What Is Included in the Advertised Hire Price?
For most standard rentals, comprehensive cover arranged by Practical is included in the advertised hire price. Customers can book knowing that core protection is already built in, so there is usually no need to arrange separate motor insurance for a standard personal hire.
✓ Comprehensive Cover
The main cover type offered on most standard hires, arranged by Practical and included in the quoted price.
✓ Simpler to Compare
Because cover is included upfront, customers can compare quotes accurately without adding extras later.
✓ Business Exceptions
Some business customers may use their own insurance where the branch accepts that arrangement.
✓ Confirmed Locally
Your branch will always confirm exactly what applies to your booking before you sign the hire agreement.
Understanding the Excess
Even with comprehensive cover included, you may still be responsible for an excess if the vehicle is damaged, lost or stolen. The excess is not a fixed amount across the Practical network. It varies by branch, vehicle type and driver details.
Ask Your Branch
The excess is set locally. Ask before you book so you know exactly what applies.
Know Your Exposure
Understanding the amount helps you decide whether to take optional protection such as CDW.
Driver Details Matter
Age, experience and vehicle type can all affect the excess level set by the branch.
Check the Agreement
The exact excess is always set out in your rental agreement before you collect the vehicle.
No Single Excess Figure Applies Across the Network
Because Practical operates through independent franchise branches, excess levels are decided locally. There is no universal amount, so always ask your specific branch for the figure that applies to your hire.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
CDW is an optional product designed to reduce — but not usually eliminate — the excess you may be responsible for if the vehicle is damaged. It does not replace the comprehensive cover already included; it sits on top of it to limit your out-of-pocket exposure.
- ✓ Reduces the excess — CDW lowers the amount you would be liable for in a damage claim, subject to the terms of your rental agreement.
- ✓ Available at most branches — CDW is widely offered across the Practical network, though exact availability is confirmed locally.
- ✓ Locally priced — The cost of CDW and how much it reduces the excess varies from branch to branch.
- ✓ Ask specifically — When enquiring, ask exactly what excess would remain after CDW, not just whether it is available.
Good Question to Ask Your Branch
Do not just ask “do you offer CDW?” Ask “what does the excess reduce to with CDW on this booking?” That gives you the exact number you need.
Ask About CDW →Can Companies Use Their Own Insurance?
In some cases, yes. Businesses with their own fleet or motor trade insurance may be able to hire using that cover instead of the standard Practical insurance, subject to branch approval. Where accepted, business hire rates may apply.
Branch Approval Required
The branch must confirm your company’s insurance is suitable before the hire agreement is written on that basis.
Arrange Before Booking
Speak to the branch before confirming any hire so pricing and paperwork can be set up correctly from the start.
Business Rates May Apply
Where a company uses its own accepted insurance, the hire may be quoted on business rather than standard terms.
Not Every Branch, Not Every Policy
Whether a specific company policy is accepted depends on the branch. Always confirm in advance.
Discuss Before You Book
If you want to hire using your company’s own insurance, always contact the branch ahead of time. Arriving at collection expecting this arrangement without prior confirmation can cause delays or result in standard cover and rates applying instead.
Discuss Business Hire →Extra Drivers, Tyre Cover & Glass Cover
Some branches offer additional optional protections beyond standard cover and CDW. These include tyre cover, glass or windscreen cover, and the ability to add named drivers to the hire agreement. All are handled locally.
- ✓ Extra drivers — Additional drivers can usually be added, subject to licence checks, branch approval and any applicable charge.
- ✓ Tyre cover — Some branches offer protection relating to tyre damage. This is not standard across every location.
- ✓ Glass / windscreen cover — Selected branches may offer windscreen or glass-specific cover depending on vehicle and booking type.
- ✓ All branch dependent — Because these extras are decided at branch level, the best approach is always to ask directly before confirming the hire.
Common Insurance Questions
These are the questions customers most often ask before confirming a booking.
Speak to Your Local Branch Before You Book
They can confirm cover, excess levels, CDW pricing and any optional extras available for your specific hire.