The primary thing that CDWs cover is damage to the bodywork of the rental vehicle. If you get in an accident, the coverage will cover most of the damage from above the deductible (more on that below).

Theft is usually also covered, though this is not technically part of the CDW but a separate inclusion. There are rare instances where a CDW is included with a rental vehicle but not

Things that CDWs usually don't cover include:

• tires,
• wheels,
• glass (the windshield and windows),
• the underbody of the car,
• mechanical parts,
• lost keys or lockout fees,
• loss of use fees (fees for the revenue lost while the car is being repaired),
• and the interior of the car.

What is and isn’t covered by the CDW depends on the location where you rent and the varies from company to company. You should check with the rental company or read your rental company to see what is and isn’t covered with your rental car.

Our Full Coverage covers most of the parts of the vehicle that you CDW may not (with the notable exception of the interior and mechanical parts).

CDWs always have exclusions for damage caused when you break the terms of your retinal agreement. Examples of this include driving recklessly, driving under the influence, driving through flooded streets, and ignoring warning lights in the vehicle.

A CDW also won’t cover any personal injuries or loss or damage to personal belongings. For these things, many rental companies offer supplemental insurance for purchase at the rental desk.

A CDW is not technically insurance. Instead, it is an agreement whereby the rental company agrees to waive your liability for damage to the care after any deductible (also called excess in Europe).

As the company waives its right to seek compensation from you in the event of covered damage, there is no claim to be filed like with actual insurance. You’ll likely only need a police report if the collision that caused the damage involved another vehicle

You’ll see the terms deductible and excess used in reference to CDWs. These are terms for the same thing. Deductible is primarily used in the US and Canada while excess is primarily used in Europe.

CDWs usually have a deductible or excess which will be stated when you book the car. This is the amount you’ll be liable for if the car is damaged (for things that are covered).

In general, the deductible will be much higher in Europe than in the US. Most rental companies offer additional coverage that reduces the deductible or waives it entirely (for things that are covered). Our Full Coverage will also cover your deductible and refund you for any charges the rental company levies for covered expenses.

CDWs do not cover damage caused to third parties. They only concern the rental vehicle. Most rental cars include separate liability coverage as required by law. This includes rentals in the US which usually don’t include CDWs, though the legally required minimum coverage is usually included which in some states is quite low.

WA Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is similar to a CDW. It usually includes both the same coverage as a CDW and protection against theft, thus the loss part of the name. Many rental cars include both CDW and theft protection separately, so the LDW is just another word for the same thing in many cases.

In many locations, rental cars must, by law, include a CDW. In some countries, you’re not allowed to request that it be removed even if you have other coverage.

In the US and Canada, CDWs are usually not included with your rental and are not required. Auto insurance for residents in certain states is required to cover rental cars. Many policies from other states also cover rental cars. If you have insurance that covers a rental car, then you are not required to purchase a CDW.

Now you know all you need to about CDWs and rental cars. Make sure to book your next rental car through DiscoverCars.com and consider our Full Coverage to take all the worry of the deductible away!