Insurance Coverage

Every car rented through Sicarro comes with insurance coverage included in the rental price. This guide explains what's covered, what's not, how to make a claim, and tips for safe driving in El Salvador.

Insurance Included with Every Rental

All vehicles listed on Sicarro are required to have active insurance. When you rent through our platform, you benefit from:

• Third-party liability coverage: Protects you against claims from other people for damage to their property or vehicles
• Basic collision damage coverage: Covers damage to the rental vehicle itself in case of an accident
• Coverage throughout El Salvador: The insurance is valid anywhere you drive within the country

This coverage is included in your rental price — there is no separate insurance charge at checkout.

What's Covered

The included insurance typically covers:

• Collision damage: Damage to the rental car from traffic accidents
• Third-party property damage: Damage you cause to other vehicles or property
• Third-party bodily injury: Injury to other people caused by the rental vehicle
• Theft of the vehicle: If the rental car is stolen (subject to a police report being filed)
• Fire damage: Damage from fire or explosion
• Natural disaster damage: Certain types of weather-related damage (varies by policy)

What's NOT Covered

The following situations are typically excluded from coverage:

• Personal belongings: Laptops, cameras, luggage, and other personal items left in the car are not covered. Use your own travel insurance for personal property
• Driving under the influence: Any damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs completely voids your insurance coverage
• Unauthorized drivers: Only the driver(s) named on the rental agreement are covered. If an unauthorized person is driving, insurance is void
• Off-road driving: Damage caused by taking a non-4WD vehicle off-road or on unpaved roads not suitable for the vehicle type
• Negligence: Deliberate damage, reckless driving, or gross negligence
• Roof and undercarriage: Damage to the roof (from low bridges, etc.) or undercarriage (from speed bumps, curbs, or rough terrain) may not be covered
• Tire and rim damage: Punctures, blowouts, and rim damage from potholes or curbs are generally excluded
• Keys: Lost, stolen, or damaged keys are not covered by vehicle insurance
• Interior damage: Burns, stains, or tears to the interior caused by the renter
• Violation of rental terms: Any damage that occurs while you're violating the rental agreement (e.g., driving outside El Salvador without permission)

Supplier's Vehicle Insurance

Every vehicle listed on Sicarro is required to carry active insurance:

• Suppliers must provide proof of insurance when listing their vehicle
• Sicarro verifies that insurance is active and valid
• The insurance policy covers the vehicle for rental use
• Insurance documentation is available in the vehicle (keep it in the glove compartment)

Deductible / Excess

The deductible (also called "excess") is the amount you're responsible for paying before insurance covers the rest:

• Typical range: $200 - $500, depending on the vehicle type and supplier
• How it works: If damage repair costs $1,000 and your deductible is $300, you pay $300 and insurance covers the remaining $700
• Disclosed upfront: The deductible amount is shown on the vehicle listing and in your rental agreement
• Payment: Typically deducted from your security deposit

How to Make a Claim

If you need to file an insurance claim during your rental:

1. Document the incident: Take photos, get a police report if applicable, and note all details
2. Contact Sicarro support: Email support@sicarro.com with your booking reference and incident details
3. Notify the supplier: Inform them of the situation
4. Submit required documents:
   • Police report (for accidents, theft)
   • Photos of damage
   • Your written account of what happened
   • Other party's information (for accidents)
   • Any witness statements
5. Claim processing: Sicarro coordinates between you, the supplier, and the insurance company
6. Resolution: Claims are typically resolved within 10-15 business days

Additional Protection Options

While basic coverage is included, you may want extra protection:

Personal Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers:

• Personal belongings in the vehicle
• Medical expenses from accidents
• Trip interruption costs
• Rental car deductible/excess waiver (some travel insurance policies cover the deductible)

Credit Card Coverage

Some premium credit cards offer rental car insurance when you pay for the rental with that card. Check with your card issuer about:

• Whether coverage applies internationally and in El Salvador specifically
• Whether peer-to-peer rentals are covered (some only cover traditional agencies)
• The claim process for your specific card

International Driver Coverage

If you're visiting El Salvador from another country:

• The Sicarro rental insurance covers you regardless of your nationality
• You must have a valid driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn't in Spanish or English
• Your home country's car insurance does not extend to rental cars in El Salvador
• Consider travel insurance from your home country as supplementary coverage

What Happens in Case of an Accident

For a complete step-by-step guide, see our Accident Procedure article. In summary:

1. Ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if there are injuries
2. Document everything with photos
3. File a police report
4. Contact Sicarro support and the supplier
5. Begin the insurance claim process

Tips for Safe Driving in El Salvador

Prevention is the best insurance. Stay safe on El Salvador's roads:

• Drive defensively: Other drivers may not follow traffic rules strictly. Stay alert
• Avoid night driving: Rural roads are poorly lit and may have pedestrians, animals, or unmarked obstacles
• Watch for speed bumps: "Tumulos" are common and not always well-marked. Slow down in towns and near schools
• Use GPS navigation: Don't rely on road signs alone — many are missing or unclear
• Rainy season (May-October): Roads can become slippery and flood quickly. Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Mountain roads: Drive slowly on curves, use low gear for descents, and honk at blind corners
• Keep valuables out of sight: Don't leave bags, cameras, or electronics visible in the car
• Lock the car always: Even when parked briefly
• Carry the vehicle documents: Keep the registration (tarjeta de circulacion) and insurance proof in the car at all times

Insurance FAQ

Do I need to buy additional insurance?

No. Basic coverage is included with every Sicarro rental. However, personal travel insurance is recommended for coverage of personal belongings and medical expenses.

Am I covered if someone else drives the car?

Only if they're listed as an authorized additional driver on the rental agreement. Unauthorized drivers void the insurance.

Does insurance cover me on dirt roads?

Standard vehicles are covered on paved roads and well-maintained gravel roads. For truly off-road driving, rent a 4WD vehicle and confirm coverage with the supplier.

What happens if the other driver in an accident is uninsured?

Your rental insurance still covers damage to the rental vehicle. The insurance company may pursue the uninsured driver for costs.

Is there a maximum coverage amount?

Yes, insurance policies have coverage limits. The specific limits are noted in the rental agreement. For most situations, the included coverage is sufficient.

Can I reduce my deductible?

Some suppliers may offer reduced deductible options for an additional fee. Check the vehicle listing for available options, or ask the supplier directly.