Damage waiver

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Damage Waiver, or as it is normally referred to, collision damage waiver (C.D.W.) is an optional collision coverage available while renting a vehicle. It is basically a form of car insurance.

CDW contractually waives the renter's responsibility for all the cost of damage to, loss or theft of, regardless of fault or negligence. Against popular notion, it is not insurance and it is not required to rent a vehicle. Contract stipulations do apply when purchasing CDW. Rental customers may opt to use their own personal insurance or credit card coverage on the vehicle, however, protection does vary.

Most car rental companies who have a damage waiver also have damage excess or deductible as it is called in North America. The car rental will cover the damage to the car, however the customer will be held responsible for a portion of the damage cost. In the UK, a typical excess would be in the region of GBP 500.00. This means that if the customer returns the vehicle damaged, the car rental company will deduct from the cost of the damage up to a maximum of GBP 500.00.