Glossary of key terms

We understand that acronyms can be confusing. Learn what the most commonly used terms mean.

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) 

CDW protects you if there’s damage to your rental however there is usually a remaining excess that can be as high as $7,500. The excess can be waived with SCDW. Read on for more information about how RentalCover works with CDW and SCDW.

SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) 

SCDW is sold outside of the US. It waives the excess that’s payable if you have CDW. RentalCover is designed to do the same thing, for 50% cheaper † than the rental companies’ SCDW.

SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) - US only
SLI provides coverage for damages or injuries you may cause to another person or their property while operating a rental vehicle.

Excess ("deductible" in the US)​ 

A deductible (or “excess” outside of the US) is the amount payable by you if there’s damage to the rental vehicle. There is a deductible/excess for CDW that is waived by SCDW. RentalCover does not have a deductible/excess.

LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) 

This is the same as CDW but it adds theft and vandalism protection.

Loss of Use, Relocation & Towing Fees

Renters are often charged additional fees by rental companies if the rental requires repairs that keep it off the road (these “loss of use” fees are also called “demurrage”) or if the vehicle is a distance from the intended dropoff location (“relocation fees”) or if there’s costs incurred for towing the vehicle or processing a claim. These are usually payable even if you have CDW and SCDW (i.e. they are “exclusions” in CDW and SCDW). These are covered by RentalCover (i.e. they are “inclusions”).

Administration Fees & Other Charges
 
Rental companies often charge additional fees if there’s damage to the vehicle. These are usually payable even if you have CDW and SCDW. These are covered by RentalCover.
 
Want more information? Our Rental Guides explain how everything works