I have often used independent annual excess insurance cover for car rental. This is a useful money-saver if the hire extends for more than a week or two. Recently I booked two 'compact' cars for Australia, it never occurred to me that the excess charge would exceed that covered by my policy. In both cases the excess was several hundred pounds more than the maximum covered by the insurance policy, (£2,000 in this case). I have contacted the insurance company and they confirm that, although the policy is still valid, the additional excess, if needed, would have to be funded out of my own pocket. These excess charges seem very high, I don't know why, but I am told this is to be expected in Australia. (And I'm not going anywhere near the Outback.) Perhaps excess charges are also high in other countries, it would certainly be worthwhile to check before taking out this kind of insurance.