Collision Damage Release
or Waiver
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW ) isn't insurance. It's a partial release of liabilities for loss because of damage to or theft of the vehicle. The CDW may be void if you cause an accident by speeding, driving on unpaved roads or driving while intoxicated. CDW doesn't cover personal injury, property damage or comprehensive general liability.
CDW is $11.95 and up per day in addition to the rental rate.
Does my regular insurance coverage transfer to rental cars?
Check these items with your insurance agent before you leave.
Is your policy up to date and valid during your entire rental period?
Are you covered in a rental car?
Is my coverage valid if I’m renting or driving outside the United States?
What is your deductible?
Does your coverage protect you against underinsured or uninsured motorists?
Does your coverage pay for downtime, or do you have to pay the Rental Company for lost rental days while the car is being repaired?
Will your coverage transfer completely to any type of rental, i.e. luxury car, convertible, sports car or van.
Does your coverage have a time limit that will only cover part of the rental period?
Would your coverage transfer to others in your party that might also drive your rental car?
Will your coverage protect you against the medical claims of your passengers and others injured in the accident?
Does my credit card offer enough insurance coverage?
Most credit cards that say they will cover the rental car, offer only secondary coverage, so they will look to your personal insurance to cover the claim and then reimburse you any out of pocket expenses.
If you’re depending on your credit card for coverage, read your credit card agreement carefully so that you can fully understand the type of coverage they offer.
You at least want answers to the same questions that you would ask your insurance agent if you were planning on using your personal insurance for coverage.
Ask that current written copies of their policies be sent to you, so you can read them yourself.
Make sure you understand their claim procedure. The renter is ultimately responsible for any damage to the vehicle.
Should I accept the Rental Company’s damage coverage?
After checking with your insurance agent and credit card company, you can then make an informed decision about coverage at time of rental.
Weigh the cost of the Rental Company’s damage waiver and/or accident insurance against the cost of your deductible, possible rate increase, legal costs and the hassles of making a claim.
Remember that you’ll most likely be driving an unfamiliar vehicle, on unfamiliar busy roads with lots of new things to see and distract you while you are surrounded by lots of other drivers in the same situation.
Reservations
Please fill the form below and click on SEND to send to our reservations manager.