When renting a vehicle, insurance coverage and financial liability during unexpected accidents are top concerns for every driver. "What happens if the car gets scratched?", "What does comprehensive insurance cover?", and "What is an excess / franchise deductible?" are questions that deserve clear answers.

Here is a straightforward guide to car rental insurance policies and claims procedures in Baku, Azerbaijan.

1. Car Rental Insurance Types in Azerbaijan

Rental vehicles in Azerbaijan typically carry two primary tiers of insurance:

A. Compulsory Third-Party Liability (İcbari Sığorta)

Legally required for every motorized vehicle on the road in Azerbaijan.
If you are at fault in an accident, this policy covers damages to the other party's vehicle or property (up to the statutory limit of 5,000 AZN).
Damage to your own rental car is not covered under third-party liability.

B. Comprehensive Damage Insurance (Kasko / CDW)

Covers collision damage, overturning, falling debris, natural disasters, or theft affecting the rental car itself.
Policies generally feature an excess or deductible (azadolma məbləği). For example, with an excess of 200 AZN, minor repairs up to that threshold are covered by the renter, while major repair expenses above it are settled by the insurer.

2. What to Do in Case of an Incident (4 Vital Steps)

If an incident or fender-bender occurs, follow these steps to ensure full insurance validity:

Do Not Move the Car: Turn on hazard lights and place the warning triangle behind the vehicle.
Call the Traffic Police (DYP, dial 102): Insurers in Azerbaijan generally will not pay a claim without an official police accident report.
Notify Your Host & Carent Support: Reach out via in-app chat immediately to open an incident file.
Take Photos & Video: Document vehicle positions, license plates, and all visible damage from multiple angles.

CRITICAL: Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs or fleeing an accident scene completely voids all insurance protections.

3. How Carent's Digital Photo Report Protects You

The most common complaint at traditional rental desks: old scratches or bumper damage being blamed on the new customer at return.

Carent reduces this risk with a photo report system:

Pickup report (check-in): When you collect the car, you photograph all 4 sides, existing scratches, the odometer and the fuel gauge in the app.
Return report (check-out): When you return the car, the same photos are taken again.
Objective comparison: If there's a dispute, the pickup and return reports are compared. If a scratch was already there at pickup, the photo report proves it.

Important: Renters who skip the photo report may be held responsible for damage found at return. Never skip this step.

Carent is not an insurer: insurance details are provided by the car owner. Before booking, confirm the insurance type and, if there's Kasko, the excess amount with the owner. More: Insurance & Protection Policy.

Conclusion

Understanding your insurance coverage provides peace of mind and financial security. On Carent, each listing shows the insurance type and terms. Confirm the details with the owner before booking, and never skip the photo report.

Car Rental Insurance in Baku: Comprehensive (Kasko), Third-Party, Excess & Accident Procedures