What Does Rental-Car Insurance Normally Cover?
Rental-car insurance normally includes compulsory third-party liability insurance and may also include protection for damage to the rental vehicle, theft and other risks. The exact cover depends on the rental company, the insurance package and the rental agreement.
In Spain, vehicles must have compulsory insurance covering civil liability for damage caused to third parties. Spanish law requires the owner of a vehicle normally based in Spain to maintain compulsory motor insurance covering the legally required civil liability.
Car rental companies normally provide additional protection beyond this legal minimum. Common types of rental-car cover include:
- Third-party liability insurance
- Collision Damage Waiver — CDW
- Theft protection
- Roadside assistance
- Towing following covered incidents
- Additional driver insurance where authorised
- Replacement vehicle in certain circumstances
However, rental-car insurance does not normally mean that every possible type of damage or cost is covered.
Depending on the company, exclusions can include:
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Keys
- Wrong fuel
- Interior damage
- Personal belongings
- Traffic fines
- Negligence
- Unauthorised drivers
- Certain parking damage
- Damage caused by breaching the rental agreement
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically advises customers to check both the insurance conditions and exclusions, noting that components such as windows, wheels and windscreen wipers are often excluded from some rental insurance packages.
With Blanca Cars, the current rental price includes compulsory insurance, liability insurance for damage to third parties, Collision Damage Waiver, theft insurance and roadside assistance. Specific excesses, exclusions and renter responsibilities still apply under the current Terms & Conditions.
Last reviewed: 29 August 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Rental-car insurance in Spain, with specific information about Blanca Cars on the Costa Blanca
Quick Answer: What Is Normally Included in Rental-Car Insurance?
A typical rental-car insurance package may contain several different types of protection.
| Cover | What it generally protects |
|---|---|
| Compulsory liability insurance | Injury or damage caused to third parties |
| Third-party liability | Liability to other people and their property |
| Collision Damage Waiver — CDW | Limits responsibility for qualifying damage to the rental vehicle |
| Theft protection | Financial protection if the vehicle is stolen |
| Roadside assistance | Help following breakdowns or certain incidents |
| Towing | Vehicle recovery in covered circumstances |
| Replacement vehicle | May be available following certain covered incidents |
But there can still be:
- Excesses
- Insurance exclusions
- Damage exclusions
- Driver restrictions
- Accident-reporting requirements
- Contractual responsibilities
The best question is therefore not simply:
Is insurance included?
Instead ask:
Exactly what is covered, what excess applies, and what is excluded?
What Insurance Is Legally Required for a Rental Car in Spain?
Spanish law requires motor vehicles normally based in Spain to have compulsory insurance covering civil liability.
Article 2 of Spain’s motor-vehicle liability insurance law requires vehicle owners to maintain insurance covering the compulsory civil liability associated with the vehicle.
This means a properly operated Spanish rental vehicle should have the required compulsory vehicle insurance.
However, compulsory insurance should not be confused with comprehensive protection for the rental car itself.
The legal minimum is principally concerned with liability arising from damage caused to other people.
Additional rental-car insurance determines how damage to the rental vehicle and other risks are handled.
What Is Third-Party Liability Insurance?
Third-party liability insurance protects against legal liability for injury or damage caused to other people.
For example, imagine you accidentally cause a collision.
The accident damages:
- Another vehicle
- A road sign
- Another person’s property
and perhaps injures another person.
Third-party liability insurance handles eligible third-party claims according to the insurance policy and applicable law.
The phrase third party refers to somebody other than the insured parties to the contract.
It is one of the most fundamental types of motor insurance.
Does Third-Party Insurance Cover Damage to My Rental Car?
Not necessarily.
Third-party liability primarily protects against damage or injury caused to others.
Imagine:
You cause an accident.
Other vehicle damage:
€4,000
Rental vehicle damage:
€3,000
Third-party liability insurance may deal with the eligible €4,000 claim involving the other vehicle.
Damage to the rental car itself would normally depend on another form of cover, such as:
Collision Damage Waiver — CDW
This is why rental agreements often contain several insurance components rather than one single policy description.
What Is Collision Damage Waiver?
Collision Damage Waiver — CDW — is protection that reduces or limits the renter’s financial responsibility for certain damage to the rental vehicle.
Despite its name, CDW is commonly treated as part of the rental-car protection package.
For example:
Repair cost:
€3,000
CDW excess:
€800
If the incident is covered by the CDW, the renter may be responsible for up to:
€800
while the remainder is dealt with according to the insurance arrangement.
However, CDW conditions vary significantly.
Does CDW Cover Every Type of Damage?
No.
Possible exclusions can include:
- Tyres
- Wheels
- Windscreens
- Windows
- Mirrors
- Roof
- Undercarriage
- Interior
- Keys
- Wrong fuel
- Damage caused by negligence
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically advises rental customers to investigate the situations that are not covered and notes that damage involving windows, wheels and windscreen wipers is frequently excluded from some rental insurance arrangements.
Never assume CDW means:
Everything that happens to the rental car is covered.
What Is an Insurance Excess?
An excess is the amount the renter may be responsible for when certain insured damage occurs.
For example:
Repair cost:
€2,500
Insurance excess:
€500
Customer responsibility:
Up to €500
Remaining insured amount:
Up to €2,000
subject to the rental and insurance conditions.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking how much responsibility remains with the renter under an insurance excess.
Read: What Is a Car Hire Excess?
Is the Excess the Same as a Rental Deposit?
No.
These terms describe different things.
Deposit
Money or financial capacity held as security.
Excess
Potential financial responsibility if certain damage occurs.
For example:
Rental price:
€400
Security deposit:
€1,000
Insurance excess:
€1,000
The amounts happen to be the same.
But:
€1,000 deposit = financial security.
€1,000 excess = potential damage liability.
Some companies use the deposit to secure the excess, which is why the two concepts are frequently confused.
Read: What Is the Difference Between a Deposit and an Excess?
What Is Theft Protection?
Theft protection provides insurance protection if the rental vehicle is stolen.
It may appear in rental conditions as:
- Theft Protection
- TP
- THW
- Theft Waiver
depending on the company.
The conditions may require you to:
- Immediately report the theft to police
- Obtain a police report
- Inform the rental company
- Return the vehicle keys
- Cooperate with the insurer
Failing to follow the required procedure can affect coverage.
Does Theft Insurance Cover Belongings Inside the Car?
Normally, vehicle theft insurance should not be assumed to cover your personal belongings.
There is a major difference between:
The rental car being stolen
and:
Your laptop being stolen from inside the rental car.
Personal possessions may instead be covered by:
- Travel insurance
- Home insurance
- Personal belongings insurance
- Certain credit-card policies
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically state that personal belongings left inside the vehicle are not insured.
What Insurance Does Blanca Cars Include?
The current Blanca Cars FAQ lists the following as included in its rental prices:
- Compulsory insurance
- Driver insurance
- Liability insurance for damage to third parties
- Collision damage insurance — CDW
- Theft insurance — THW
- 24-hour emergency contact service
- Roadside assistance
The FAQ describes the overall rental product as all-inclusive car hire with full cover.
The current Terms & Conditions provide the detailed rules governing accidents, excesses and exclusions.
Does Blanca Cars Include Third-Party Liability Insurance?
Yes.
The Blanca Cars FAQ lists liability insurance for damage to third parties among the items included in the rental price.
The Terms additionally state that the renter and authorised drivers are included in the lessor’s civil-liability insurance arrangements.
Authorised drivers therefore matter.
A person should not drive simply because they hold a valid licence.
They must also be authorised under the rental agreement.
Does Blanca Cars Include Collision Damage Cover?
Yes.
The current FAQ explicitly lists Collision Damage Insurance — CDW among the items included in the rental price.
However, the detailed Terms still contain:
- Excess provisions
- Damage exclusions
- Negligence provisions
- Accident-report requirements
Therefore:
CDW included does not mean every type of damage is automatically covered at zero cost.
Does Blanca Cars Include Theft Insurance?
Yes.
The current FAQ lists theft insurance among the included insurance components.
The current Terms state that theft of the vehicle is covered with zero excess when the vehicle key is returned, subject to the applicable terms and required procedure.
If a Blanca Cars vehicle is stolen:
- Contact the police.
- File a police report.
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
- Follow the instructions provided.
- Keep and return the vehicle key where applicable.
Is Roadside Assistance Part of Rental-Car Insurance?
This depends on the rental company.
Some include it.
Others:
- Charge separately
- Include only mechanical breakdowns
- Exclude driver-caused incidents
- Offer enhanced roadside packages
Always check.
With Blanca Cars, roadside assistance is included in the standard rental price according to the current FAQ.
Does Blanca Cars Include Roadside Assistance?
Yes.
Blanca Cars currently includes:
- 24-hour emergency contact
- Roadside assistance
within the standard rental price.
Its Terms also state that towing and assistance are covered by the full-cover insurance in applicable circumstances.
However, the reason assistance is needed can affect coverage.
For example, tyre and wheel damage is currently excluded from the standard insurance, and wheel blowouts considered to result from negligent use are also excluded from the associated assistance according to the Terms.
Is Towing Normally Covered?
Sometimes.
Towing can be covered when the rental vehicle cannot safely be driven because of:
- Mechanical failure
- Covered accident
- Other insured incident
But towing resulting from:
- Wrong fuel
- Negligence
- Off-road use
- Certain tyre damage
- Other excluded events
may be treated differently.
With Blanca Cars, the Terms state that towing and roadside assistance are included for applicable covered incidents.
Is a Replacement Vehicle Normally Covered?
This depends on the rental company and reason the replacement is needed.
A replacement may be available following:
- Mechanical defect
- Non-fault collision
- Covered breakdown
It may not be included following:
- Customer negligence
- At-fault accident
- Tyre puncture
- Misuse
Blanca Cars’ current FAQ says a replacement vehicle is included in the standard rental price and will be provided within 48 hours following a technical defect or a collision for which the customer was not responsible. It says replacement is not included in certain cases such as tyre puncture, at-fault collision or technical defects caused by negligent use.
Does Rental Insurance Cover an Accident That Is Not My Fault?
Normally, the responsible driver’s insurance should be central to the claim.
However, documentation is crucial.
With Blanca Cars, the current Terms state that if an accident involving another vehicle is not your fault, full coverage applies when the required damage report or police report is provided.
Therefore, after an accident:
- Get the other driver’s details
- Record the registration number
- Obtain witness details where possible
- Complete the accident form
- Take photographs where safe
- Contact Blanca Cars immediately
- Notify authorities where necessary
Proper documentation protects both you and the rental company.
Does Insurance Cover an Accident That Is My Fault?
Insurance may still provide protection, but an excess can apply.
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.
For example:
Qualifying insured repair:
€2,500
Applicable contractual excess:
According to the rental vehicle and circumstances
The renter does not necessarily become responsible for the entire €2,500 simply because the accident was their fault.
But the applicable excess and contract terms become relevant.
What Happens if I Do Not Complete an Accident Report?
This can significantly affect insurance coverage.
The Blanca Cars Terms require the renter to obtain:
- Full details of the other party
- Witness information where possible
- Completed accident documentation
and to report the incident immediately.
The Terms specifically state that certain damage or incidents without an accident report or police report can be subject to a minimum €150–€350 plus IVA excess depending on the car.
This makes accident documentation one of the most important renter responsibilities.
Does Rental Insurance Normally Cover Parking Damage?
Not always without an excess or other liability.
Parking damage can include:
- Scraping a wall
- Hitting a bollard
- Reversing into another object
- Wheel damage against a kerb
- Bumper damage
Some insurance packages cover this subject to an excess.
Others exclude certain parts.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically include damage caused while parking or manoeuvring among circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
What if Another Car Damages My Rental While It Is Parked?
Collect as much evidence as possible.
If the other driver is present:
- Get their details
- Record the vehicle registration
- Complete the accident form
- Photograph both vehicles
If the other vehicle has left:
- Photograph the damage
- Look for witnesses
- Contact Blanca Cars
- Follow instructions regarding police documentation
Insurance can depend significantly on whether the responsible party can be identified.
Read: What Should I Do if My Rental Car Is Damaged While Parked?
Are Scratches Normally Covered?
It depends on the insurance package and circumstances.
Minor scratches may still count as vehicle damage.
The Blanca Cars Terms specifically refer to scratches and accidents against objects when describing situations where an applicable minimum excess can arise, particularly if supporting accident or police documentation is unavailable.
Do not attempt to:
- Polish out damage
- Paint over scratches
- Arrange private repairs
Contact Blanca Cars first.
Are Tyres Normally Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
Often not under standard cover.
Tyres are one of the areas customers should specifically check.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre warns that wheels and other vehicle components are frequently excluded from rental-car insurance packages.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically state that damage to tyres and wheels is not covered under the standard insurance arrangement.
Are Wheels Covered?
Again, do not assume they are.
Common wheel damage can include:
- Kerb damage
- Bent wheel
- Cracked wheel
- Damage from unsuitable road surfaces
Blanca Cars currently lists tyre and wheel damage among its insurance exclusions.
Take particular care when:
- Parallel parking
- Entering narrow parking garages
- Parking next to high kerbs
- Driving on unsuitable surfaces
Are Windscreens and Windows Normally Covered?
This varies.
Some rental packages include them.
Others offer separate:
- Glass cover
- Windscreen cover
- Tyre and glass packages
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically notes that windows can be excluded from some rental insurance packages.
Do not assume that CDW automatically means every glass surface is covered.
Are Mirrors Covered?
This also depends on the rental contract.
A side mirror can be damaged by:
- Passing too close to another vehicle
- Narrow streets
- Parking structures
- Motorcycles
- Fixed objects
Check the insurance exclusions applying to your rental.
If a mirror is damaged, report it rather than attempting to repair it independently.
Are Rental-Car Keys Covered?
Frequently not.
Lost or damaged keys are commonly treated separately from collision insurance.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically list replacement keys as not covered.
Modern keys can be expensive because they may contain:
- Remote locking
- Immobiliser
- Electronic transponder
- Vehicle-specific programming
Keep the rental key secure.
Read: What Happens if I Lose My Rental-Car Key?
Is Wrong Fuel Covered?
Normally not.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically warns customers to check the vehicle’s fuel type because incorrect fuel can cause serious engine damage for which the driver may become responsible.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ instructs customers who put the wrong fuel in a vehicle to stop using it immediately and currently states that a €300 incorrect-fuelling fee applies.
The Blanca Cars Terms also place responsibility for incorrect fuel on the renter.
If you put the wrong fuel in the car:
Do not start the engine.
Contact Blanca Cars immediately.
Read: What Happens if I Put the Wrong Fuel in a Rental Car?
Is Interior Damage Covered?
Do not assume so.
Interior damage can include:
- Torn seats
- Burn marks
- Broken trim
- Dashboard damage
- Serious staining
- Roof-lining damage
- Boot damage
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically include interior damage among circumstances that can result in renter responsibility.
Normal use and negligent or deliberate damage are not the same thing.
Is Smoking Damage Covered?
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically include smoking in the vehicle among circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair costs can arise.
Smoking can create:
- Burns
- Odours
- Upholstery damage
- Cleaning requirements
- Vehicle downtime
Customers should therefore treat Blanca Cars vehicles as non-smoking vehicles.
Is Damage While Loading Luggage Covered?
Not necessarily.
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically identify damage to the rear bumper or luggage area when loading or unloading suitcases among situations that can result in an applicable excess or repair cost.
Take care with:
- Heavy suitcases
- Pushchairs
- Golf clubs
- Bikes
- Large bags
Lift luggage rather than dragging it across the bumper.
Does Rental-Car Insurance Cover Traffic Fines?
No.
Traffic fines are not vehicle-damage insurance claims.
The driver is responsible for traffic offences committed during the rental.
Examples include:
- Speeding
- Illegal parking
- Mobile-phone offences
- Restricted-zone violations
- Traffic-light offences
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that parking and traffic fines are not covered and currently provide for a €45 administration fee for traffic fines.
Read: What Happens if I Get a Traffic Fine in a Rental Car?
Does Insurance Cover Toll Charges?
No.
Road tolls are normal driving costs rather than insurance events.
If you use a toll road or another paid road facility, the driver remains responsible for the applicable toll.
Insurance does not normally pay:
- Fuel
- Tolls
- Parking fees
- Traffic fines
These are ordinary vehicle-use expenses.
Does Rental Insurance Cover Personal Belongings?
Usually not under the vehicle insurance.
The current Blanca Cars Terms expressly state that personal belongings left inside the rental vehicle are not insured.
Do not leave valuable items visible inside the car, including:
- Laptops
- Cameras
- Handbags
- Passports
- Phones
- Money
- Luggage
Your personal travel insurance may provide separate protection.
What if Someone Breaks Into the Rental Car?
Contact Blanca Cars and the police as appropriate.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that if belongings are left inside the vehicle and the vehicle is broken into, the renter can be responsible for relevant vehicle repair costs under the published conditions.
This is another reason to remove all visible belongings when leaving the vehicle.
Is Negligent Damage Covered?
Insurance protection can be restricted when damage results from negligence.
Examples could include:
- Continuing to drive with a flat tyre
- Ignoring serious warning lights
- Using the wrong fuel
- Driving somewhere prohibited
- Allowing an unauthorised driver to drive
- Misusing the vehicle
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically state that excess provisions apply where damage results from customer fault, negligence, misuse or failure to follow traffic rules or rental conditions.
What Happens if I Ignore a Warning Light?
Contact the rental company.
A warning light may indicate:
- Low oil pressure
- Engine overheating
- Tyre-pressure loss
- Brake problem
- Engine malfunction
Continuing to drive can turn a small problem into serious damage.
If the additional damage results from ignoring a warning, the insurer may consider whether the customer acted negligently.
Do not independently arrange repairs without authorisation.
Does Insurance Cover an Unauthorised Driver?
Do not assume so.
A valid driving licence alone does not make someone an authorised rental driver.
The driver should be included in the rental agreement where required.
With Blanca Cars, the Terms state that the renter and authorised drivers are included in the civil-liability insurance.
If your:
- Partner
- Spouse
- Friend
- Relative
may drive the vehicle, make sure they are properly authorised.
Read: Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
Does Insurance Cover Driving Off-Road?
Usually not automatically.
Rental cars are intended to be used in accordance with the rental conditions and on suitable roads.
Potential problems include:
- Rough tracks
- Deep sand
- Rocky roads
- Flooded tracks
- Unsuitable mountain roads
Damage caused by misuse or prohibited use may fall outside normal insurance protection.
Do not follow a navigation application onto an unsuitable road simply because the route appears shorter.
Does Insurance Cover Driving Outside Spain?
This depends entirely on the rental agreement.
Some rental companies allow cross-border travel.
Others:
- Prohibit it
- Require permission
- Charge additional insurance
- Restrict specific countries
Spain’s European Consumer Centre specifically recommends checking whether you are allowed to take the rental vehicle outside the country and whether doing so creates an extra cost.
Always obtain permission before crossing an international border with a rental vehicle.
Does Rental Insurance Cover Mechanical Breakdowns?
Vehicle-damage insurance and mechanical breakdown are different concepts.
If the vehicle develops a genuine technical fault unrelated to misuse, the rental company’s roadside-assistance arrangements normally become relevant.
With Blanca Cars, roadside assistance is included under the standard rental price.
The FAQ also states that a replacement vehicle is included in the standard price following certain technical defects, although exclusions apply where the defect results from negligent use.
What if the Breakdown Is My Fault?
The cause matters.
Consider these two situations.
Mechanical failure
The vehicle develops an unexpected technical defect during normal use.
Customer-related problem
The customer:
- Uses the wrong fuel
- Damages a wheel
- Continues driving after a warning
- Misuses the vehicle
Both may result in an immobilised vehicle.
But the insurance and assistance treatment can be very different.
Does Insurance Cover a Flat Tyre?
Not necessarily.
Blanca Cars currently includes roadside assistance generally, but its Terms exclude tyre and wheel damage from the standard insurance.
The Terms also state that wheel blowouts considered to result from negligent use are not covered by the insurance or assistance.
If you have a tyre problem:
- Stop safely.
- Do not continue driving on a flat tyre.
- Contact Blanca Cars.
- Follow the instructions provided.
What Happens After an Accident?
Whatever insurance you have, the procedure matters.
If you have an accident:
Stop Safely
Do not create another hazard.
Check for Injuries
Call emergency services if necessary.
Spain’s general emergency number is:
112
Obtain the Other Driver’s Details
Record:
- Name
- Contact information
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance details where applicable
Collect Witness Details
Where possible.
Take Photographs
Only where safe.
Complete the Accident Report
Do this carefully.
Contact the Rental Company
Report the incident immediately.
Do Not Admit or Negotiate Liability Independently
Provide factual information and allow the relevant insurers and authorities to determine responsibility.
The Blanca Cars Terms specifically require immediate notification and accident documentation.
Why Is Accident Documentation Part of Insurance?
Insurance companies need evidence.
Imagine another driver hits your rental vehicle.
Properly documented
You have:
- Other driver’s information
- Registration
- Accident form
- Photographs
- Witness details
Poorly documented
You have:
- No registration
- No report
- No contact information
- No photographs
The insurer’s ability to recover the cost from the responsible party is very different.
This is why insurance cover can depend on the customer complying with accident-reporting requirements.
Should I Photograph the Rental Car Before Driving Away?
Yes.
Insurance does not eliminate the value of documenting the vehicle.
Spain’s European Consumer Centre advises renters to inspect the vehicle and make sure they understand the contract before taking the car. It also notes that the driver can be responsible for damage occurring between collection and the company’s inspection at return.
Photograph:
- Front
- Rear
- Both sides
- Wheels
- Windscreen
- Interior
- Existing marks
Make sure pre-existing damage is properly recorded.
Should I Photograph the Car When Returning It?
Yes.
Take photographs showing:
- Bodywork
- Wheels
- Interior
- Fuel gauge
- Mileage
This can provide useful evidence of the vehicle’s condition at return.
Where practical, return the vehicle according to the agreed inspection procedure.
Does Full-Cover Insurance Mean I Do Not Need to Check the Car?
No.
You should inspect every rental car regardless of the level of insurance.
Even with broad insurance:
- Existing damage should be recorded
- New damage should be reported
- Fuel level should be checked
- Rental conditions should be followed
Good documentation protects both the customer and the rental company.
Rental Insurance vs Deposit
Insurance and deposits solve different problems.
Insurance
Determines which risks are covered and what liability remains with the renter.
Deposit
Provides financial security.
A rental can therefore have:
- Comprehensive insurance + deposit
- Basic insurance + deposit
- Comprehensive insurance + no standard deposit
Read: What Is a Car Rental Deposit?
Rental Insurance vs Excess
Insurance determines the protection.
The excess determines how much responsibility may remain with the renter for particular insured incidents.
For example:
Repair:
€2,000
Insurance:
CDW
Excess:
€500
Potential renter contribution:
Up to €500
subject to the contract.+
Rental Insurance vs Roadside Assistance
These are related but different.
Insurance
Deals primarily with financial risks following accidents, damage, theft and liability.
Roadside Assistance
Provides practical help when the vehicle cannot continue normally.
Examples:
- Mechanical breakdown
- Recovery
- Towing
- Other roadside help
Whether assistance is free depends on why it was needed.
Rental Insurance vs Travel Insurance
Your rental-car insurance normally protects the vehicle and vehicle-related liabilities.
Travel insurance may protect things such as:
- Medical expenses
- Trip cancellation
- Luggage
- Personal belongings
- Rental excess reimbursement
The two forms of insurance are not interchangeable.
Check both policies if you rely on external travel insurance.
What About Credit-Card Rental Insurance?
Some credit cards include rental-car protection.
But the conditions can require you to:
- Pay with that card
- Decline certain rental-company insurance
- Stay within a maximum rental period
- Use an eligible vehicle
- Pay the rental company first and claim reimbursement later
Do not assume a credit card automatically provides better protection than the rental company’s included insurance.
Read the separate card policy carefully.
Example: Covered Non-Fault Accident
Imagine you are driving a Blanca Cars vehicle in Dénia.
Another car collides with you.
You were not responsible.
You:
- Exchange details.
- Complete the accident report.
- Photograph the vehicles.
- Notify Blanca Cars.
- Supply the required documentation.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that when an accident with another car is not your fault, full coverage applies upon provision of the required accident or police report, subject to the terms.
Example: At-Fault Collision
You misjudge a junction and cause a collision.
Under the current Blanca Cars Terms, an at-fault accident can carry a minimum:
€300 + IVA excess
depending on the vehicle model.
This means:
Insurance exists.
But:
The customer can still have an applicable excess.
Example: Parking Damage
You reverse into a low wall in a car park.
There is no other vehicle involved.
The rear bumper is damaged.
The Blanca Cars Terms specifically include parking and manoeuvring damage among circumstances where an applicable excess and/or repair cost can arise.
Broad insurance does not mean customer-caused parking damage is automatically free.
Example: Wrong Fuel
Your vehicle requires diesel.
You accidentally add petrol.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that a €300 incorrect-fuelling fee applies and tells the customer to stop using the vehicle immediately.
The current Terms also make the renter responsible for the costs associated with incorrect fuel.
This is outside ordinary collision insurance.
Example: Lost Key
You lose the rental-car key at the beach.
The vehicle itself is undamaged.
Nevertheless, the current Blanca Cars Terms list replacement keys among items not covered by the insurance.
This demonstrates an important point:
Insurance exclusions can create costs even when no accident has occurred.
Example: Personal Belongings Stolen
You leave a laptop bag visible inside the vehicle.
Someone breaks a window and steals it.
There are potentially two separate losses:
Rental vehicle
Broken window.
Personal property
Stolen laptop.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that personal belongings left in the vehicle are not insured and contain additional responsibility where belongings left inside contribute to a break-in.
Your own travel insurance may need to deal with the laptop loss.
What Should I Ask About Rental-Car Insurance Before Booking?
Before confirming a rental, ask:
Is Third-Party Liability Included?
It should be clear.
Is CDW Included?
Check the conditions.
Is Theft Protection Included?
Check the requirements.
What Is the Excess?
Ask for the applicable amount.
Is There a Deposit?
This is a different question.
Are Tyres and Wheels Covered?
Do not assume.
Are Windscreens and Windows Covered?
Check.
Are Keys Covered?
Often excluded.
Is Wrong Fuel Covered?
Usually not.
Is Interior Damage Covered?
Check.
Is Roadside Assistance Included?
And under which circumstances?
Is Towing Included?
Ask about exclusions.
Is a Replacement Vehicle Included?
Find out when.
What Happens After an Accident?
Know the reporting procedure before driving.
Spanish Law vs Rental Company Insurance
It is important to distinguish between the two.
Spanish Legal Requirement
Spanish law requires the vehicle owner to maintain the compulsory civil-liability insurance required for motor vehicles.
Rental Company Insurance
The rental company determines the additional protection included in its rental package, such as:
- CDW
- Theft protection
- Excess
- Roadside assistance
- Towing
- Replacement vehicle
- Damage exclusions
Therefore:
Spanish law determines the compulsory insurance baseline. The individual rental agreement determines the additional protection available to the renter.
Common Rental-Car Insurance Mistakes
Assuming All Insurance Packages Are the Same
They aren’t.
Assuming “Fully Insured” Means Everything Is Covered
Always check exclusions.
Confusing Insurance With Deposit
A deposit is financial security.
Confusing Insurance With Excess
The excess is the amount of liability that may remain.
Assuming Tyres Are Covered
Frequently they are not.
Assuming Keys Are Covered
Often excluded.
Assuming Wrong Fuel Is an Insured Breakdown
Normally it is customer responsibility.
Failing to Complete an Accident Report
This can affect insurance.
Allowing an Unauthorised Person to Drive
This can invalidate or restrict protection.
Leaving Personal Belongings Inside the Vehicle
Vehicle insurance does not normally protect your personal property.
Ignoring Warning Lights
Negligent use can change your financial responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rental-car insurance normally cover?
Rental-car insurance normally includes compulsory third-party liability and may also include Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection and other cover depending on the rental company.
Is insurance automatically included when hiring a car in Spain?
The rental vehicle must have the legally required compulsory motor insurance. Additional protections such as CDW, theft protection and excess reduction depend on the rental company and contract.
Does rental insurance cover damage to another car?
Third-party liability insurance normally deals with eligible liability for damage caused to another vehicle.
Does rental insurance cover damage to the rental car?
It can, usually through Collision Damage Waiver or another damage-protection arrangement.
The level of protection and excess varies.
What is CDW?
Collision Damage Waiver reduces or limits the customer’s responsibility for qualifying damage to the rental car.
It can still contain an excess and exclusions.
Does insurance cover theft?
Many rental packages include theft protection.
Blanca Cars currently includes theft insurance and its Terms state that vehicle theft is covered with zero excess when the key is returned, subject to the rental conditions.
Does Blanca Cars include insurance in the rental price?
Yes.
The current FAQ lists compulsory insurance, third-party liability, CDW and theft insurance among the items included in the rental price.
Does Blanca Cars include roadside assistance?
Yes.
The current rental price includes roadside assistance and 24-hour emergency contact.
Does insurance cover an accident that is not my fault?
Under the current Blanca Cars Terms, full coverage applies when an accident involving another car is not your fault and the required accident or police report is provided, subject to the conditions.
What if the accident is my fault?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that an at-fault accident can carry a minimum €300 + IVA excess depending on the vehicle model.
Are tyres covered?
Not under the current Blanca Cars standard insurance. Tyre and wheel damage is expressly listed as excluded.
Are lost keys covered?
No. Replacement keys are currently listed as not covered.
Is wrong fuel covered?
No. Blanca Cars currently treats incorrect fuelling as customer responsibility and its FAQ states that a €300 incorrect-fuelling fee applies.
Are traffic fines covered by insurance?
No.
Traffic and parking fines are not insured vehicle damage. Blanca Cars’ Terms currently also specify a €45 administration fee for traffic fines.
Are personal belongings covered?
Not under the current Blanca Cars vehicle insurance described in the Terms.
Is a replacement vehicle included?
Blanca Cars’ current FAQ states that a replacement vehicle is included following certain technical defects or non-fault collisions, subject to conditions and exclusions.
Does full-cover insurance mean I cannot ever be charged?
No.
Excesses, exclusions, negligence and other contractual responsibilities can still create valid charges.
The Simple Answer
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
Rental-car insurance normally protects against third-party liability and can also cover collision damage, theft and roadside incidents, but every insurance package has conditions. Always check the excess and exclusions.
With Blanca Cars, the current published package includes:
Compulsory insurance: Yes
Third-party liability: Yes
Collision Damage Waiver: Yes
Theft insurance: Yes
24-hour emergency contact: Yes
Roadside assistance: Yes
Towing for applicable covered incidents: Yes
Replacement vehicle in qualifying circumstances: Yes
At-fault accident can carry an excess: Yes
Tyres and wheels covered: No under current Terms
Replacement keys covered: No
Wrong fuel covered: No
Traffic fines covered: No
Personal belongings covered: No
Rental conditions and exclusions still apply: Yes
Always use the confirmed rental agreement and current Terms & Conditions as the final reference for your individual rental.
Blanca Cars Insurance Policy
The clearest way to describe Blanca Cars’ current insurance package is:
Blanca Cars includes compulsory motor insurance, third-party liability, Collision Damage Waiver and theft insurance within the rental price, together with roadside assistance. The Terms & Conditions contain specific excesses, exclusions and renter responsibilities that still apply in defined circumstances.
The current FAQ confirms the principal insurance components included with the rental.
The current Terms explain the detailed conditions, including:
- At-fault accident excess
- Accident-report requirements
- Parking and manoeuvring damage
- Tyre and wheel exclusion
- Replacement-key exclusion
- Wrong-fuel responsibility
- Interior-damage provisions
- Personal-belongings exclusion
- Roadside-assistance limitations
- Traffic and parking fines
This distinction gives customers a much clearer answer than simply saying a rental is “insured.”
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- What Does Full-Cover Car Hire Mean?
- What Is Not Covered by Rental-Car Insurance?
- 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?
About This Guide
This guide explains what rental-car insurance normally covers in Spain and separately identifies the insurance protection, excess provisions and exclusions currently published by Blanca Cars.
Rental-car insurance varies between companies. The name of an insurance package alone does not establish exactly what is covered.
Customers should always check:
- Included insurance
- Excess
- Deposit
- Exclusions
- Accident procedure
- Authorised drivers
- Roadside-assistance conditions
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 protection 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, roadside-assistance or exclusion conditions change.