No insurance on rental cars

I rented a VW Kombi for a weekend getaway with my family from Bidvest Car Rental. While using the car, I accidentally reversed into a pole which I did not see. <br> <br> I entered into the rental agreement with Bidvest under the belief that their cars are insured - I believed that my limit under any claim raised under their insurance would be R10 500. To my mind the full R10 500 would be the maximum excess payable under Bidvest's insurance and would only be applicable after a severe accident.<br> <br> I have subsequently been advised by Bidvest that cars are actually not insured when customers rent these from Bidvest. Bidvest is apparently not allowed to provide insurance but sells \waivers\" under which a customer can essentially insure that they don't have to pay the full amount of the damage to the cars should there be an accident. I do find that this practice places consumers in a very dangerous financial situation when they rent cars and it is very strange that it seems be condoned. At the very least, clients should be told that Bidvest cars are not insured and every effort should be made to ensure consumers understand that their liability when renting a car is almost limitless. "