Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an agreement offered by the car rental company that reduces your financial responsibility if the rental vehicle is damaged, subject to the rental agreement's terms and conditions.
CDW usually leaves you responsible for an excess, which you may need to pay if the vehicle is damaged.
CDW is not the same as motor insurance and does not replace any mandatory third-party insurance. Whether CDW is included or optional depends on the rental company, location and rental agreement.
If the rental agreement's terms are breached, CDW may not apply and you could be responsible for the full cost of the damage.
Key limits / conditions
Worldwide Cover | Provides cover when renting a vehicle worldwide, subject to the policy terms and geographical exclusions. | Excludes trips in, to or through Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Crimea, DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine, and countries or areas where the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel. |
Worldwide + CDW Upgrade | Provides additional reimbursement if you are responsible for damage to or an accident involving the rental vehicle. | USA and Canada only. The maximum reimbursement is the lower of US$50,000, the value of the rental vehicle or the value of the claim. Available on Single Trip and Annual Multi Trip policies. Additional premium applies. |
The Worldwide CDW Upgrade is optional. It must be selected, the additional premium must be paid, and the upgrade must be shown on your Certificate of Insurance for cover to apply.
