Why should I buy an Odyssey policy? What is an excess?

When you hire a vehicle you will probably take out the vehicle rental outlet’s Loss (or Collision) Damage Waiver cover (sometimes referred to as LDW or CDW). This will include an Excess which varies depending upon the vehicle hired and location but is often over £500 and may be up to £1,500. This Excess is the amount you, as hirer, will be asked to pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen towards the repair or replacement costs. The Odyssey range of policies offers you insurance against the cost of the Excess. 

F.A.Q.

• Why should I buy an Odyssey policy? What is an excess?
• Won’t my car rental agreement already include insurance?
• Is there a difference between an Excess, Super CDW, Non-Waiver or the Deductible?
• Why should I buy an Odyssey policy instead of an Excess / Super CDW sold by the rental vehicle outlet?
• If I take out an Odyssey policy will the vehicle rental outlet block any money on my credit card?
• I think my credit card package automatically affords me Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover so do I need an Odyssey policy?
• Is Excess cover compulsory?
• Are all Excess cover policies the same?
• Is there a limit of the amount I can claim in respect of my Excess?
• If anyone travels with me are they covered? Can I have a policy that covers other members of my family as well as me?
• Are there any age restrictions? I am over 75 – can I still be covered?
• Are all hirings covered?
• Are all types of vehicle covered?
• Is just damage to the body of the vehicle covered? Does the cover apply just to accidental damage?
• I hire a car for business use and not just for holidays. Is business use covered?
• Which countries in Europe are covered under the Euro Odyssey policy?
• ... all F.A.Q.s in one