When you pick up the keys to the rental car, it’s important to think about you’ll keep it safe. Like any vehicle, a rental car can become a target if it appears easy to access or contains visible valuables.
The good news is that most vehicle crime is opportunistic. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of your rental car being broken into or stolen.
This guide explains how to keep your rental car secure, what to do if something does happen and how car rental excess insurance can help protect you from unexpected costs.
Why Are Rental Cars Broken Into?
Most car theft and break-ins aren’t carefully planned. Criminals are usually looking for an easy opportunity rather than a specific vehicle. Rental cars can be more attractive for thieves as they’re more likely to contain high-value items, like expensive cameras and other electronics, that belong to tourists as well as cash.
You might be wondering how someone would be able to tell it’s a rental car over a regular car. Markers like barcode stickers on the windows and frames or decals on the rear that bear the logo of the rental company are big signs alongside noticing suitcases being loaded into the boot and drivers noticeably unfamiliar with the area.
Of course, any vehicle can be targeted which is why making your car look less appealing than the one parked next to it might be enough to discourage opportunistic thieves.
Where Are Rental Cars Most at Risk?
You should always err on the side of caution but some locations are more likely to be a higher risk than others.
Take extra care when parking in:
This doesn’t mean these places are unsafe, only that they’re locations where unattended vehicles are more common. Wherever you park, it’s worth taking the same precautions.
How to Keep Your Rental Car Safe
Check the vehicle before leaving it
Before you walk away from the vehicle take a few seconds to check the doors are locked properly, that the windows and sunroof are closed, and that the boot is secure.
If your rental car has keyless entry, don’t assume it’s locked just because you’ve walked away.
Keep valuables out of sight
Visible belongings are one of the biggest reasons vehicles are targeted so ideally you would take all your valuables with you.
If something has to stay in the car, place it in the boot before you arrive at your destination. This is safer than moving bags into the boot after parking as you don’t know who could have seen you move them.
Some drivers also leave the glovebox open when it’s empty to show there’s nothing worth stealing.
Choose where you park carefully
Where you leave your rental car can make a significant difference. Where possible, choose:
When parking overnight, secure parking is a better option than leaving the vehicle on the street.
Keep control of the keys
It may seem obvious but if someone gets ahold of the car keys, they don’t need to break into the car.
To reduce this risk, make sure you never leave your keys unattended and avoid placing them near doors or windows in your accommodation.
If the rental car uses keyless entry then consider using a signal blocking pouch to help prevent relay theft.
Will I Be Charged if Something Happens to My Rental Car?
If your rental car is damaged during a break-in, the rental company may charge you for the repairs, even if your belongings were the real target. Depending on your agreement this could include broken windows, damaged locks, scratched doors, forced entry repairs and replacement keys or security systems.
These costs are taken from the excess amount which could run into hundreds or even thousands of euros. With an excess insurance policy for rental cars, you may be able to reclaim eligible excess charges back.
What If My Personal Belongings Are Stolen?
The rental company is responsible for the vehicle and not what’s inside it. If your luggage, electronics or any other belongings are stolen you’ll need to rely on your own insurance.
Cover4Rentals policies include personal possession cover which helps protect you if eligible items are stolen from the vehicle.
What Do I Do If My Rental Car is Damaged or Stolen?
If something does happen, make sure to act quickly and keep records of everything.
You’ll need to report the incident to the police and obtain a crime reference number. Then you’ll need to contact the rental company.
Don’t forget to take photos of the vehicle and surrounding area and keep all paperwork and receipts. This documentation is important if you plan to make a claim later on.
For more step-by-step guidance, see our advice on what to do if your rental car is damaged or stolen.
How Car Rental Excess Insurance Can Help
A break-in can be stressful enough without worrying about what it might cost you later down the line.
Rental car excess insurance will help you if you’re held liable for damage following a theft, attempted theft or break-in, subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Cover4Rentals policies can also provide protection for areas that are commonly excluded by rental companies, such as tyres, wheels, windows and the underbody, and offers cover for rentals across the world.
FAQs
It’s generally better to take valuables with you out of the car. If you have no alternative then make sure you store them out of sight before you park.
You may be responsible for damage to the vehicle, such as broken windows or locks, depending on your rental agreement. Car hire excess insurance may reimburse eligible excess charges.
Report the theft to the police immediately, obtain a crime reference number and contact the rental company as soon as possible.
Cover4Rentals covers excess charges following theft or attempted theft but always check your policy wording.
Although you can’t eliminate any risk, a few habits such as choosing where you park carefully, keeping valuables out of sight and securing the vehicle properly all reduce the likelihood of theft or damage. And car rental excess insurance means that if the worst does happen, you won’t necessarily be left with a large bill.
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