How to decline extra car hire cover in English

1. You've prebooked a small car for three days.
2. At the desk, the agent strongly recommends extra excess cover for £18 a day and warns that you could be charged up to £1,200 if the car is damaged.
3. You've already bought your own excess insurance online, you have the policy on your phone, and your card has enough available credit for the deposit.

Say each line out loud from its hint, then tap to check.

1. 1 · Open

   “Hi, I've got a booking for a small car for three days.”

2. 2 · Explain

   Clear and matter-of-fact

   “I've already bought separate excess insurance online.”

   “My card's got enough available credit for the deposit.”

3. 3 · Ask

   Useful when you need clarification

   “Could you talk me through the deposit and what it's for?”

4. 4 · Push back

   A polite but clear refusal

   “Thanks, but I don't need the extra cover today.”

   Acknowledges the warning while holding your position

   “I understand, but I'll stick with the cover I've already bought.”

5. 5 · Meet halfway

   Offers useful evidence without sounding defensive

   “If it helps, I can show you the policy on my phone.”

6. 6 · Wrap up

   Moves the conversation on naturally

   “Right, what's next for collecting the car?”

It sounds less confrontational and briefly explains your decision.