Insurance, in plain language
Every Drovy rental comes with mandatory third-party cover. From there, you choose how much of the rest you want to carry yourself — here's exactly what each level means.
Third-party liability comes with every rental
Always covered
Legally required — never optional, never removed.
- Damage to other vehicles and property
- Injury to other people
- Legally required with every car, at no extra cost
Not covered by the basics
This is what the protection levels below are for.
- Damage to the car you're driving
Third-party liability protects other people and their property — not your rental car. To cover the car itself, add one of the protection levels below.
More protection means a lower deposit and less to owe
On top of the mandatory cover, each operator offers protection for the rental car itself. More protection means a lower deposit and a smaller amount you'd owe if something happens.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW) with an excess
- Higher refundable deposit held on your card
- You cover damage up to the excess amount
- Glass, tyres and undercarriage not included
- Reduced excess — you owe far less if there's damage
- Smaller refundable deposit
- Covers most damage to the car body
- Glass, tyres and undercarriage still excluded
- No excess — damage is fully covered
- Lowest deposit, sometimes none
- Includes glass, tyres and undercarriage
- Offered by select operators
Premium protection isn't offered by every operator — you'll see it on the car when it's available.
Full protection lowers your excess and deposit — it doesn't make you invincible. You're still responsible for the excluded parts (glass, tyres, undercarriage, interior, lost keys) and for anything caused by breaking the rental terms, like off-road driving. If you want those covered too, choose Premium where it's offered.
What's usually not covered
Across all levels, some things are typically excluded unless you have Premium:
- Glass, tyres, wheels and the undercarriage
- Interior damage, lost or damaged keys, and wrong fuel
- Anything caused by breaking the rental terms (off-road, unauthorised driver, driving under the influence)
- Personal belongings left in the car
A hold, not a charge
The deposit is a refundable hold the operator places on your card at pickup — it isn't a charge. It's released after you return the car undamaged. A higher protection level means a lower deposit.
You'll always see the exact deposit and excess for your chosen level before you book, and again on your confirmation. Some operators accept a debit card or no deposit at all — look for the badge on the car.
Still not sure?
The exact figures for every car are shown before you pay. If you're weighing it up, the FAQ covers the common cases.