Many people are confused by CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance and what is covered by their rental vehicle insurance policy.

CDW insurance is a form of cover which protects the hirer of the rental vehicle in the event of damage to the rental vehicle. Nearly all rental companies provide basic CDW cover, but in many cases there will be a CDW excess figure for which the driver is liable for in the event of an accident or damage to the rental vehicle. CDW insurance usually also covers the theft of the vehicle.

The CDW excess figure is usually proportionate to the value of the vehicle – smaller cars will typically have an excess of 200-500 Euros, whereas with larger vehicles the excess figure can be over a thousand Euros. The terms "zero excess" and "no excess" generally refer to a policy which has no CDW excess liability.

The cheapest rental cars often have a very high CDW excess figure, so it is worth checking the rental terms carefully before you hire the vehicle. Also in most cases there will be some items excluded from the CDW cover such as loss of keys, tyre damage and damage to the interior of the vehicle. This is standard with most rental companies.

Depending on the supplier, many of our quotes will offer a Mondial Insurance option.  If you decide to purchase the Mondial Insurance, you do NOT need to purchase the CDW excess cover from the local rental supplier. However, you will need to make a separate claim when you return to your country of residence, so any supporting evidence for a claim will be useful e.g. Police Report, photographs, etc.

Where a booking is made with a CDW excess, the rental vehicle company will "block" an amount on your credit card to cover the excess figure. This amount (or part of it), will only be charged to the card if there is damage caused to the rental vehicle.

Please read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement when you receive your quote, and we recommend that you take out full CDW cover either with Mondial or directly with the rental company.