RSP \u2013 Roadside Plus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nProtection for the rental vehicle<\/h3>\n
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)<\/strong> are contractual waivers offered by the rental company. They reduce or remove the amount you would owe if the rental car is damaged or stolen, provided you follow the agreement. In the United States, these are waivers rather than regulated insurance products, even though many websites still call them \u201cinsurance.\u201d CDW and LDW are typically used interchangeably by major brands.<\/p>\nLiability protection against third-party claims<\/h3>\n
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)<\/strong> may appear as SLI, LIS, LP, or EP. It raises the limit that pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others when driving the rental. Many programs advertise limits up to one million dollars in the U.S. market, which is why travelers often purchase it when their own liability coverage is insufficient or not applicable.<\/p>\nPersonal coverage inside the car<\/h3>\n
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)<\/strong> covers medical costs or accidental death benefits for you and passengers during the rental. Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)<\/strong> protects belongings inside the vehicle. These are separate from the car-damage and liability options. Authoritative industry glossaries group these products under the personal protection category.<\/p>\nRoadside assistance is not insurance<\/h3>\n
Roadside Assistance<\/strong> or premium variants like Roadside Plus (RSP)<\/strong> provide operational help such as towing to the nearest facility, jump starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. It does not replace CDW or liability coverage but removes a lot of hassle if something goes wrong. Providers typically cap towing distance or limit where the vehicle can be towed.<\/p>\nRentalCover<\/h3>\n
RentalCover<\/strong> is different from all options seen so far, and it works on a refund system. All costs from repairing the car, for example, are paid by the renter and later on refunded by RentalCover. On average, RentalCover takes 3 to 5 business days to approve the refund. If you want to know what the best option is for you, we\u2019ve prepared some amazing content about RentalCover<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/span>Is CDW really insurance and what does it exclude?<\/span><\/h2>\nIn the U.S., CDW or LDW is a contractual waiver from the rental company. That means the rental brand agrees not to pursue you for damage or theft up to the terms stated, rather than selling a regulated insurance policy.<\/p>\n
Reading the terms matters because many waivers exclude violations such as off-road driving, unauthorized drivers, intoxication, or using the wrong fuel. Some waivers exclude certain parts like glass, tires, and the undercarriage unless you buy a specific upgrade. Major brands plainly describe CDW as a waiver, not insurance.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Do you need liability protection if you already have a policy?<\/span><\/h2>\nIf your personal auto policy extends to rentals, you may already have some liability protection, but limits can be lower than you expect when traveling internationally. That is why renters often add SLI or LIS to reach higher limits. Hertz explains LIS as coverage up to about one million dollars for third-party claims in the U.S., which aligns with how SLI is marketed across the industry.<\/p>\n
Rental car insurance in Europe works differently from the U.S.<\/h3>\n
In most European rentals, basic CDW and Theft Protection are commonly bundled, but they carry an \u201cexcess\u201d (deductible) that you remain responsible for until you buy Super CDW or excess-reduction coverage. This is why travelers in Europe often compare third-party excess insurance versus the rental desk upgrade. Understanding the excess amount and how to reduce it is the main decision point.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Credit card coverage in 2025: primary vs secondary<\/span><\/h2>\nMany travel cards still include rental collision benefits, but there are two flavors. Primary coverage pays first for collision or theft of the rental. Secondary coverage pays after any other insurance you have.<\/p>\n
Current 2025 guides emphasize checking card exclusions, vehicle classes (exotic or cargo vans), and country limitations, then declining the rental company\u2019s CDW if your card requires that to activate. Do not assume every card offers primary protection, because the differences are significant and updated frequently.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Hidden costs to watch: loss of use and administrative fees<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen a rental car is damaged, companies often charge for lost revenue while the vehicle is out of service, plus administrative fees. CDW from the rental brand often waives these, whereas personal auto policies or some credit cards may not. Consumer advocates repeatedly warn that loss-of-use billing is common and frequently disputed, so read how your chosen coverage treats it to avoid surprises.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What does rental car insurance cost in practice?<\/span><\/h2>\nDaily prices vary by location, vehicle class, and provider. Liability supplements and waivers are priced per day and can add up on longer rentals. Independent testing and buyer\u2019s guides in 2024 and 2025 show that third-party excess or collision products can be cheaper than the desk options, but only if they meet the rental company\u2019s requirements and your travel needs.<\/p>\n
Compare the total cost across your whole trip, not just the daily add-on, and check what is already bundled in your rate.<\/p>\n