01183 218197
(+44 118 321 8197 from abroad)
Monday to Friday10am - 4:00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Bank HolsClosed
Compare & Buy Car Hire Excess Insurance

Looking for something specific?

Use our search tool to browse our database of frequently asked questions!

FAQ Section > Car Hire Insurance Frequently Asked Questions > CDW and LDW

Is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) the same as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?

We explain the ins and outs of CDWs (Collision Damage Waivers) and LDWs (Loss Damage Waivers)

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) are not the same, but CDW is included within LDW policies as well as Theft Protection (TP).

Below are the definitions of both CDW and LDW.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - is not insurance, but an agreement to waive the costs of damage to your rental vehicle if it is involved in a collision. Frequently CDW has an 'excess' which is the first part of any claim which the renter will remain liable for. Also there are a number of parts of the car which are commonly not covered by CDW, such as the tyres, wheels, underbody, roof and windscreen.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is the collective name for CDW and Theft Protection (TP) combined which also covers the costs of replacing the car if it is stolen. Normally the excess on Theft Protection waivers are the same or higher than for CDW.

Excess insurance policies all cover the excess that you might be responsible for under both Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection agreements, and most cover all the 'excluded' areas mentioned above.

Visit the MoneyMaxim car hire insurance comparison site

If you are looking for car hire quotations visit our car rental comparison service here

This content was last reviewed on 11/10/2023

Similar Questions

Combined Worldwide CDW, SLI & Excess Policy Questions Answered

General Car Hire Insurance Questions Answered

Your Driver related Questions Answered

Car Hire Companies - Your Insurance Questions Answered

Daily and Annual Policy related Questions Answered

Excess Insurance Questions Answered

Vehicle related Questions Answered

Purchase related Questions Answered

Excess Insurance Questions Specific to Countries

Claims related Questions Answered

Questions on CDW & SLI Policies for the USA and Canada Answered

Geographical related Questions Answered

Car Rental Keys Questions Answered