Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
In simple terms, if the vehicle is returned in a worse condition than it was recorded at the collection, then every problem will be presented to you when you return the vehicle. Each problem has a cost and these can add up. CDW insurance covers those costs.
In many cases, the hiring company will try every trick in the book to make you purchase CDW insurance. This is likely to cost you upward of 100€ per week of vehicle hire, often at least double the cost of the vehicle hire.
There is an alternative. Take out your own CDW insurance prior to collecting your vehicle.
I can personally recommend www.icarhireinsurance.com which offers Annual, European CDW insurance for around £40. This is a massive saving compared to purchasing from the hire company, specifically if you use a vehicle multiple times in the year.
When you refuse to purchase the hire companies CDW insurance, either because you have your own CDW insurance, or because you want to roll the dice and gamble on not having a problem, then the hire company will block an amount in the region of 1000€ off a credit/debit card.
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If you return the vehicle without any additional damage to those items recorded, then the amount blocked will be released. The timeline for release varies!
If you return the vehicle with additional items which are noted by the vehicle handler, then you will be charged an incredible amount for that damage, often extremely excessive, and there is nothing you can do about it at that stage. Depending on these charges and the agreement you signed, you may then receive a release or further invoice for repair works.
Basically, get your own CDW insurance, refuse the hire company CDW insurance.
Making it this far, knowing what you want, what you are prepared to accept and consider, then you are ready to make the booking.
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