Overview
All rental vehicles include standard insurance coverage for:
- Third-party injury and property damage
- Damage to the rental vehicle
In the event of an accident, the renter is responsible for paying an insurance excess of ¥50,000 per claim.
How the Excess Works
Single-vehicle accident (e.g., hitting a pole, wall, or running off the road):
Only one vehicle is damaged, so there is one claim = ¥50,000 excess.
(Optional insurance does not apply in this case.)
Multi-vehicle accident (e.g., collision involving another car):
Two vehicles are damaged, resulting in two claims = ¥100,000 total (¥50,000 per vehicle).
Exemptions (Incidents Not Covered by Insurance)
Insurance will not apply in the following cases:
- The driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The accident occurs in violation of the rental agreement.
- The person driving the vehicle does not hold a valid driving license for Japan.
- No accident report is filed with the police.
- The accident occurs outside of the rental period stated in the agreement.
We strongly recommend that you either:
- Purchase travel or holiday insurance that includes rental car coverage, or
- Check whether your credit card provider already offers rental car insurance.
Costs to Be Covered by the Customer
- Tire blowouts or damage
- Loss or damage to hubcaps
- Damage or defacement of the vehicle interior
- Hit-and-run damage to the rental vehicle
- Towing fees
- Non-Operation Charge (NOC)
Non-Operation Charge (NOC)
The NOC is a fee charged when the rental vehicle is damaged (by an accident or otherwise) to compensate for lost rental days while the vehicle is being repaired.
- ¥20,000 if the vehicle can be driven back to our rental site
- ¥50,000 if the vehicle cannot be driven
- Towing costs are charged separately
- A police report is required for all insurance claims.
FAQ
What is the most I could be liable for if I wreck the car?
Single-car accident
¥100,000 plus towing fees, calculated as follows:
- Damage to rental car: ¥50,000
- Non-Operation Charge: ¥50,000 (plus towing)
Accident involving another car (shared responsibility)
¥150,000 plus towing fees, calculated as follows:
- Damage to rental car: ¥50,000
- Damage to third-party car: ¥50,000
- Non-Operation Charge: ¥50,000 (plus towing)
Who Is Insured
Insurance applies to anyone with a valid driving license for Japan.
For peace of mind, we ask to see all driver licenses at the time of rental.
The insurance also covers valet parking and “daiko” (designated driver) services, provided the driver holds a valid Japanese license.
Insurance is invalid if:
- The driver has consumed alcohol or drugs
- The vehicle is driven by an unlicensed person
- The rental agreement terms are violated
✅ Summary:
- Insurance is included in every rental.
- Customer liability is ¥50,000 per vehicle damaged.
- In a two-car accident, total liability is ¥100,000.