What car insurance, if any, should I buy from rental car place in Spain?

Question

I need to rent a car in Spain for 5 days. Never rented a car in Europe and have heard some conflicting ideas on what extra insurance is worth buying just in case something happens. Any help appreciated.

Answer 1

The rental company will ask if you want extra insurance...you are automatically covered with the obligatory insurance. But if you feel safer with an extra take it, as long as it isn't too expensive.

Also a warning...

The new driving permit on a point system has just been installed in Spain as of july 1st.

The police are cracking down on speeders, and drunk drivers...and even on double-parkers! So be extra careful...

And have a good trip!

Answer 2

If they offer you a damage waiver insurance option, it's well worth taking.  Excesses in Spain can be very high, so it's best to cover against that.

Answer 3

In a foreign country I highly recommend full coverage no matter if you have it, use a credit card or what.  Count on $20 a day so for 5 days $100 is peanuts.  Well worth it, if you do have a problem you will get no points, no raising of your rates etc... as it wont be reported back to the US.  Insurance is mandatory so you will need some sort before they let you off the lot.  I took a car to a car wash in Switzerland and it got a tiny scratch from the brushes.  If it weren't for the full coverage they would have charged me for repainting.  In the US they walk around the car quickly and look for damage when you return a car.  In Europe they inspect every nook and cranny.  Check the policy, some will charge you to clean it as well.