When you rent a car, you will often see the term "overhead damage" (or "damage to the roof") in the rental agreement. Many people don't know exactly what this covers until unexpected costs arise. Therefore, it is important to understand what overhead damage is, how it occurs, and what this means for your insurance. In this article, we will explain it clearly for you.
Overhead damage refers to damage to the top of a vehicle.
Overhead damage is damage that occurs to the upper part of the car, often above the door frame. 75 centimetres down from the roof is often considered headroom. These include, for example:
- damage to the roof
- damage to the top of the doors
- Damage to the roof rails
- damage to the frame around the roof
- Damage from objects protruding above the vehicle
This type of damage usually occurs when the car comes into contact with a low object that is higher than expected.
Overhead damage occurs
The most common situations are:
- Driving into a car park that's too low
- to hit a low-hanging branch or a thicket
- damage from a carport or low roof
- Colliding with a beam, gate or bridge
- Damage when fitting a roof box or other load
Because the driver is responsible for judging the height themselves, overhead damage is often treated differently from regular damage.
Is overhead damage covered by insurance?
Not always. This is precisely the main reason why the concept is so relevant.
With many rental cars, overhead damage is common. not under the standard insurance or under the normal comprehensive cover. This is because it is often considered damage due to incorrect use of the car.
Some landlords do offer additional coverage that includes overhead damage. This varies by provider, so it's wise to check this beforehand if you anticipate a situation where height is a factor.
What does overhead damage cost?
When overhead damage is not insured, you pay the full repair costs yourself. This can add up considerably, as damage to roof structures is often complex. Consider the following:
- roof deformation
- Lacquered damage or deep scratches
- damage to internal roof structures
- broken roof rails or aerials
The costs can range from a few hundred euros to thousands of euros, depending on the severity of the damage. Therefore, it is wise to be extra vigilant about this.
How to prevent overhead damage
Luckily, this damage can often be easily prevented by paying attention to a few points:
- Always check the maximum vehicle height in car parks.
- Drive slowly at low doorways.
- Take extra care when using load space or roof boxes.
- Please take into account the roof antenna or roof rails.
- Avoid unknown unpaved roads with low-hanging branches.
By simply taking a moment to consider the height of the vehicle, you can avoid many risks.
Conclusion
Overhead damage is damage to the top of the car caused by contact with a low object. This damage is often not covered by standard insurance, which can lead to high costs. By paying attention to driving heights and low-hanging obstacles, you can easily prevent this. At Adrem, we always clearly explain how the cover works, so you know exactly where you stand before you set off. The height of the bus you have hired is also usually displayed on the windscreen and on the side window.
Frequently asked questions
Overhead damage refers to damage to the top of a vehicle.
Damage to the roof or top of the car, caused by a low-hanging object or too low an opening.
Is overhead damage covered by a rental car insurance?
Not always. This often falls outside standard coverage. Please check this in advance.
What does overhead damage cost?
The costs range from a few hundred to thousands of euros, depending on the damage.
How to prevent overhead damage
Watch out for headroom, low-hanging branches and structures and drive carefully in car parks.
