What is collision damage waiver (CDW), or loss damage waiver (LDW)?
It’s an agreement with the auto rental agency under which the rental company will not hold a renter or authorized driver liable, in whole or part of your primary insurance deductible, due to loss or damage to the vehicle. It is offered at the time of rental for an extra fee. Don’t my credit cards protect me when I rent a car? Some do, some don’t. Most credit card coverage does not pay for damage to a rental car until you prove in writing that your personal auto policy will not provide coverage. Before you rent the car, it’s a good idea to call your credit card company to find out for sure. The best coverage from credit cards have primary coverage, meaning they pay for damage to the rental car first and ignore your personal auto policy, and have no exclusions or restrictions. Some credit card companies pay coverages as a deductible waiver, so your insurance will still be primary. Read the policy offered by your credit card company, or call your company prior to renting a car to verify w
