Car rental insurance in Istanbul: what is covered and what to check

The short answer

Rental car cover falls into two groups. Compulsory traffic insurance (third-party liability) is a legal requirement for every motor vehicle in Turkey and covers damage and injury to others up to policy limits. Kasko (comprehensive cover) and rental-specific damage cover relate to damage to the rental car itself. What is included in your rental, what is offered as an extra and how much you are liable for in case of damage are all set out in the rental agreement. Reading it before pickup is the most important thing you can do.

This article is general information. For the cover on a car rented from Beta Car Rental, rely on the information shown while booking and on your agreement.

Key terms

Compulsory traffic insurance

Under Turkey's Highway Traffic Law, every motor vehicle on the road must have compulsory third-party liability insurance. It covers damage and injury caused to other parties within policy limits. It does not cover damage to the car you are driving.

Kasko

Kasko is optional insurance covering damage to the vehicle itself (collision, theft and so on) according to the policy. Scope, excesses and exclusions vary.

Rental damage cover

Rental companies offer products that limit or remove the renter's liability for damage to the car. Names and scope differ between companies. Some cover only certain damage (such as glass, lights or tyres), others cap your liability at a set amount.

Excess

The excess is the amount or share you pay in case of damage despite having cover. Most cover has an excess; the amount and conditions are in the agreement.

What to check in the agreement

Before pickup, find the answers in the agreement or ask the team:

1. Which cover is included in my rental?
2. Is my liability for damage capped? If so, at what amount?
3. Which types of damage are excluded (for example tyres, glass, underbody or interior)?
4. When does the cover not apply?
5. What extra cover is available and what does it change?

When cover typically doesn't apply

Across the industry, cover generally does not apply in situations like these; the definitive list is always in the agreement:

• Someone not named on the agreement was driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• No accident report or required documents after an accident
• Using the car in breach of the agreement

That is why everyone who drives must be on the agreement. See car rental deposits and conditions.

What to do after an accident or damage

1. Make it safe: if anyone is injured, call 112 immediately. Switch on hazard lights and place the warning triangle if needed.
2. Tell the rental company: report the accident or damage to the team as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
3. Complete a report: for damage-only accidents where both parties agree, an accident report form (Kaza Tespit Tutanağı) can be completed, including via e-Devlet and mobile apps. If anyone is injured or the parties disagree, call the police.
4. Record everything: photograph the scene, both cars and number plates, and take the other party's contact and insurance details.
5. Don't repair it yourself: repairs to a rental car are handled by the rental company.

Reducing the risk of damage

• Photograph the car at pickup and make sure existing damage is recorded on the handover form.
• Take care in narrow streets: mirror and bumper damage is common in districts like Beyoğlu. See driving in Beyoğlu and Taksim.
• Choose a compact car for the city to reduce parking and manoeuvring damage.
• Use car parks: cars parked on the street are more exposed to scratches and mirror damage.

Frequently asked questions

Do rental cars in Turkey have insurance?

Every motor vehicle on the road in Turkey must have compulsory traffic insurance, which covers damage to others. It does not cover damage to the rental car itself.

What happens if I have an accident in a rental car?

Make it safe, call 112 if anyone is injured and tell the rental company straight away. The report and liability process follows the conditions in your agreement.

Should I buy extra cover?

It depends on what is already included and your liability cap. Ask about the options and what they change when booking and at pickup.