What is the excess (deductible)?

The excess is the amount you are liable for if the car is damaged or stolen, even with CDW. It is shown on each listing, and the deposit the supplier holds is normally tied to it. Taking full coverage reduces the excess to zero or close to it.

Should I take full coverage in Georgia?

It is worth it for most visitors, and especially if you plan mountain or rougher roads where stone chips and scrapes are more likely. Full coverage turns a possible large excess charge into a small fixed daily cost and removes the stress. The price is shown next to each car before you book.

What is usually NOT covered?

Standard cover often excludes tyres, glass, the underbody and the interior, plus anything from off-road driving, wrong fuel, or driving outside the agreed terms. Read the listing's terms, and if you are heading to Svaneti or Tusheti, check what the supplier allows.

How does the deposit work?

The supplier blocks a deposit on your card at pickup as security against the excess, and releases it after you return the car undamaged. The amount depends on the car and the cover you chose; full coverage usually lowers it. Bring a credit card in the main driver's name.

Tbilisi Rent A Car: Honest car hire across Georgia

The terms in plain English

CDW: Collision Damage Waiver: caps your liability for damage, but leaves an excess
Excess: The amount you still pay if the car is damaged or stolen
Theft protection: Caps your liability if the car is stolen
Deposit: Refundable hold on your card, released on undamaged return
Full coverage: Removes the excess (to zero or near it) for a daily fee

How cover works on a Georgian rental

Almost every car you will see comes with basic CDW and theft protection already included. The catch is the excess: if the car is damaged, you are liable up to that amount, and the supplier holds a deposit on your card to match. Full coverage is the upgrade that buys the excess down to zero, so a scrape becomes the supplier's problem rather than a charge against your deposit.

Should you take full coverage?

For most visitors, yes. Georgian roads are rewarding but the mountain routes throw up loose stones, and city driving is busy. Full coverage converts a worrying excess into a small, known daily cost, and it usually lowers the deposit too. If you are sticking to main roads in summer you can reasonably skip it; if you are heading for Kazbegi, Svaneti or the rougher tracks, take it.

Read the exclusions

The detail that catches people out is what cover leaves out. Tyres, glass, the underbody and the interior are commonly excluded, as is damage from off-road driving, putting the wrong fuel in, or driving outside the agreed area. None of this is unusual, but it is worth a two-minute read of the listing's terms before you commit, especially if your plans involve unpaved mountain roads.

Insurance FAQ

Common questions

Most rentals come with basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection included, but with an excess (a deductible you pay if something happens) and a refundable deposit held on your card. You can usually add full coverage to remove the excess.