What coverage does the CDW provide?
The CDW protects you from financial responsibility for theft or damage to the car while under your control. What does it not provide? The CDW does not cover your personal liability for bodily injury and property damage. Protection for these potential claims would be covered by your personal full coverage (liability, comp, collision), automobile insurance policy. What about the automatic coverage now provided by some credit cards? This “free” coverage is generally “excess” over that available from the rental company or your own personal auto policy. Like the rental coverage, the credit card CDW covers only theft or physical damage to the vehicle. Practical Advice Deal only with rental companies that carry some liability insurance and which permit the purchase of a CDW. Be sure the vehicle is operated only by “authorized operators”, as defined in the contract. Read the contract for other limitations such as operation in Mexico or another state, operation off paved roads, towing restricti
