All-inclusive car rental, explained
All-inclusive car rental means the price already includes full insurance (CDW + theft protection) with zero excess, third-party liability, unlimited mileage, airport fees, taxes and free cancellation. You pay one transparent price and avoid pressure to buy extra insurance at the desk.
Most complaints about rental cars come down to one thing: surprises at the counter. A low online rate turns into a much larger bill once insurance, a high excess, mileage limits and airport fees are added. All-inclusive pricing removes those surprises by bundling everything you need into the price you book.
What is included
- Full collision damage waiver (CDW) with zero excess
- Theft protection
- Third-party liability insurance
- Unlimited mileage
- Airport surcharges and local taxes
- Free cancellation up to 1 hour before pick-up
What is not included
- Fuel (most rentals use a full-to-full policy)
- Optional extras: child seats, GPS, additional drivers, winter tyres
- Fines and tolls you incur while driving
Why zero excess matters
With a typical rental, the excess is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in - often €700-€2,000. A single kerbed wheel or car-park scrape can cost you the full excess. Zero excess means that risk is removed: you are covered from the first euro of damage.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in an all-inclusive car rental?
Full collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection with zero excess, third-party liability, unlimited mileage, airport surcharges, taxes and free cancellation. Fuel and optional extras such as child seats or a second driver are not included.
Is all-inclusive cheaper than a budget rate plus insurance?
Often yes. Budget headline rates usually exclude insurance and carry a high excess; adding counter insurance to cover that excess frequently costs more than an all-inclusive price that already includes zero-excess cover.
Do I still need my own excess insurance?
No. Because the excess is already zero, separate excess-reimbursement insurance is unnecessary for the rental itself.