What Is a Car Hire Excess?
A car hire excess is the maximum or agreed amount a renter may have to pay toward certain damage or loss before the rental company’s insurance covers the remaining insured cost. The exact excess depends on the rental company, insurance package, vehicle and circumstances of the incident.
For example, if a rental car has a €1,000 excess and covered damage costs €2,500 to repair, the renter may be responsible for up to €1,000 while the insurance covers the remaining insured amount, subject to the rental terms.
An excess is not the same as a rental deposit. A deposit is financial security that may be blocked or held when you receive the car. An excess is a potential financial responsibility that applies if a qualifying incident occurs.
With Blanca Cars, an excess is not normally collected upfront simply to start the rental. However, the current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions specify excesses and/or repair costs in certain situations involving at-fault accidents, negligence, misuse, parking or manoeuvring damage, missing accident documentation and other exclusions.
Last reviewed: 28 August 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Car hire excesses in Spain, with specific information about Blanca Cars on the Costa Blanca
Quick Answer: What Does Car Hire Excess Mean?
A car hire excess is the amount of financial responsibility that may remain with the renter if certain insured damage occurs.
For example:
Repair cost: €3,000
Insurance excess: €800
If the damage is covered but subject to the €800 excess, the renter may be responsible for:
Up to €800
and the insurer or rental company’s insurance arrangement would cover the remaining insured repair cost according to the contract.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre explains that when rental insurance contains an excess, the customer can be responsible for repair costs up to the agreed excess amount, with the insurance covering costs above that amount according to the policy.
The important rule is:
An excess is potential liability. It is not automatically money that you pay when collecting the car.
Why Do Rental Cars Have an Excess?
Insurance does not always remove every financial responsibility from the renter.
A rental company’s insurance policy may say that the renter remains responsible for the first part of a qualifying claim.
For example:
Vehicle damage:
€2,000
Insurance excess:
€600
The renter may pay:
€600
Insurance may cover:
€1,400
subject to the insurance and rental conditions.
This structure is common in many forms of insurance, including:
- Car insurance
- Travel insurance
- Home insurance
- Rental-car insurance
The excess reduces the insurer’s exposure to smaller claims and gives the renter some financial responsibility for the vehicle.
Is Car Hire Excess the Same as a Deposit?
No.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings in car rental.
Car Rental Deposit
A deposit is money or available card funds held as security.
Example:
Rental price:
€400
Deposit:
€1,200
The company may block €1,200 on your card when you collect the vehicle.
Car Hire Excess
An excess is the amount you may be responsible for if a qualifying incident occurs.
Example:
Insurance excess:
€1,200
You do not necessarily pay the €1,200 when collecting the vehicle.
It becomes relevant only if circumstances covered by the excess occur.
Therefore:
Deposit = financial security held during the rental.
Excess = potential financial responsibility following certain damage or loss.
Read: What Is a Car Rental Deposit?
Why Are Deposit and Excess Often the Same Amount?
Many rental companies use the deposit to secure the excess.
For example:
Rental price:
€350
Insurance excess:
€1,000
Security deposit:
€1,000
The company blocks €1,000 on the customer’s credit card.
If the vehicle is returned without an applicable charge, the deposit is released.
If qualifying damage occurs, the company’s rental and insurance terms determine how much of the renter’s financial responsibility can be charged.
This is why customers often assume the words deposit and excess mean the same thing.
They don’t.
The company has simply chosen to secure one using the other.
Example: How an Excess Works
Imagine you rent a vehicle with:
€750 excess
During the rental, you are involved in an accident and are responsible for the damage.
The insured repair cost is:
€2,500
Under a straightforward €750 excess arrangement:
Customer responsibility:
Up to €750
Remaining insured amount:
€1,750
However, this example assumes:
- The damage is insured
- The driver complied with the rental conditions
- The driver was authorised
- The accident was properly reported
- No insurance exclusion applies
If one of those conditions is not satisfied, different charges may apply.
Does the Excess Mean I Always Pay the Full Amount?
No.
An excess normally represents a limit or agreed contribution for the circumstances covered by that particular insurance arrangement.
For example:
Excess:
€1,000
Actual qualifying damage:
€300
You would not normally pay €1,000 simply because that is the excess.
The relevant damage cost is only:
€300
On the other hand, if covered damage costs:
€2,500
the contractual excess may limit the renter’s responsibility to:
€1,000
subject to the insurance terms.
Always read the actual rental agreement because exclusions can alter this.
What Does “Zero Excess” Mean?
Zero excess usually means the renter does not have to pay a standard insurance excess for damage that is covered by the zero-excess insurance arrangement.
However, zero excess should never be interpreted as:
“I can damage the car in any way and will never have to pay anything.”
Insurance exclusions and contractual responsibilities can still apply.
Common exclusions in the car-rental industry can include:
- Wrong fuel
- Lost keys
- Tyre damage
- Wheel damage
- Interior damage
- Negligence
- Driving off-road
- Unauthorised drivers
- Driving while impaired
- Deliberate damage
- Breach of the rental conditions
This is why you should ask not only:
What is the excess?
but also:
What isn’t covered?
Does Full Cover Mean Zero Excess?
Not necessarily.
“Full cover” is not always used in exactly the same way by every rental company.
A rental could include broad insurance but still contain:
- An excess
- Exclusions
- Specific renter responsibilities
For example:
Full cover with €500 excess
is possible.
So is:
Broader cover with zero standard excess but specific exclusions
The safest approach is to read what the actual insurance covers rather than relying only on the marketing phrase.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking both the basic insurance conditions and the level of responsibility left with the renter under an excess. It also warns that items such as glass, wheels and other components may not always be included.
Read: What Does Full-Cover Car Hire Mean?
What Is Blanca Cars’ Excess Policy?
Blanca Cars’ current rental model does not normally require customers to pay a standard excess upfront simply to collect the vehicle.
However, the current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions specify circumstances where an excess and/or repair costs can become payable.
The terms currently state that an excess applies in cases where vehicle damage results from:
- Customer fault
- Negligence
- Misuse
- Failure to follow traffic rules
- Failure to comply with rental conditions
Examples listed in the current terms include:
- An accident where the customer is at fault
- Damage caused while parking or manoeuvring
- Damage caused by breaking traffic rules
- Parking in an unauthorised or non-designated area
- Lost or damaged vehicle keys
- Filling the vehicle with the wrong fuel
- Damage around the rear bumper or luggage area while loading or unloading
- Smoking in the vehicle
- Interior damage
The terms state that the applicable excess does not need to be paid upfront at the start of the rental, but that an applicable excess and/or repair cost can be charged when the vehicle is returned if one of the stated circumstances occurs.
How Much Is the Blanca Cars Excess?
The current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions contain different excess provisions depending on what has happened.
At-Fault Accident With Another Vehicle
The current terms state that if an accident is the customer’s fault, there is a minimum €300 plus IVA excess, with the exact amount depending on the car model.
Certain Damage Without an Accident Report or Police Report
The terms also state that certain incidents involving:
- Collision with objects
- Body scratches
- Interior damage
- Accidents or incidents with another driver without the required accident documentation
can be subject to a minimum excess between €150 and €350 plus IVA depending on the vehicle.
Because the amount can depend on both the vehicle and circumstances, customers should use their current rental agreement as the final reference.
Do I Pay the Blanca Cars Excess When I Collect the Car?
Normally, no.
The current Blanca Cars terms specifically state that the excess does not need to be paid upfront at the beginning of the rental in the circumstances described in the excess section.
This is an important difference from rental companies that routinely block a large excess-sized security deposit before allowing the customer to take the vehicle.
For example:
Traditional model
Rental price:
€450
Excess:
€1,200
Card hold:
€1,200 at collection
Blanca Cars model under its current terms
Rental price:
According to booking
Standard large excess payment at start:
Normally no
Applicable excess or repair cost:
Only becomes relevant if a contractual situation occurs
This can reduce the amount of money customers need to have blocked while on holiday.
Can Blanca Cars Still Charge Me After the Rental?
Potentially, yes, if an amount is properly due under the rental agreement.
The current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions state that by signing the rental agreement, the renter authorises Blanca Cars or its partners to charge the provided debit or credit card for agreed or outstanding amounts at the end of the contract, including damage not covered by insurance and other charges attributable to the renter.
Therefore:
No excess paid upfront does not mean no charge can ever arise later.
The contractual circumstances determine whether a charge is due.
What Happens if an Accident Is Not My Fault?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle and the accident is not your fault, full coverage applies when the necessary accident documentation or police report is provided.
This makes accident documentation extremely important.
If another vehicle is involved, you should:
- Stop safely.
- Check whether anyone is injured.
- Exchange the required details.
- Complete the accident report.
- Take photographs where safe.
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Contact the authorities where required.
- Send the required documentation to Blanca Cars.
Do not simply exchange telephone numbers and leave if proper documentation is required.
Why Is an Accident Report Important?
Insurance companies need evidence showing what happened and who was involved.
The Blanca Cars Terms require the renter to obtain details of the other party and witnesses and complete an accident report. The renter must immediately inform Blanca Cars.
Without the required documentation, an incident that might otherwise be covered can become subject to an excess or other responsibility.
For example:
Scenario A
Another driver hits your vehicle.
You:
- Obtain their details
- Complete the required report
- Inform Blanca Cars
- Provide proper evidence
The insurance process has the documentation it needs.
Scenario B
Another driver hits your vehicle.
You:
- Do not obtain their details
- Do not complete a report
- Provide no police documentation
The insurer and rental company have much less evidence available.
This can materially affect the claim.
What Happens if I Am at Fault?
Under the current Blanca Cars Terms, an at-fault accident can result in an applicable excess.
The published terms currently state a minimum €300 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle model for an at-fault accident.
Always report the incident immediately.
Do not attempt to privately settle an accident with the other driver without informing Blanca Cars.
What About Parking Damage?
The current Blanca Cars excess conditions specifically include certain damage caused:
- While parking
- While manoeuvring
- In unauthorised or non-designated parking areas
as situations where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
For example:
You reverse into a wall while parking.
Even though no other vehicle is involved, this is still damage caused while the vehicle was under your control.
The applicable rental conditions determine your responsibility.
What if Someone Damages the Car While It Is Parked?
The circumstances matter.
If another identifiable vehicle damages your rental car, collect as much evidence as possible.
This can include:
- Other driver’s details
- Registration number
- Photographs
- Witness details
- Accident report
- Police report where appropriate
Contact Blanca Cars as soon as possible.
If the other party cannot be identified, the insurance treatment can be different because responsibility cannot easily be assigned to another driver.
Read: What Should I Do if My Rental Car Is Damaged While Parked?
What About Scratches?
Do not assume that every scratch is automatically free of charge because the rental includes insurance.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically refer to body scratches and certain damage against objects as circumstances where a minimum excess can apply, particularly where the required accident documentation is unavailable.
If damage occurs:
- Photograph it
- Record what happened
- Contact Blanca Cars
- Follow the instructions you receive
What About Tyres and Wheels?
The current Blanca Cars Terms list damage to tyres and wheels among items not covered under the stated insurance conditions.
The terms also state that wheel blowouts are treated as resulting from negligent use and are therefore not covered by the insurance or assistance in those circumstances.
This is an example of why:
Excess and insurance exclusions are not the same thing.
A €300 excess does not necessarily mean every type of damage is capped at €300.
Some excluded costs can be governed separately.
What Happens if I Put the Wrong Fuel in the Car?
Wrong fuel is specifically identified in the current Blanca Cars terms as the renter’s responsibility.
The terms state that the renter is responsible for ensuring the correct fuel is placed in the vehicle and for costs incurred if the wrong fuel is used.
Wrong fuel is also listed in the excess section as an example of misuse that can result in an applicable excess and/or repair costs.
If you realise you have added the wrong fuel:
Do not start the engine.
Contact Blanca Cars immediately and follow the instructions provided.
Read: What Happens if I Put the Wrong Fuel in a Rental Car?
What Happens if I Lose the Keys?
The current Blanca Cars terms list replacement keys as an item not covered by the insurance and separately identify loss or damage to keys as a circumstance where renter responsibility can arise.
Modern car keys can be expensive because they may include:
- Electronic transponder
- Remote locking
- Immobiliser technology
- Vehicle programming
If you lose a rental-car key, contact Blanca Cars rather than independently arranging a replacement.
Read: What Happens if I Lose My Rental-Car Key?
What About Interior Damage?
Interior damage is specifically identified in the Blanca Cars Terms as a circumstance that can result in renter responsibility.
Examples could include serious damage to:
- Seats
- Dashboard
- Door panels
- Roof lining
- Boot
- Other interior components
Normal use and deliberate, negligent or unusual damage are not the same thing.
Return the vehicle in a reasonable condition.
What About Smoking in the Rental Car?
Smoking is specifically included in the current Blanca Cars excess provisions as a situation that can result in an applicable charge.
Smoking can cause:
- Burns
- Odours
- Interior staining
- Cleaning requirements
- Loss of vehicle availability while cleaning takes place
Customers should therefore treat the Blanca Cars vehicles as non-smoking vehicles.
What About Damage While Loading Suitcases?
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically mention damage to the rear bumper or luggage area while loading or unloading suitcases among situations where an applicable excess or repair cost can arise.
This is worth remembering when handling:
- Heavy suitcases
- Golf equipment
- Pushchairs
- Bikes
- Large luggage
Lift items carefully rather than dragging them across painted surfaces or interior trim.
What Is Not Normally Covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms list several exclusions or renter responsibilities.
These currently include areas such as:
- Parking and traffic fines
- Replacement keys
- Tyre and wheel damage
- Removed vehicle equipment or paperwork
- Certain losses connected with personal items left inside the vehicle
- Wrong fuel
Additional restrictions elsewhere in the terms cover misuse, prohibited driving and other breaches of the rental conditions.
The exact contract applying to your rental should always be used as the final reference.
Does an Excess Apply to Traffic Fines?
A traffic fine is not normally the same thing as an insurance excess.
It is a separate renter responsibility.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that parking and traffic fines are not covered and currently specify a €45 administration fee for traffic fines.
Therefore:
Insurance excess ≠ traffic fine
The renter remains responsible for traffic offences committed while using the vehicle according to the rental conditions.
What if I Break the Rental Conditions?
Insurance protection can depend on the renter complying with the rental agreement.
The current Blanca Cars excess clause specifically applies to damage caused through:
- Fault
- Negligence
- Misuse
- Failure to follow traffic rules
- Failure to follow rental conditions
Serious breaches can therefore change the renter’s financial responsibility.
Examples can include:
- Unauthorised driving
- Prohibited use
- Ignoring warning lights
- Driving in prohibited areas
- Misuse of the vehicle
Read the rental conditions before driving.
Does an Additional Driver Have the Same Excess?
An authorised additional driver is covered according to the applicable rental agreement and insurance conditions.
What matters is that the person driving is properly authorised.
An unauthorised person driving the car can create significant insurance and contractual problems.
Blanca Cars includes authorised drivers under its liability insurance, according to the current Terms & Conditions.
Read: Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
Is Theft Covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that vehicle theft is covered with €0 excess when the vehicle key is returned, subject to the applicable conditions.
If a rental vehicle is stolen:
- Contact the police.
- File the required report.
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
- Provide the documentation requested.
- Return any vehicle keys in your possession.
Do not delay reporting theft.
What Happens if I Ignore a Warning Light?
The Blanca Cars Terms require the driver to stop the vehicle as soon as possible when a warning light or alarm indicates an abnormality and to contact Blanca Cars for instructions.
Unauthorised repairs or assistance should not be arranged independently.
Continuing to drive a vehicle after a serious warning can turn a manageable mechanical problem into significant damage.
That can affect insurance responsibility if the additional damage resulted from ignoring the warning.
Do I Need Separate Excess Insurance?
This depends on your rental company’s insurance package and your personal preferences.
Some travellers purchase separate excess-reimbursement insurance from:
- Travel insurers
- Banks
- Credit-card companies
- Independent insurers
Such products may reimburse an excess after the renter has first paid the rental company.
However, separate excess insurance is a contract between you and the external insurer.
It does not automatically change the Blanca Cars rental agreement.
For example:
If Blanca Cars properly charges an applicable €300 excess, your external insurance might reimburse you later if that incident is covered by your separate policy.
You would need to claim according to that insurer’s terms.
Always check:
- What is covered?
- What is excluded?
- Do I pay first?
- What documentation is required?
- Are tyres, wheels, keys or interior damage included?
- Is the policy valid in Spain?
Is Credit Card Rental Insurance the Same as Zero Excess?
No.
Some credit cards include rental-car insurance benefits.
However, the terms vary enormously.
Possible requirements include:
- Paying the entire rental with the card
- Declining certain rental-company cover
- Using a particular vehicle category
- Limiting rental duration
- Excluding certain countries
- Paying the rental company first and claiming later
Do not assume simply owning a premium credit card means you have zero excess.
Read the card insurer’s policy.
Example: Accident That Is Not Your Fault
Imagine another driver hits your Blanca Cars rental vehicle at a roundabout.
You:
- Stop safely
- Exchange details
- Complete the accident report
- Photograph the vehicles
- Notify Blanca Cars
- Provide the required documentation
Under the current Blanca Cars Terms, where an accident with another car is not your fault and the required report or police documentation is provided, full coverage applies according to the stated conditions.
Proper documentation is therefore crucial.
Example: At-Fault Accident
Imagine you misjudge a junction and collide with another vehicle.
You are determined to be at fault.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that an at-fault accident carries a minimum €300 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle model.
You should still:
- Complete the accident documentation
- Provide the other driver’s details
- Notify Blanca Cars immediately
- Follow all instructions
Never leave an accident unreported because you think insurance will automatically deal with it.
Example: Scraping a Wall While Parking
Imagine you reverse into a wall and scratch the rear side of the car.
No other vehicle is involved.
The current terms specifically identify parking and manoeuvring damage among circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair costs can arise.
Photograph the damage and contact Blanca Cars.
Do not attempt to repair or conceal it yourself.
Example: Damage With No Accident Report
Imagine another vehicle is involved in an incident, but you leave without collecting:
- Driver details
- Vehicle registration
- Accident report
- Police report
The Blanca Cars Terms currently state that accidents or incidents involving another driver without the required damage report or police report can be subject to a minimum excess between €150 and €350 plus IVA depending on the vehicle.
The lesson is simple:
Always document an accident properly.
Example: Wrong Fuel
Imagine your rental car requires petrol but diesel is added.
You start the engine and mechanical damage results.
This is not simply a normal insured road accident.
Wrong fuel is specifically excluded or treated as renter responsibility under the Blanca Cars Terms.
The resulting cost may therefore be charged according to the rental agreement.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Paying an Excess?
You cannot eliminate every possibility of an incident, but you can reduce avoidable problems.
Follow Spanish Traffic Rules
Speeding, illegal parking and unsafe driving can create both fines and insurance problems.
Use Only Authorised Drivers
Do not allow someone who is not properly authorised to drive.
Take Care When Parking
Many small rental-car damages happen at low speed.
Use the Correct Fuel
Check before filling the tank.
Keep the Keys Secure
Replacement modern keys can be expensive.
Report Accidents Properly
Collect all required information.
Do Not Ignore Warning Lights
Stop safely and contact Blanca Cars.
Avoid Prohibited Roads or Off-Road Driving
Follow the rental agreement.
Look After the Interior
Avoid smoking and unnecessary interior damage.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
If you have an accident in a Blanca Cars vehicle:
- Stop safely.
- Check for injuries.
- Call emergency services if necessary.
- Obtain the other party’s details.
- Obtain witness details where possible.
- Take photographs safely.
- Complete the accident report.
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
- Follow Blanca Cars’ instructions.
The current Terms require accidents to be reported and the relevant details provided.
Spain’s emergency number is:
112
Read: What Should I Do After a Rental-Car Accident in Spain?
Should I Inspect the Car Before Driving Away?
Yes.
Inspecting the rental vehicle is sensible regardless of the excess.
Check:
- Bodywork
- Bumpers
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Windscreen
- Mirrors
- Interior
- Fuel level
If you see existing damage, make sure it is recorded.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre recommends inspecting the vehicle carefully at collection and ensuring existing damage is documented.
Photographs or video can provide an additional record.
Should I Photograph the Car When Returning It?
Yes.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre recommends checking the vehicle at return and keeping evidence of its condition.
Useful photographs can include:
- Front
- Rear
- Both sides
- Wheels
- Interior
- Fuel gauge
- Mileage
This can be particularly useful if the vehicle is returned outside normal inspection conditions.
Excess vs Deposit vs Rental Price
These three concepts should be kept separate.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rental price | What you pay to hire the vehicle |
| Deposit | Financial security held during the rental |
| Excess | Potential amount you may be responsible for following certain damage or loss |
For example:
Rental price:
€450
Deposit:
€0
Potential applicable excess:
€300
This combination is possible.
It demonstrates why:
No deposit does not necessarily mean no excess can ever apply.
Excess vs Repair Cost
An excess and a repair cost can also be different.
Some rental agreements limit liability for certain insured damage to an excess.
Other situations may be specifically excluded from insurance.
If something is excluded, the rental agreement may make the renter responsible for the actual repair cost rather than only the standard insurance excess.
This is why the Blanca Cars Terms use the wording:
applicable excess amount and/or repair costs
for specified situations.
The precise circumstances matter.
Spanish Rules vs Rental Company Policy
Spanish Consumer Guidance
Spain’s European Consumer Centre explains that customers should check:
- Basic insurance conditions
- Additional cover
- Insurance excess
- Which damage types are excluded
before renting a vehicle.
Rental Company Policy
The rental company determines:
- Excess amount
- What insurance is included
- What is excluded
- Whether an excess is secured upfront
- Whether a deposit is required
- Procedures following an accident
Therefore:
There is no single universal car-hire excess that applies to every rental vehicle in Spain.
Always check the individual rental agreement.
Common Car Hire Excess Mistakes
Confusing Excess With Deposit
They are different.
Assuming Zero Deposit Means Zero Liability
No upfront deposit does not eliminate contractual responsibility.
Assuming Full Cover Means Everything Is Covered
Insurance can still contain exclusions.
Ignoring the Accident Reporting Procedure
Missing documentation can affect insurance coverage.
Not Taking Details From Another Driver
Always obtain the required information.
Assuming Every Type of Damage Is Subject to the Same Excess
Tyres, keys, wrong fuel and other exclusions can be treated differently.
Allowing an Unauthorised Driver to Use the Car
This can affect insurance.
Repairing Damage Yourself
Contact the rental company first.
Continuing to Drive After a Warning Light
This can cause further damage and change responsibility.
Assuming a Small Scratch Is Automatically Free
Check the rental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a car hire excess?
A car hire excess is the amount a renter may be financially responsible for under certain insured damage or loss circumstances.
Is excess the same as a deposit?
No.
A deposit is financial security held during the rental.
An excess is potential liability if a qualifying event occurs.
Do I pay the excess when I collect the car?
That depends on the rental company.
Some companies secure the excess using a card deposit.
With Blanca Cars, the current Terms state that the applicable excess described in its excess provisions does not generally need to be paid upfront at the start of the rental.
Does Blanca Cars have an excess?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ advertises rentals as including no deposit or excess, but the current Terms & Conditions contain specific excess provisions for at-fault accidents, negligence, misuse, certain damage and other specified circumstances.
For an individual rental, the signed rental agreement and current Terms should therefore be treated as the authoritative source.
How much is the Blanca Cars excess?
The current Terms state that an at-fault accident can carry a minimum €300 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle model. Certain other damage or incidents without the necessary accident documentation can be subject to a minimum €150–€350 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle.
Is Blanca Cars excess paid upfront?
The current Terms state that the excess described in the relevant provision does not need to be paid upfront, although an applicable excess and/or repair cost can be charged when the vehicle is returned.
What if another driver causes the accident?
Under the current Blanca Cars Terms, an accident with another car where you are not at fault receives full coverage when the required accident report or police report is provided, subject to the rental conditions.
What if the accident is my fault?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that an at-fault accident can result in a minimum €300 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle model.
What if I don’t complete an accident report?
This can affect your coverage.
The current Terms specifically provide for an applicable minimum excess in certain incidents involving another driver where no accident report or police report is available.
Are tyres covered by the excess?
Do not assume so.
The current Blanca Cars Terms list tyre and wheel damage among exclusions and separately state that wheel blowouts caused by negligent use are not covered.
Are lost keys covered?
Replacement keys are currently listed among items not covered under the Blanca Cars Terms.
Is wrong fuel covered?
No. The current Blanca Cars Terms make the renter responsible for costs caused by putting the wrong fuel in the vehicle.
Is theft covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that theft is covered with €0 excess when the vehicle key is returned, subject to the applicable conditions.
The Simple Answer
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
A car hire excess is potential financial responsibility for certain damage or loss. It is not the same thing as the security deposit taken when a rental begins.
With Blanca Cars:
Large standard excess payment upfront: Normally no
Standard large deposit to secure an excess: Normally no under the applicable standard conditions
Can an excess apply after an incident? Yes
At-fault accident: Minimum €300 + IVA depending on vehicle under the current Terms
Certain damage/incidents without required documentation: Minimum €150–€350 + IVA depending on vehicle under the current Terms
Negligence or misuse can create responsibility: Yes
Wrong fuel: Renter responsibility under current Terms
Replacement keys: Not covered under current Terms
Tyre and wheel damage: Listed as not covered
Proper accident documentation important: Yes
Always use the rental agreement applying to your vehicle as the final reference.
Blanca Cars Excess Policy
The clearest way to describe the current Blanca Cars position is:
Blanca Cars does not normally require customers to pay a large standard excess upfront simply to start the rental. However, an applicable excess and/or repair costs can become payable when damage results from customer fault, negligence, misuse, failure to follow traffic rules or rental conditions, or other situations identified in the Terms & Conditions.
The current Terms specifically state that an at-fault accident can result in a minimum €300 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle, while certain other incidents can carry a minimum €150–€350 plus IVA excess depending on the vehicle and circumstances.
The Terms also state that the excess does not need to be paid upfront at the beginning of the rental but can be charged when the vehicle is returned if an applicable incident has occurred.
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- What Is a Car Rental Deposit?
- What Is the Difference Between a Deposit and an Excess?
- Can I Hire a Car Without a Deposit in Spain?
- What Does Full-Cover Car Hire Mean?
- What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?
- What Is Not Covered by Rental Car Insurance?
- What Happens if I Damage a Rental Car?
- What Should I Do After a Rental-Car Accident?
- What Happens if I Put the Wrong Fuel in a Rental Car?
- What Happens if I Lose My Rental-Car Key?
About This Guide
This guide explains car hire excesses generally and separately identifies the current excess provisions contained in the Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions.
Insurance, excess and damage policies vary considerably between rental companies and can also vary by vehicle, type of incident and insurance arrangement.
For Blanca Cars customers, the signed rental agreement and current Terms & Conditions should always be treated as the final reference for the insurance and excess provisions applying to an individual rental.
Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 28 August 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever Blanca Cars insurance, excess or damage conditions change.