What Is NOT Covered by Rent a Car Insurance?

Author: Gergana Ivanova – Category B Driving Instructor & Co-owner of DL Rent

Many people assume that if a rental car includes insurance, everything is automatically covered.

In reality, that’s not exactly how it works.

And this is where unpleasant surprises usually happen — especially when someone books only based on the lowest price without checking the actual rental conditions.

In this article, we’ll explain in a simple and honest way what rent a car insurance in Bulgaria usually does not cover and what you should pay attention to before booking.

First of all — why are there exclusions?

No car insurance, even for personal vehicles, covers absolutely everything.

The reason is simple: if damage is caused by negligence, improper use, or breaking the rental terms, the responsibility usually stays with the driver.

This is even more important with rental cars because the vehicles are used by many different drivers.

1. The Most Common Things NOT Covered - Tires and rims

This is one of the most common exclusions in the rent a car industry.

For example: flat tires;
damaged tires;
hitting a curb;
scratched or bent rims.

These damages are usually considered driver-related rather than accidental collision damage.

That’s why it’s important to:

drive carefully on poor roads;
avoid hitting curbs;
slow down near potholes.


2. Interior damage

Insurance usually does not cover:

torn seats;
broken interior parts;
burned upholstery;
excessive dirt or stains;
pet damage;
spilled liquids.

Many customers don’t think about this, but interior repairs can also be expensive.

3. Lost or damaged car keys

Modern car keys can cost hundreds of euros to replace.

Most rental companies do not cover: lost keys;
broken keys;
water-damaged electronic keys.


4. Using the wrong fuel

This happens more often than people think.

For example:
petrol instead of diesel;
diesel instead of petrol.

These damages are almost never covered because they are considered driver error.

5. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In this situation, the type of insurance usually does not matter.

If the driver:
is under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
refuses a police test;

the insurance may become invalid and the driver can be fully responsible for all damages.

6. Leaving the scene or missing documents after an accident

If there is an accident and: the rental company is not informed;
the driver leaves the scene;
required documents are missing;
a police report is not obtained when necessary;

the insurance may not cover the damage.

This is why we always recommend:
if something happens, contact the rent a car company immediately.

Why do some customers feel misled?

Because many people book based only on price.

Some companies advertise very low daily rates, but:
the insurance is limited;
the deposit is very high;
important conditions are hidden;
many damages remain the customer’s responsibility.

Before booking, always check: what insurance is included;
the deposit amount;
the exclusions;
possible additional fees.


How does DL Rent handle this?

At DL Rent, we believe rental conditions should be clear before the reservation — not discovered later at pickup.

With us:
insurance is included in the price;
there are no hidden airport fees;
conditions are explained in advance;
we provide 24/7 assistance in case of problems or accidents.

The only damages not covered by the insurance are tires and rims — which is standard practice for most rent a car companies.

Final advice

If something in the rental conditions sounds unclear — ask before booking.

A trustworthy rent a car company will never avoid your questions or hide important information in small text.

At the end of the day, the goal is not just to rent the cheapest car — but to know exactly what you are paying for and travel with peace of mind.