Insurance

All rental cars have a standard third party insurance (without excess) and are insured in case of traffic. The client/renter is responsible for the chosen excess level. The standard excess amount for all vehicle groups is N$ 40,000.

The chosen excess level will be blocked (authorization only) on the credit card (VISA or MasterCard) of the contract holder, which is required before hand over of the vehicle. This authorization is automatically cancelled when the car is returned and there are no damages reported.

Besides the general exclusions, terms & conditions, with this type of insurance, glass and tyre damages and are not covered and will be the responsibility of the client.

Please note that the client is always liable for the damages of the rented vehicle up to the chosen level of excess, independent of who caused the accident or who is guilty, meaning this also applicable in case the damages or accident is caused by a third party.

If the client prefers to rent a vehicle with a lower excess level than the standard excess (N$40,000), an additional daily fee will be charged. The reduction possibilities are:

1. Reduced Excess 1: N$ 20,000 for a daily fee of € 8 per day
2. Reduced Excess 2: N$ 5,000 for a daily fee of € 15 per day
3. Super Cover: N$ 0,- for a daily fee of € 25 per day

Reducing the level of excess reduces costs in the event of an accident involving a third party (negligence excluded). It covers the damage to the rented vehicle (above the chosen excess level) as well as third-party damages.

Important: Reduced Excess 1 and 2 do not cover damages to tires, windows, damages to the undercarriage of the vehicle, and Single-Vehicle-Accidents. The renter is fully liable for the costs of such damages, even if they exceed the chosen excess amount.

Super Cover – zero excess and additional cover. Additionally included in the Reduced Excess 3 are:

1. Damage to windows
2. One (1) damaged tyre
3. Single vehicle accidents (negligence e.g. speeding, under influence of alcohol, drugs etc. are excluded)
4. Undercarriage damages (excluding Kaokoveld and Damaraland Area, see T&Cs point 12)

Important: Super cover is only bookable for rentals which are more than 10 days. Super Cover can not be compared with the European “Vollkasko” or “All Risk” insurance, where all damages are covered independent of the cause or the guilt.

Losing control of the car and rolling it, bumping into a tree while reversing, and accidents that don't involve a third party (known as single vehicle accidents) are only covered by the Super Cover if the driver was not negligent. 

Standard Excess and Reduced Excess 1 and 2 do not provide coverage for single vehicle accidents. In such cases, the renter is fully responsible for all costs of the damages, even if they exceed the chosen excess amount.

This includes also situations where the driver attempts to avoid hitting an animal crossing the road.

The used definition of a traffic accident is: an accident with the vehicle where another vehicle is involved, or where a pedestrian is involved, or where an animal is involved.

IMPORTANT: an accident without the involvement of other parties (single-vehicle accidents), like e.g. rolling the car is not covered with Reduced Excess 1 and 2 (only with Reduced Excess 3). Also not when you tried to avoid hitting an animal crossing the road.

In the above-mentioned policies the damages are covered in case:

• it concerns a traffic accident in line with the definition of the insurance (see traffic accident explanation above);
• there is no situation or evidence of negligence;
• it is not a situation mentioned in the exclusions.

This is a situation where the driver and/or the passengers do not adhere to the law, the terms & conditions of the rental agreement, or general road traffic regulations. Examples of negligence, where the insurance does not cover the damages are:

• in case of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
• in case of speeding; (see ACH Speed Limits)
• in case of crossing a red traffic light;
• in case of damages caused by water;
• in case of wrong use of clutch, gears and engine of the car;
• (burning) damage caused by cigarettes, matches and / or lighters;
• driving through Sandstorms

Damages which are not covered by any insurance:

• damage caused by walking or standing on the roof or bonnet;
• damage caused by driving through water;
• damage of personal belongings;
• personal injuries
• tow-in costs, repairs/damages and changeover of vehicles related to driving in areas mentioned in 12. of the conditions

The official speed limits in Namibia are 120 km/h on tarred roads, 100 km/h on gravel roads, and 60 km/h in cities and national parks.

However, for safety and insurance purposes, Asco Car Hire imposes a speed limit of 80 km/h on all gravel roads for our vehicles. The cars are equipped with a black box that tracks both speed and location. In the event of an accident, the data will be read and analyzed. Please note that if speed regulations are broken, your insurance and excess will lapse and become invalid.

Please have a look at our insurances page for more information.

Theft of the vehicle is covered in case the client behaved responsible, the vehicle was locked and in case the client can deliver the original car keys (except in case of car jacking).

Tyre damages are not covered, except for one tyre in the Super Cover option. In case of a puncture or a damaged tyre, the renter has three options to choose from:

1. The first option is to continue the trip with only one spare tyre.

2. For their own safety, the renter can have the damaged tyre repaired at their own expense.

3. Alternatively, the renter can opt to purchase a new tyre.

If the renter decides to purchase a new tyre, it must be an Off-Road tyre with the same size as the tyres already fitted on the vehicle. The renter will be eligible for a refund for the additional mm's of tread depth purchased, up to a maximum amount of N$ 4500.00.

The renter will be charged for every damaged tyre. Repaired tyres are treated as damaged and must be replaced and paid by the client. The charge will only be based on the remaining mm's of tread depth and not for an entirely new tyre.

It is demanded to have a full police report in case of damage or theft. Please take pictures of the accident scene and of the damages and get the personal data from the other party.

Towing costs for a technical breakdown are covered by the rental company, except if the breakdown occurs in a 24-hour back-up excluded area.  

However, in the event of an accident, the towing costs are always the responsibility of the client, regardless of which party is at fault.

The administrative cost related to a damage (called ‘claim handling’) is for the account of the client.

This includes water-related damages caused by driving through rivers, water crossings, flooded areas, pans, or deep puddles – even if they appear shallow. It also applies to situations where the vehicle becomes stuck in water or remains in standing water for an extended period. Any resulting damage to the engine, gearbox, electronics, interior, or other components is fully excluded from all insurance coverage. Important: This also applies to water damage caused by sudden flooding while camping or parking in dry riverbeds where water unexpectedly returns. Clients are fully liable for any damage resulting from such situations.