What Damage May Not Be Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
Rental-car insurance does not necessarily cover every type of damage to a rental vehicle. Common exclusions can include tyres, wheels, keys, incorrect fuel, interior damage, damage caused by negligence, prohibited use and incidents where the renter fails to follow the required accident-reporting procedure.
Exactly what is excluded depends on the rental company and insurance package.
This is why phrases such as “fully insured” or “full cover” should never be interpreted as meaning:
Everything that can possibly happen to the car is covered at no cost.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically advises rental-car customers to check which situations and vehicle components are excluded from insurance. It notes that areas such as windows, wheels and windscreen wipers are frequently excluded from some rental-car insurance packages. It also warns that incorrect fuel can cause serious damage for which the driver may be responsible.
With Blanca Cars, broad insurance is included with the rental, but the current Terms & Conditions contain specific exclusions and renter responsibilities. These currently include tyre and wheel damage, replacement keys, incorrect fuel, personal belongings, certain interior damage, off-road damage, negligence, misuse and damage where required accident documentation has not been completed.
Last reviewed: 29 August 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Rental-car insurance exclusions in Spain, with specific information about Blanca Cars on the Costa Blanca
Quick Answer: What Is Usually Not Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
The exact exclusions vary, but commonly excluded or restricted areas can include:
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Windscreens or windows
- Vehicle keys
- Incorrect fuel
- Interior damage
- Severe interior soiling
- Personal belongings
- Traffic and parking fines
- Damage caused off-road
- Damage caused by negligence
- Damage caused by misuse
- Unauthorised drivers
- Prohibited use of the vehicle
- Damage resulting from ignoring warning lights
- Damage without the required accident documentation
- Deliberate damage
- Damage caused while breaking the rental agreement
With Blanca Cars specifically, the current Terms identify several of these items as excluded or subject to an excess or repair costs.
The key rule is:
Insurance cover depends not only on what was damaged, but also on how the damage happened and whether the renter followed the rental conditions.
Why Doesn’t Rental-Car Insurance Cover Everything?
Insurance is designed to cover specified risks.
It is not designed to remove all responsibility from the driver.
For example, there is an important difference between:
Unexpected insured event
Another vehicle crashes into your rental car while you are driving legally.
and:
Customer-related incident
You drive the vehicle off-road and damage the underside.
Both situations involve vehicle damage.
But the insurance treatment can be completely different.
Insurance contracts therefore contain:
- Cover
- Conditions
- Excesses
- Exclusions
- Driver responsibilities
Understanding these is just as important as knowing that insurance exists.
What Is an Insurance Exclusion?
An insurance exclusion is a situation, type of damage or cost that the insurance policy does not cover.
For example:
Rental insurance might include collision damage.
But the terms could say:
Tyres are excluded.
If you damage the tyre, ordinary collision cover may therefore not pay for it.
Another example:
The rental includes theft insurance.
But the contract may require you to:
- Report the theft to police
- Return the vehicle key
- Inform the rental company immediately
Failure to comply with those conditions can affect the cover.
Is an Insurance Exclusion the Same as an Excess?
No.
These are different concepts.
Excess
An excess is an amount you may have to contribute toward a covered loss.
For example:
Covered accident repair:
€2,000
Excess:
€300
Potential renter responsibility:
€300
Exclusion
An exclusion means the particular loss may not be covered under that insurance provision.
For example:
Tyre replacement:
€250
Tyres excluded:
The renter may be responsible according to the rental terms.
Therefore:
Excess = covered event with some customer liability.
Exclusion = event or item outside the relevant insurance cover.
Read: What Is a Car Hire Excess?
What Is the Difference Between an Exclusion and a Deposit?
A deposit is completely different again.
Deposit
Financial security held during the rental.
Excess
Potential contribution toward certain insured damage.
Exclusion
A type of damage, loss or situation that is not covered by the applicable insurance.
For example:
Rental price: €500
Deposit: €0
At-fault excess: €300
Lost key: Excluded
All three concepts can exist within the same rental.
Read: What Is the Difference Between a Deposit and an Excess?
Does Full-Cover Car Hire Still Have Exclusions?
Yes, it can.
“Full cover” is not a universal legal definition that guarantees every possible loss is insured.
One rental company might include:
- Collision damage
- Theft
- Third-party liability
- Roadside assistance
but still exclude:
- Tyres
- Keys
- Incorrect fuel
- Interior damage
Another company may offer different exclusions.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking the situations that insurance does not cover and notes that glass, wheels and similar vehicle components are often excluded.
Read: What Does Full-Cover Car Hire Mean?
What Damage Does Blanca Cars Currently Exclude?
The current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions contain a specific “What’s Not Covered?” section.
It currently identifies:
- Parking and traffic fines
- Replacement keys
- Damage to tyres and wheels
- Missing equipment or paperwork
- Personal belongings left inside the vehicle
- Certain break-in damage where belongings were left in the car
- Incorrect fuel
as excluded or customer responsibilities.
Other parts of the Terms also address:
- Interior damage
- Off-road damage
- Negligence
- Misuse
- Smoking
- Parking and manoeuvring damage
- Damage caused while loading luggage
- Missing accident reports
- Prohibited vehicle use
Therefore, the exact cause and circumstances of the damage matter.
Are Tyres Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
Often not under standard rental insurance.
Tyres are one of the most common rental-car insurance exclusions.
Potential tyre damage includes:
- Punctures
- Sidewall damage
- Kerb damage
- Blowouts
- Damage caused by driving on a flat tyre
Spain’s European Consumer Centre advises renters to check exclusions because wheel-related damage is frequently not included in standard rental insurance.
With Blanca Cars, damage to tyres is specifically excluded from the standard insurance under the current Terms.
What Happens if I Get a Flat Tyre With Blanca Cars?
Stop safely and contact Blanca Cars.
Do not continue driving normally on a flat or seriously damaged tyre.
Blanca Cars includes roadside assistance with its rental service, but its current Terms state that tyre and wheel damage is excluded from standard insurance.
The Terms also state that wheel blowouts considered to result from negligent use are not covered by the insurance or associated assistance.
Recent Blanca Cars guidance also tells customers not to arrange their own tyre repair or replacement without contacting Blanca Cars first.
If a tyre problem occurs:
- Slow down safely.
- Stop somewhere safe.
- Activate hazard warning equipment where required.
- Do not continue driving on a flat tyre.
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Follow the instructions provided.
Are Wheels Covered?
Not under the current Blanca Cars standard insurance.
The Terms specifically exclude damage to:
- Tyres
- Wheels
Common wheel damage can result from:
- Hitting a high kerb
- Potholes
- Driving on unsuitable roads
- Continuing to drive after a tyre failure
- Parking incidents
Take extra care when parking next to high kerbs.
What if I Damage a Wheel While Parking?
The circumstances matter.
Imagine you park too close to a high kerb and scrape the wheel.
Because the current Blanca Cars Terms exclude tyre and wheel damage, the repair may become your responsibility.
The Terms also separately identify damage caused while parking or manoeuvring among situations where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
Therefore, a parking incident can involve both:
- A specifically excluded vehicle component
- Customer-caused manoeuvring damage
The rental agreement determines the final treatment.
Are Windscreens and Windows Covered?
This varies between rental companies.
Some rental packages include glass.
Others require separate:
- Glass cover
- Windscreen cover
- Tyre-and-glass insurance
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically warns that glass damage is often excluded from rental-car insurance packages.
Do not assume that a phrase such as:
Full cover
automatically means:
Every stone chip or broken window is covered.
Check the specific rental terms.
Are Windscreen Wipers Covered?
Again, this depends on the policy.
The European Consumer Centre specifically identifies windscreen wipers as one of the vehicle items that may not be included under some rental-car insurance arrangements.
If any part of the vehicle is damaged, contact the rental company rather than arranging repairs yourself.
Are Rental-Car Keys Covered?
Often not.
Modern keys are expensive.
A replacement key may require:
- New electronic key
- Immobiliser programming
- Vehicle coding
- Remote-control programming
- Recovery of the vehicle
The current Blanca Cars Terms explicitly list replacement keys as not covered.
The current FAQ also states that a €300 fee applies to the loss of a rental-car key.
If you lose the key:
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
- Do not attempt to arrange an independent replacement.
- Follow the instructions given.
- Tell Blanca Cars where the vehicle is located.
Read: What Happens if I Lose My Rental-Car Key?
What if the Key Is Damaged Rather Than Lost?
The current Blanca Cars excess provision covers both:
- Loss of keys
- Damage to keys
as situations where renter responsibility can arise.
For example:
- Key dropped into water
- Key physically broken
- Electronic key damaged
- Key lost completely
Contact Blanca Cars rather than attempting to replace or repair it yourself.
Is Wrong Fuel Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
Normally not.
Incorrect fuelling is generally considered a customer error rather than an ordinary mechanical breakdown.
For example:
Car requires:
Diesel
Customer adds:
Petrol
or vice versa.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically advises customers to check the vehicle’s fuel type because using the wrong fuel can cause serious engine damage for which the driver may be responsible.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that incorrect fuel is the renter’s responsibility.
What Does Blanca Cars Charge for Wrong Fuel?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that a €300 incorrect-fuelling fee applies.
The Terms additionally state that the renter must pay the costs associated with wrong refuelling, including costs such as:
- Towing
- Emptying the fuel tank
- Other resulting expenses
Recent Blanca Cars guidance explains that additional damage or costs may depend on what happened, particularly if the vehicle was driven after being incorrectly fuelled.
What Should I Do if I Put the Wrong Fuel in the Car?
If you realise the mistake:
Do not start the engine.
If the engine is already running:
Stop using the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Then:
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Explain what fuel was added.
- Tell them whether the engine was started.
- Follow their instructions.
Do not try to fix the problem by adding more of the correct fuel.
Read: What Happens if I Put the Wrong Fuel in a Rental Car?
Is Interior Damage Covered?
Not necessarily.
Interior damage is commonly treated differently from ordinary collision damage.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ explicitly states that damage or scratching of the interior is not insured.
The current Terms additionally identify interior damage among situations where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
Possible examples include:
- Torn seats
- Broken trim
- Dashboard damage
- Burns
- Serious stains
- Damaged roof lining
- Boot damage
What About Severe Interior Soiling?
This can also create a charge.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that the renter is fully liable for serious interior soiling and defines it as stains and/or markings on the interior upholstery.
The Terms additionally permit exceptional cleaning charges for contamination such as:
- Gum
- Resin
- Acids
- Oils
- Ink
- Liquids
- Smoking
- Animals
Normal everyday use and severe soiling are different.
Is Smoking Damage Covered?
No assumption should be made that smoking damage is insured.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically identify smoking inside the vehicle as one of the circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
Smoking may cause:
- Burn marks
- Upholstery damage
- Persistent odours
- Staining
- Specialist cleaning requirements
- Vehicle downtime
Blanca Cars vehicles should therefore be treated as non-smoking vehicles.
What About Damage Caused by Pets?
Check the rental conditions.
Animals can cause:
- Scratches
- Hair contamination
- Odours
- Torn upholstery
- Severe cleaning requirements
The Blanca Cars Terms include animal-related exceptional cleaning among the types of cleaning for which the renter may be charged.
Do not assume pet-related damage or cleaning is covered by standard insurance.
Is Damage From Loading Luggage Covered?
Not necessarily.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically identify damage to the:
- Rear bumper
- Luggage area
while loading or unloading suitcases as circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair cost may arise.
Take extra care with:
- Heavy luggage
- Pushchairs
- Golf equipment
- Bikes
- Large suitcases
Lift luggage rather than dragging it across the bumper.
Is Off-Road Damage Covered?
Usually not under normal rental-car insurance.
The current Blanca Cars Terms expressly prohibit travel outside the national road network or on unsuitable land and state that damage to the underside of the vehicle or mechanical components resulting from bad driving on unsuitable roads is excluded from insurance coverage.
This can include damage to:
- Undercarriage
- Suspension
- Exhaust
- Oil pan
- Mechanical components
Do not assume that a road is suitable simply because:
- Google Maps shows it
- A navigation system suggests it
- It leads to a beach or rural property
If the road appears unsuitable for a normal rental vehicle, do not continue.
What Counts as Off-Road Driving?
It can include using the vehicle on:
- Rough tracks
- Rocky terrain
- Deep sand
- Unsuitable mountain tracks
- Unmade roads where ordinary cars should not travel
- Land outside the authorised road network
The exact contractual definition should be checked in the rental terms.
A normal driveway or maintained access road is not necessarily equivalent to off-road driving, but clearly unsuitable terrain can create insurance problems.
Is Damage to the Underside of the Car Covered?
Not if it results from prohibited or unsuitable-road use under the current Blanca Cars Terms.
The Terms specifically exclude damage to the underside or mechanical components caused by driving outside the authorised road network or on unsuitable land.
Underside damage can be very expensive because it can involve:
- Engine components
- Oil pan
- Exhaust system
- Suspension
- Fuel system
- Protective panels
Is Negligent Damage Covered?
Insurance protection can be reduced or excluded when the renter acts negligently.
Negligence can involve failing to take reasonable care of the vehicle.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that an excess can apply where damage results from:
- Customer fault
- Negligence
- Misuse
- Failure to follow traffic rules
- Failure to follow rental conditions
Examples could include:
- Continuing to drive on a flat tyre
- Ignoring a serious warning light
- Driving while impaired
- Using the vehicle on unsuitable terrain
- Leaving the vehicle poorly secured
What Happens if I Ignore a Warning Light?
Stop safely and contact Blanca Cars.
Warning lights can indicate serious problems such as:
- Low oil pressure
- Engine overheating
- Brake fault
- Tyre-pressure loss
- Engine malfunction
If you continue driving and turn a minor problem into severe mechanical damage, the additional damage may be treated as resulting from negligence.
The current Blanca Cars Terms require the renter to notify the company of vehicle abnormalities and do not permit unauthorised repair arrangements.
Is Damage Covered if I Break Traffic Rules?
Not necessarily.
The current Blanca Cars excess provisions specifically include damage resulting from failure to follow traffic laws.
For example, damage resulting from reckless or prohibited driving may be treated differently from an unavoidable insured accident.
Insurance should never be viewed as permission to:
- Speed
- Drive dangerously
- Ignore parking rules
- Drive while impaired
- Ignore road restrictions
Is Damage Covered if I Am Driving Under the Influence?
You should assume serious insurance and contractual consequences.
The current Blanca Cars Terms prohibit driving when a person’s physical condition is impaired by:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Fatigue
- Illness
Driving under the influence can also create serious criminal, civil and traffic-law consequences in Spain.
Insurance is not intended to protect deliberate or seriously negligent unlawful behaviour.
Is Damage Covered if an Unauthorised Driver Is Driving?
Do not assume so.
Only authorised drivers should drive a rental car.
The insurance arrangement is linked to the rental agreement.
If your:
- Spouse
- Partner
- Friend
- Relative
wants to drive, they should first be properly added as an authorised driver.
The Blanca Cars FAQ states that additional drivers must be listed on the rental contract and provide their valid driving licence before becoming an authorised driver.
Read: Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
What if Someone Has a Valid Licence but Is Not on the Contract?
A valid driving licence proves the person may legally be licensed to drive.
It does not automatically make them authorised under your rental agreement.
These are different requirements.
Allowing an unauthorised driver to use the vehicle can breach the contract and affect insurance protection.
Always add additional drivers properly.
Is Damage Covered if I Use the Car for Racing?
No ordinary rental insurance should be expected to cover this.
The current Blanca Cars Terms prohibit using the rental vehicle for:
- Races
- Sporting competitions
- Similar activities
A rental vehicle is intended for ordinary road transport, not motorsport.
Can I Use the Rental Car to Tow Another Vehicle?
Not under the current Blanca Cars Terms.
The Terms prohibit using the vehicle to push or tow other vehicles.
Damage resulting from prohibited use can create renter responsibility.
Is Damage Covered if the Car Is Poorly Parked or Unsecured?
This can affect liability.
The Blanca Cars Terms prohibit leaving the vehicle:
- Badly parked
- Poorly guarded
when it is not being used.
The separate excess provisions also identify unauthorised or non-designated parking as a circumstance where renter responsibility can arise.
Take reasonable precautions when leaving the car.
What if the Car Is Broken Into?
Report the incident.
You may need:
- Police report
- Photographs
- Details of stolen items
- Contact with Blanca Cars
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that personal belongings left inside the vehicle are not insured.
They also state that the renter can become responsible for repair costs where something left inside the vehicle contributes to a break-in.
Do not leave valuables visible inside the car.
Are My Personal Belongings Covered?
No, not under the current Blanca Cars rental-vehicle insurance.
The Terms specifically state that personal belongings left inside the vehicle are not insured.
Examples include:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Cameras
- Bags
- Passports
- Money
- Jewellery
- Luggage
Your own travel or household insurance may offer separate protection.
Is the Rental Vehicle Covered if It Is Stolen?
Vehicle theft and personal-property theft are separate issues.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that theft of the rental vehicle is fully covered with zero excess when the vehicle key is returned, subject to the rental conditions.
If the car is stolen:
- Contact police.
- Obtain a police report.
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
- Follow the instructions given.
- Return the vehicle key where applicable.
Why Does Returning the Key Matter After Theft?
The vehicle key can help demonstrate that the customer still possessed the key when the vehicle disappeared.
If the key is missing as well, the circumstances may require additional investigation.
Always keep rental keys secure.
Do not:
- Leave them in the ignition
- Leave them visibly unattended
- Give them to unauthorised people
What Happens if I Do Not Report an Accident?
This can seriously affect insurance protection.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says damage must be reported immediately and warns that failing to report damage can result in 100% liability for the damages.
The Terms also require the renter to:
- Obtain the other party’s details
- Obtain witness information
- Complete the accident report
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately
Insurance requires proper documentation.
What Happens if I Do Not Complete an Accident Form?
This can affect how much of the damage is covered.
The Blanca Cars Terms state that certain incidents involving:
- Collision with objects
- Body scratches
- Interior damage
- Another driver without the required report
can be subject to a minimum excess of €150–€350 plus IVA depending on the vehicle when the required accident or police documentation is unavailable.
The FAQ goes further and warns that failure to complete the required European claim form and involve police where required can result in full liability if the insurer withdraws cover.
Do I Need to Call the Police After an Accident?
Follow the Blanca Cars accident instructions for your circumstances.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ instructs customers involved in an accident to contact the local police authorities and complete the European accident claim form. It also requires Blanca Cars or its partners to be notified within four hours of the collision.
In an emergency in Spain, call:
112
Always prioritise safety and injuries.
What Information Should I Collect After an Accident?
Where safe and possible, obtain:
- Other driver’s full name
- Contact details
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance details
- Witness information
- Photographs
- Accident location
- Time and date
- Completed accident form
Send the required documentation to Blanca Cars.
Never simply agree verbally that:
“We will sort it out later.”
Proper documentation can determine whether insurance applies correctly.
Can Missing Documentation Turn Covered Damage Into a Charge?
Yes.
This is one of the most important insurance lessons for rental-car customers.
The physical damage may be the same.
But compare:
Scenario A
Another driver damages the rental car.
You provide:
- Registration number
- Signed accident form
- Police report if required
- Photographs
Scenario B
Another driver damages the rental car.
You provide:
- No registration
- No accident form
- No police report
The insurer’s ability to verify responsibility is completely different.
The Blanca Cars Terms expressly link missing accident documentation with renter responsibility in certain circumstances.
Is Parking Damage Covered if No Other Driver Is Involved?
It can be subject to an excess or repair cost.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically identify:
- Parking damage
- Manoeuvring damage
as circumstances where renter responsibility can arise.
Examples include:
- Reversing into a wall
- Hitting a bollard
- Scraping a pillar
- Damaging a bumper while parking
Read: What Happens if I Damage a Rental Car?
What if Another Driver Damages the Car While It Is Parked?
Document everything you can.
If the driver is present:
- Obtain their details.
- Record their registration.
- Complete the accident report.
- Photograph the damage.
- Contact Blanca Cars.
If they have left:
- Photograph the damage.
- Look for witnesses.
- Record any available details.
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Follow instructions regarding a police report.
Read: What Should I Do if My Rental Car Is Damaged While Parked?
Are Traffic Fines Covered by Insurance?
No.
A traffic fine is not vehicle damage.
Examples include:
- Speeding
- Illegal parking
- Mobile-phone offences
- Red-light violations
- Restricted-zone violations
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically exclude parking and traffic fines and currently provide for a €45 administration fee for handling traffic fines.
Read: What Happens if I Get a Traffic Fine in a Rental Car?
Are Parking Fines Covered?
No.
Parking fines remain the responsibility of the renter or driver according to the applicable rental agreement.
Insurance protects against specified insured risks.
It does not normally pay penalties for breaking traffic laws.
Are Toll Charges Covered?
No.
Tolls are ordinary vehicle-use expenses, not insurance claims.
The same applies to:
- Fuel
- Parking charges
- Toll roads
- Traffic fines
These costs should be considered separately from insurance.
Is Missing Equipment Covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that the renter can be charged for missing:
- Documents
- Tyres
- Tools
- Accessories
- Other vehicle equipment
and specifically list removal of equipment or paperwork among items not covered.
The current FAQ also states that the renter is liable for loss of items such as:
- SD cards
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vests
- First-aid kit
during the rental.
Do not remove vehicle equipment.
Are Unauthorised Repairs Covered?
Do not assume so.
The rental company owns the vehicle and needs to control repairs.
If something goes wrong:
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Explain the problem.
- Follow the instructions.
- Do not authorise independent repair work unless Blanca Cars approves it.
Recent Blanca Cars tyre guidance specifically tells customers not to independently authorise tyre repairs or replacements.
The same principle should be followed for other vehicle repairs.
What About Mechanical Failure?
A genuine mechanical failure is different from customer-caused damage.
For example:
Genuine technical defect
Engine component fails during normal use.
Customer-caused mechanical damage
Engine damaged after:
- Wrong fuel
- Ignoring an overheating warning
- Driving off-road
- Continuing to drive with a serious fault
The cause can determine whether the cost is covered.
Blanca Cars’ FAQ currently states that replacement vehicles are provided in qualifying cases involving technical defects, but not when technical defects result from negligent use.
Is a Replacement Vehicle Always Included?
No.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that a replacement vehicle is included in the standard rental price in qualifying cases involving:
- Technical defect
- Collision for which the customer was not responsible
It also says replacement is not included in some situations including:
- Tyre puncture
- At-fault collision
- Technical defects caused by negligent use
So even though roadside assistance may be available, a free replacement vehicle is not guaranteed after every incident.
Does Roadside Assistance Mean Every Breakdown Is Free?
No.
Roadside assistance and insurance coverage are related but separate.
Blanca Cars includes roadside assistance.
However, the reason assistance is needed can matter.
For example:
Genuine mechanical breakdown
May be covered according to the rental arrangement.
Wrong fuel
Customer responsibility.
Negligently damaged wheel
Can be excluded.
Continuing to drive on a flat tyre
Can increase customer liability.
The incident determines the financial treatment.
Example: Flat Tyre
You hit a sharp object and the tyre goes flat.
You stop immediately and contact Blanca Cars.
Because tyre damage is excluded under the current standard insurance, the tyre cost may remain your responsibility depending on the incident.
However, stopping immediately helps prevent additional damage to:
- Wheel
- Suspension
- Bodywork
Continuing to drive could turn a tyre problem into much more serious damage.
Example: Kerbed Wheel
You scrape a wheel badly while parallel parking.
The car remains drivable.
The current Blanca Cars Terms exclude tyre and wheel damage.
Therefore, broad rental insurance should not be interpreted as automatically covering the repair.
Example: Wrong Fuel but Engine Not Started
You accidentally put petrol into a diesel vehicle.
You notice before starting the engine.
You contact Blanca Cars immediately.
The vehicle may only require:
- Recovery
- Tank draining
- Correct refuelling
The incident is still customer responsibility under the current Terms, but preventing the wrong fuel from reaching the engine can greatly reduce mechanical damage.
Example: Wrong Fuel and Vehicle Driven
Now imagine the same error, but you drive until the engine stops.
The wrong fuel may damage:
- Fuel system
- Pumps
- Injectors
- Engine components
The current Terms make incorrect-fuelling costs the renter’s responsibility.
This demonstrates why stopping immediately matters.
Example: Lost Key
You lose the key while swimming.
The vehicle is otherwise undamaged.
Collision insurance is irrelevant because there has been no collision.
The current Blanca Cars Terms exclude replacement keys, and the FAQ currently lists a €300 lost-key fee.
This is an insurance exclusion rather than accident damage.
Example: Interior Stain
A drink spills across the rear seat and leaves a permanent stain.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says severe interior soiling is the renter’s responsibility, while the Terms permit exceptional cleaning charges for liquids and other contamination.
Broad collision cover does not automatically pay for this.
Example: Scraping a Wall While Parking
You reverse into a wall.
The bumper and side panel are scratched.
The current Blanca Cars Terms identify parking and manoeuvring damage among circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair costs can arise.
The existence of “full cover” does not remove all customer responsibility.
Example: Off-Road Damage
Your navigation system directs you down a rough track.
You continue despite deep holes.
The underside of the vehicle strikes the ground and the oil pan is damaged.
The current Blanca Cars Terms exclude underside and mechanical damage caused by travel outside the national road network or unsuitable terrain.
The fact that a navigation application suggested the route does not change the rental agreement.
Example: Non-Fault Accident With Proper Documentation
Another driver runs into your rental vehicle.
You obtain:
- Their details
- Registration
- Accident form
- Photographs
You report everything correctly to Blanca Cars.
Under the current Terms, proper accident documentation is central to receiving the insurance protection available for the incident.
This is very different from an undocumented incident.
Example: Non-Fault Accident Without Documentation
Another driver hits you.
They say:
“Don’t worry, insurance will handle it.”
You leave without obtaining:
- Name
- Registration
- Accident form
- Police report
Now there is no evidence identifying the other responsible party.
Under the Blanca Cars Terms, missing accident documentation can result in an applicable excess or other renter responsibility.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Uninsured Damage?
You cannot eliminate every risk, but you can prevent many avoidable problems.
Check the Fuel Type
Do this before the first refuelling.
Avoid High Kerbs
Especially when parking.
Don’t Drive on Unsuitable Roads
Turn around if necessary.
Stop for Warning Lights
Do not continue driving blindly.
Protect the Keys
Never leave them unattended.
Keep the Interior Clean
Avoid damage and severe staining.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking damage can be charged.
Load Luggage Carefully
Protect bumpers and trim.
Use Only Authorised Drivers
Add additional drivers properly.
Report Accidents Immediately
Documentation matters.
Do Not Arrange Repairs Yourself
Contact Blanca Cars first.
Should I Inspect the Rental Car Before Driving Away?
Yes.
Before starting your rental, check:
- Bodywork
- Bumpers
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Windscreen
- Mirrors
- Interior
- Fuel level
Make sure existing damage is recorded.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre advises customers to inspect the vehicle carefully and understand the condition of the car before accepting it.
Take photographs where useful.
Should I Photograph the Vehicle at Return?
Yes.
Useful photographs include:
- Front
- Rear
- Both sides
- Wheels
- Interior
- Fuel gauge
- Mileage
This gives you a record of the vehicle’s condition when you returned it.
What Questions Should I Ask About Insurance Exclusions?
Before renting, ask:
Are Tyres Covered?
Do not assume.
Are Wheels Covered?
Check separately.
Is Glass Covered?
Ask about windows and windscreens.
Are Keys Covered?
Frequently excluded.
Is Wrong Fuel Covered?
Usually not.
Is Interior Damage Covered?
Check.
Is Parking Damage Covered?
Ask whether an excess applies.
Is Underside Damage Covered?
Particularly important if travelling to rural locations.
What Counts as Negligence?
Read the rental conditions.
What Happens if I Don’t Have an Accident Report?
Know before an accident happens.
Is Roadside Assistance Included for Customer-Caused Problems?
Check the exclusions.
Is a Replacement Car Guaranteed?
Often not after customer-related incidents.
Spanish Consumer Guidance on Insurance Exclusions
Spain’s European Consumer Centre advises rental customers to investigate carefully what situations are not covered by their insurance.
Its current guidance specifically warns that some rental insurance products may not cover damage to:
- Glass
- Wheels
- Windscreen wipers
- Other specified vehicle components
It also warns customers to check the required fuel type because using the wrong fuel can cause serious engine damage for which the driver can be responsible.
This supports a simple rule:
Never judge rental-car insurance only by its marketing name. Read the exclusions.
Spanish Law vs Rental Company Insurance Exclusions
Spanish Law
Spanish law determines matters such as:
- Compulsory motor insurance
- Traffic laws
- Driver responsibilities
- Legal liability
Rental Company Terms
The rental company’s contract determines additional issues such as:
- CDW
- Theft protection
- Excess
- Tyre cover
- Key cover
- Interior damage
- Wrong fuel
- Roadside-assistance limitations
- Accident reporting
- Prohibited vehicle use
Therefore:
Whether a particular type of rental-car damage is covered normally depends on the insurance and rental contract, not on a universal rule saying all rental damage in Spain must be insured.
Common Insurance Exclusion Mistakes
Assuming Full Cover Means Everything
It doesn’t necessarily.
Assuming Zero Deposit Means All Damage Is Covered
Deposit and insurance are different.
Assuming the Excess Is the Most You Could Ever Pay
Excluded damage can be treated separately.
Assuming Tyres Are Covered
Frequently they are not.
Assuming Roadside Assistance Means the Tyre Is Free
Assistance and repair cost are separate.
Assuming Keys Are Insured
Often excluded.
Treating Wrong Fuel as a Mechanical Breakdown
It is normally a customer-related incident.
Ignoring Interior Damage
Vehicle insurance can treat the interior separately.
Driving Off-Road Because GPS Says So
Navigation does not override rental conditions.
Failing to Report an Accident
This can affect cover dramatically.
Leaving Without Other Driver’s Details
Insurance needs evidence.
Allowing an Unauthorised Driver to Drive
This can affect insurance protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damage may not be covered by rental-car insurance?
Common exclusions can include tyres, wheels, glass, keys, wrong fuel, interior damage, off-road damage and damage resulting from negligence or prohibited use.
The exact exclusions depend on the rental company and insurance package.
Does full-cover rental insurance cover everything?
No.
The term full cover does not guarantee that every possible type of damage or loss is insured.
Always check the exclusions.
Are tyres covered by Blanca Cars insurance?
No, under the current standard Terms.
Tyre and wheel damage is expressly listed as not covered.
Is a flat tyre covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms exclude tyre and wheel damage. Roadside assistance is available, but the cost and treatment of the tyre itself depend on the circumstances.
Are wheels covered?
No. Wheel damage is currently listed with tyre damage among the standard insurance exclusions.
Are lost keys covered?
No. Replacement keys are currently excluded, and the Blanca Cars FAQ lists a €300 lost-key fee.
Is wrong fuel covered?
No.
The current Terms make incorrect fuel the renter’s responsibility. The FAQ currently states that a €300 incorrect-fuelling fee applies.
Is interior damage covered?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ says damage or scratching to the interior is not insured, while the Terms identify interior damage among situations where renter responsibility can arise.
Is severe interior cleaning covered?
No assumption should be made that it is included.
The current Terms permit charges for exceptional cleaning caused by substances such as liquids, oils, ink, smoking and animals.
Is smoking damage covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms identify smoking as a situation where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
Is off-road damage covered?
No under the stated Blanca Cars conditions where damage results from travel outside the national road network or unsuitable terrain. The Terms specifically exclude resulting underside and mechanical damage.
Are my belongings inside the rental car insured?
Not under the current Blanca Cars rental-vehicle insurance.
Personal belongings left inside the car are specifically stated to be uninsured.
What happens if I don’t report an accident?
Insurance protection can be significantly affected.
The Blanca Cars FAQ warns that failure to report damage can result in full liability, and the Terms contain additional provisions where required accident documentation is missing.
What happens if another driver damages the car but I don’t get their details?
You may have difficulty proving that another party was responsible.
Missing accident documentation can trigger an excess or other renter responsibility under the current Terms.
Is damage caused by negligence covered?
Not necessarily.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically provide for renter responsibility where damage results from fault, negligence, misuse or failure to follow rental conditions.
Are traffic fines covered by insurance?
No.
The current Terms exclude traffic and parking fines and currently specify a €45 traffic-fine administration fee.
Is a replacement vehicle included after excluded damage?
Not necessarily.
The current FAQ says replacement vehicles are not included in some circumstances such as tyre punctures, at-fault collisions and technical defects caused by negligent use.
The Simple Answer
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
Rental-car insurance normally protects against defined insured risks, not every possible type of damage. The vehicle part damaged, the cause of the damage and whether you followed the rental conditions can all determine whether insurance applies.
With Blanca Cars, the current Terms indicate:
Collision insurance included: Yes
Third-party liability included: Yes
Theft insurance included: Yes
Roadside assistance included: Yes
Tyres covered: No under current Terms
Wheels covered: No under current Terms
Replacement keys covered: No
Wrong fuel covered: No
Personal belongings covered: No
Interior damage automatically covered: No
Off-road underside damage covered: No under the stated conditions
Negligent damage automatically covered: No
Traffic fines covered: No
Accident documentation required: Yes
Unauthorised use can affect cover: Yes
Rental terms still apply despite “full cover”: Yes
The signed rental agreement and current Terms & Conditions should always be treated as the final source for an individual rental.
Blanca Cars Insurance Exclusions
The clearest way to describe the current Blanca Cars position is:
Blanca Cars includes broad vehicle insurance and roadside assistance in the rental price, but specific types of damage and customer-related incidents remain excluded or subject to an excess, repair cost or other contractual charge.
The current Terms specifically identify exclusions or renter responsibility involving:
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Replacement keys
- Wrong fuel
- Personal belongings
- Certain break-in damage
- Missing vehicle equipment or paperwork
- Interior damage
- Parking and manoeuvring damage
- Off-road and underside damage
- Negligence
- Misuse
- Smoking
- Certain luggage-area damage
- Missing accident documentation
The FAQ additionally states that interior damage or scratching is not insured and provides current procedures and charges for wrong fuel, lost keys and accident reporting.
For that reason, “full cover” should be understood as broad insurance subject to the exclusions and responsibilities stated in the rental agreement — not unlimited insurance against every possible event.
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- What Does Rental-Car Insurance Normally Cover?
- What Does Full-Cover Car Hire Mean?
- What Is a Car Hire Excess?
- What Is a Car Rental Deposit?
- What Is the Difference Between a Deposit and an Excess?
- Can You Hire a Car Without a Deposit in Spain?
- 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?
- What Should I Do if My Rental Car Gets a Flat Tyre?
- What Should I Do if My Rental Car Is Damaged While Parked?
About This Guide
This guide explains common rental-car insurance exclusions in Spain and separately identifies the exclusions, excess provisions and renter responsibilities currently published by Blanca Cars.
Insurance exclusions vary considerably between rental companies.
Customers should never assume that terms such as:
- Full cover
- Fully insured
- CDW included
- Zero deposit
mean that every possible loss or type of vehicle damage is covered.
Always check:
- What is covered
- What is excluded
- What excess applies
- What the renter must do after an accident
- Which drivers are authorised
- What roadside assistance includes
- What customer-related incidents remain chargeable
For Blanca Cars customers, the confirmed booking, signed rental agreement and current Terms & Conditions should always be treated as the final source for the insurance and damage provisions applying to an individual rental.
Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 29 August 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever Blanca Cars insurance, excess, damage or exclusion conditions change.