that reduce what you owe. The names differ by company, so read the definitions.
This guide explains the common terms and how to avoid paying twice for the same cover.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- The excess is what you pay first, so compare it between offers.
- CDW and theft protection usually come with an excess, and super cover reduces it.
- Tyres, glass, roof and underside are often excluded from basic cover.
- Third-party liability is included in the rental.
- Third-party excess insurance from a separate seller can refund you but usually means paying the supplier first.
Best ways to cover a Slovak car rental, ranked
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Our top pick1
Auto Europe
Best overallBest for: First-time renters in Europe
Auto Europe is a long-established broker that compares offers from many rental companies and shows booking terms in plain English. Compare the cover level shown in each offer, since the same car can come with different excess amounts.
Compare cars on Auto Europe- Compares many suppliers
- Long track record
- Clear booking terms
- Check excess and insurance details
- Prices vary by supplier
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2
QEEQ
Best for filteringBest for: Price-focused travellers
QEEQ is a comparison platform where you can filter by price, car type and supplier, which helps when you want a specific kind of car.
Compare cars on QEEQ- Useful filters
- Many supplier options
- Good for longer rentals
- Read supplier terms carefully
- Pick-up locations vary
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3
Economybookings
Best budget pickBest for: Budget travellers
Economybookings compares prices across rental companies with a focus on economy cars, so it is worth a check if you want the cheapest compact.
Compare cars on Economybookings- Budget-friendly options
- Easy comparison
- Many pick-up points
- Cheapest cars may have a higher excess
- Check fuel and mileage policy
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4
GetRentacar
Local owner marketplaceBest for: Flexible travellers who read reviews
GetRentacar is a marketplace where local owners and companies list cars. It advertises free cancellation, and the deposit is collected by the owner at pick-up. Public reviews are mixed and Slovakia coverage was not clearly shown, so check availability for your city and read our review.
Rent on GetRentacar- Free cancellation advertised
- Deposit paid to the owner at pick-up
- Mixed Trustpilot reviews
- Quality varies by owner
- Slovakia coverage unclear
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5
Credit card rental cover
Check firstBest for: Cardholders who confirmed cover
Some cards include rental damage cover if you pay with the card and decline the supplier's CDW. Terms, countries and exclusions vary widely, so read the policy and keep proof of cover.
- No extra purchase if included
- Often needs a claim after you pay
- Many exclusions
The main types of cover
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): limits what you pay if the rental car is damaged, up to the excess.
- Theft Protection (TP): limits what you pay if the car is stolen, also with an excess.
- Super CDW or zero excess: an upgrade that reduces or removes the excess.
- Third-party liability: covers damage to others, included in the rental.
- Personal accident or roadside: optional extras.
What the excess means
If you scratch the car, you pay up to the excess, and the insurer pays the rest. The supplier usually blocks the excess amount on your card as a deposit, so check that your card limit allows it. A cheap rental with a large excess can cost more after one incident.
Common exclusions
Basic cover often excludes tyres, windscreen and glass, mirrors, the underside and roof, keys, and damage from driving on unpaved roads. Wrong fuel and lost keys are also usually excluded. Read these lines in the terms.
Third-party excess insurance and card cover
Standalone excess insurance can be cheaper than the supplier's super cover, but you pay the supplier for damage and claim it back later. Card cover works similarly. If you buy any of these, keep the documents with you. For wider trip cover, see travel insurance for Slovakia.
At pick-up and return
Photograph the car on all sides, including the roof, wheels and interior, and make sure each mark is on the form. Confirm the fuel policy, and check that the vignette and any cross-border permission are on the agreement, see car rental in Slovakia. For cross-border drives, also see Vienna to Slovakia. Road rules are in driving in Slovakia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the excess on a rental car?
It is the amount you pay yourself for damage or theft before the cover pays. It varies by supplier and car.
Do I need super CDW?
Not required, but it reduces or removes the excess. Compare its cost with other options like excess insurance.
Is liability insurance included in Slovakia?
Third-party liability is part of a rental, as in the rest of the EU. Check the limits in your agreement.
Does CDW cover tyres and windscreen?
Often not. These are commonly excluded, so check the terms or buy extra cover.
Can my credit card cover rental damage?
Some do. Read the policy, and check you must decline the supplier's CDW.
Photo: Vienna International Airport · Hansueli Krapf This file was uploaded with Commonist. · CC BY-SA 3.0
