CDW insurance

Among the various components of rental insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) stands out as the most crucial. This insurance safeguards the renter against any potential damage to the rental vehicle during the rental period. It's important to note that in most countries and with most rental providers, a minimum excess amount exists that cannot be waived.
This specific amount varies depending on the country of rental and the category of the rented car, and you can find it specified on your rental voucher. This excess applies in all instances of damage to the rental vehicle, regardless of fault.

It's worth emphasizing that all the insurance policies mentioned in the rental car voucher do not provide coverage for certain types of damage, including damage to the lower chassis (as per the car supplier's definition), clutch, upholstery, window panes (with the exception of deductible refund insurance), and damage resulting from activities such as drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, negligent driving (as defined by the car provider), driving on unpaved roads, force majeure events, leaving the car keys unattended, and cleaning fees if the car is returned excessively dirty, as outlined above.

Additionally, these policies do not cover tire damage or flat tire repairs, along with any associated indirect or incidental expenses. It's important to be aware that European regulations do not mandate the presence of a spare tire in the vehicle; instead, a temporary repair kit is provided until the tire can be replaced.

To benefit from insurance coverage, it's a prerequisite that in the event of any damage occurring to the rental car during the rental period, the renter must promptly notify both the local police and the car rental provider, retain relevant documentation as proof, and follow their instructions diligently.

It's important to note that the car rental agreement does not include medical insurance or coverage for bodily injury or property damage for the driver, any additional drivers, or passengers in the rented vehicle, even in the case of accidents involving the rented vehicle. Therefore, it's advisable to independently purchase such insurance coverage in accordance with the applicable insurance terms and conditions.