Insurance coverage is different depending on the rental car company and location. We recommend that you always check the insurance details of a rental car before booking.
For more information about what's included in a rental car's insurance coverage, select your car, click Select and go to the Your insurance information section.
If you want to add additional insurance to your rental car booking, you'll need to do this at the rental office when you pick up your car. Any additional costs must be paid at the rental office.
Common rental car insurance terminology
Insurance coverage and terminology are different depending on the rental car company and location. We recommend that you always check the insurance details of a rental car with the staff at the rental office when picking up the car.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): If the car is damaged due to a crash or collision during your rental, the CDW reduces the amount you need to pay. CDW usually comes with an excess or deductible amount you must pay in the event of an accident.
- Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW): This is an enhanced version of CDW that can reduce or eliminate the excess or deductibles you need to pay in the event of an accident.
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This is a combination of CDW and Theft Protection (TP). It covers you in case the car is stolen or damaged. LDW usually comes with an excess or deductible amount you must pay in the event of theft or damage.
- Theft protection (TP): This specifically covers the loss of a rental car if stolen. It typically includes car coverage but might not cover personal belongings inside the car.
- Glass and Tire Waiver: This covers repairing or replacing damaged windows, windshields, and tires. Typically, you won't be required to pay an excess or deductible.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident while driving a rental car.
- Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): This covers your personal belongings if stolen from the rental car.
- Excess/Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out of your pocket before the waiver or insurance kicks in to cover the rest of the cost.
For example, if you damage a car and the cost of repair is $1000. If your insurance has a deductible of $200, you'll need to pay $200, and the insurance will cover the other $800.