Collision damage waiver has its coverage and limitations that you, a customer of rental car companies like Enterprise, should be aware of. You will agree that said knowledge will contribute to your greater awareness about the need for defensive driving. Your financial interests, after all, are at stake here!
Its Coverage and Limitations
Take note that rental companies have their respective collision damage waiver terms and conditions. Company A, for example, may cover damage to the roof while Company B will not, or Company C may cover the bodywork on a wing mirror but not cover the mechanical parts and the glass.
In general, nonetheless, a collision damage waiver will cover the car’s bodywork. Damages to the bodywork can then be covered for repairs, a big relief to the drivers.
But there’s a catch: The waiver will not cover many things so much so that its coverage is significantly outnumbered by its non-coverage. The things that it will not cover include but aren’t limited to wheels and tires, windows and mirrors, engine and undercarriage, interior and its furnishings including child seats, ski racks and GPS, personal belongings like lost keys, and towing charges.
The coverage may seem too limited but think of it in another way. When you are involved in a collision, you will be liable for the entire repair charges in case there’s no waiver. Your out-of-pocket costs will be a huge strain on your finances.
Its Deductible Amount
Like most types of insurance in the United States, there will almost always be a deductible. This is the maximum that the customer/renter will pay for the repair of the car’s bodywork. The amount will vary depending on the amount of coverage of the waiver and the extent of the damage on the car.
If other parts of the car aside from the bodywork is damage, the customer/renter has to pay for the full cost of its repair. Does it sound too much? Just imagine the weight of the full repairs cost without the waiver cover.
But don’t stop with the collision damage waiver either. You may want to look into other types of insurance for your rented car, such as theft protection and third party liability. You may need the extra coverage in case of an accident resulting to an injury to a third party or damage to property.
Admittedly, insurance on your rented car will add to its overall cost of rent. But when you consider the fact that being behind the wheel always carries the risk of injury to persons and damage to property, the coverage is welcome.
