Understanding the Difference Between Marketplace and Supplier Car Rental Protection

When renting a car, one of the most common questions is: “What happens if something goes wrong?” That’s where insurance or damage protection comes in. But not all protection options are the same — and at BooknRide, we’ve taken a different, more customer-friendly approach.

The Traditional Way: Third-Party Insurance

If you’ve rented through big international brokers before, you’ve likely encountered this setup:

• The broker sells you a third-party excess waiver (insurance that covers your deductible).
• The supplier (car rental company) still blocks a deposit on your card, usually between €500–€1500.
• If there’s damage, the supplier keeps part or all of your deposit.
• You then have to file a claim with the third-party insurer to get reimbursed.

This process can be slow and stressful — especially during travel.

The BooknRide Way: Direct Insurance from the Supplier

At BooknRide, we do things differently — and more transparently.

We offer insurance directly from the local supplier. This means:

• ✅ No deposit is required when picking up the vehicle.
• ✅ If there is damage, you don’t pay anything extra — no filing claims, no waiting.
• ✅ The supplier handles it internally — you simply walk away.

This model removes all the complexity, paperwork, and uncertainty travelers usually face.

Why is it Slightly More Expensive?

Yes, our protection option is usually around 20% more expensive than third-party excess insurance. But here’s what you get in return:

• True peace of mind.
• No credit card holds.
• No complicated claim process.
• Instant resolution in case of incidents.

It’s a premium experience — and many of our travelers say it’s well worth the small extra cost for the simplicity and convenience it brings.