I'm going to be renting cars in Spain and later Sicily this year; I think it's worth getting a policy in the UK to cover the excess and general insurance ripoffs.

Anyone got any recommendations, or points to avoid?

Ta

Definitely avoid the Greece-based company Economy Car Rentals.

You can also considerably reduce the hefty excess waiver which they'll try and foister on to you at pick-up (if you haven't pre-booked it) by arranging it online.

Where in Sicily goest thou?

Just had a look at a few Travel Insurance Policies that are available in UK to see if they cover "Hire Vehicle Excess Waiver", but could not find any with this benefit.

Most policies offered here in Australia have this with some giving the option to vary the level of cover to a higher amount as some Hire Companies have a standard excess of $5000. Having this cover on one's Travel Insurance Policy is usually cheaper than purchasing it through the Hire Company.

Here is something from Australia Post's Travel Insurance website:

Increased rental car insurance excess cover

You will have $3,000 standard cover on an International Comprehensive or Domestic plan, with the option to increase.


Is this option available in UK?

That's what I'm looking for, Possum - excesses on rentals are ridiculous, anecdotally particularly for Italy, and a rich source of grievance after the event - particularly if no event has occurred if you see what I mean.

I'm not that bothered about the Spain rental, but the Sicily one I want covered...

Simon - heading for Catania on the simple expediency of 'that's where the plane lands' but want to try and make some photographs in some of the towns that keep popping up in Montalbano...

And check out Montalbano's house on the seafront?

I believe it's currently a very expensive bed and breakfast - can't think why

Looking at stopping somewhere inland a bit from the south coast.

I've found via moneymaxim a fine collection of insurers at around £35 for a year's cover. This link might not work as it's got to via my email... https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/comparisons/car-hire-insurance/stage4

Ok, for my first suggestion here's a start from Martin Lewis' site

Excess cover



If you're going to Ragusa it's maybe not likely you'll be able to take in the 40-min drive north of Catania to Taormina with its wonderful amphitheatre, town square and vistas. We went to Gaggi twice, which is a village about 15 mins inland from Giardini Naxos.
On the way the road cuts through lava streams whose hollowed-out cross sections lurk on the Etna side - and if in Catania you can't "not" go to Etna! (train or car)

On your route though is Noto, preferable I think to Syracuse. Not far away is the spooky former town of Old Noto but watch your tyres on the roads that deteriorate on the approach.