‘Curtailment of rental’ is one of those policy terms that you might be confused about until you need it. This guide explains exactly what curtailment of rental means under this section of the policy, what has to be true for your claim to be valid, what to do if it happens to you, and how your excess insurance can help with costs.
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What does ‘curtailment of rental’ mean in a ReduceMyExcess policy?
In this section of cover under a ReduceMyExcess car hire excess insurance policy, curtailment of rental is specifically linked to medical circumstances.
You’ll be eligible for a curtailment claim if
What to do if you need to curtail a rental
If you’re taken ill and a medical practitioner has informed you not to drive, you need to take the following steps:
1. Notify the rental company
Call the branch and let them know you need to return the vehicle early. This is important to prevent no-show fees or extra charges for unauthorised extended rental periods.
2. Check the rental agreement
Have another look over the contract as some companies may have specific policies regarding illness.
3. Keep a copy of your rental documents
You’ll need a copy of the car rental agreement stating the original hire length and the date the hire started. Also keep any paperwork that demonstrates the vehicle being curtailed.
4. Return the vehicle
Return the vehicle back to the depot making sure to pick up all the necessary documentation.
5. Document the illness
Make sure you obtain medical certificates or documentation from a doctor. You’ll need these to make a claim with us. It’s also worth making a note of dates, symptoms, who you spoke to as well as any supporting documents.
If you’re too ill to drive and are stranded, contact the rental company’s breakdown assistance or customer service to arrange the return of the car.
How does curtailment of rental happen?
Curtailment is triggered by a medical practitioner advising you that you shouldn’t drive during the hire period.
Some situations could be:
Eligibility criteria for claiming on curtailment of rental
To claim under this section of your excess insurance policy, the following statements must all be true.
1. Your rental must be at least 7 days
Your car rental agreement must be for a minimum of seven days.
2. It must be curtailed on medical advice
The rental must be curtailed on the advice of a medical practitioner.
3. There must be no other additional driver available
Cover will only apply of there is no additional driver to continue the rental.
4. You must be able to provide medical evidence
To support your claim you must be able to provide a medical certificate or letter from a medical professional.
Why does curtailment of rental matter?
Falling ill when travelling is not really something you plan for, and despite the situation being out of your control, you might still face charges from the hire company for needing to end the rental early.
That’s why this section of the policy exists. If your rental is curtailed for medical reasons and there is no additional driver available, the policy can reimburse eligible charges at up to £30 per day, capped at the maximum amount shown on your Certificate of Insurance for the policy period.
This helps reduce the financial impact of an unexpected situation, provided all the conditions of cover are met.
Anna’s top tip
I always tell people to read curtailment of rental as a safety net for medical situations, not a catch‑all. If you become unwell while hiring a car, the most important thing is to get proper medical advice and ask for it in writing. Without that medical certificate, this section simply won’t apply. I also recommend checking your hire length before you travel, because this cover only kicks in on rentals of seven days or more.
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