Bit of a minefield hope someone can shed some light.

whats the deal with this sort of thing ?

https://www.excessfree.co.uk/

when booking insurance was offered the same for about £45 as one off payment on top.

0 excess ?

any help would be great

A few schemes like this about. Think of it as an insurance policy (as that’s what it is).

You still need to pay the excess and then claim it back.

so no real advantage other than its £12 cheaper ! unless I buy a yearly one for the same price…which wont help as I don’t have any need to hire cars at any other time

Like with all insurance, it’s of little use unless you need to claim. Down to your perception of risk.

If it’s just for a few days, i’ll often just go with the hire car firms excess waiver, saves any hassle. If for a few weeks, it quick mounts up and the excess protect policies may be worth it.

Other vendors are available. It was a couple of quid a day last I bought some. Much cheaper than direct from the hire company