Alamo has also several rental car insurance and protection options based on your various needs. Explore the types of protection available

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

CDW is an optional protection you can buy to help cover the cost if the rental car is damaged or stolen. It is not insurance, and its price varies, so check the cost when booking. If you buy CDW, Alamo will pay for some or all of the repair costs if you follow the rental rules. It is good to find out if your personal car insurance or credit card offers coverage for rental cars. This will help you understand what costs you might still be responsible for and avoid paying extra for coverage you might already have.
Note: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) does not cover damage in Mexico.

Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP)

SLP is an extra protection that helps pay for damage or injuries you cause to others while driving the rental car. It provides up to $300,000 for injuries and property damage to others and may cover claims from drivers who do not have enough insurance.

• It does not cover damage to your rental car, injuries to you or your family, or fines and penalties.
• It is only valid in the U.S. and Canada, not Mexico.

Personal Effects Insurance (PEC)

PEC is also optional protection that covers your personal belongings if they are lost or damaged while you are traveling with them in the rental car. It costs extra and is added as a daily fee. PEC works with any other insurance you might have, so check if your current insurance already includes this kind of coverage.

Roadside Plus (RSP)

RSP provides 24/7 help if you have problems like losing your keys, getting a flat tire, locking yourself out of the car, or running out of gas. You can buy this service by paying an extra fee.
Note: It is available in the U.S. and Canada but does not cover Mexico.

Other Protection Options

• Deductible Protection
• International Third Party Insurance (TPI)
• Master Cover
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Insurance (PEC) in Canada
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) International

Check Before Choosing Protection Options

Before you buy any protection from Alamo, look into your personal car insurance to see if it covers rental cars, including things like liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Also, check if your credit card provides rental car protection and understand what it covers, whether it is the main coverage or a backup, and any limits or restrictions.

When you return a damaged car to Avis, they check it to find any new damage and decide the cost to fix it. If the car has damage when you return it, Avis will ask you to pay for fixing the damage and may also add extra charges for handling the repairs. To avoid these charges, you can check the car carefully before and after renting and tell the rental company about any damage to the car as soon as you notice it.

Responsibility for Damage

According to Avis damage policy, you are responsible for any damage to the Avis rental car, including accidents, theft, destruction, or natural events like floods or fires. If you have Avis’s Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and follow the rental rules, you will not have to pay for the damage.

Additional Charges

If the rental car is damaged and it cannot be used for other rentals, you might have to pay for the days it is being repaired and not available for rent. Avis might also add an administrative fee to cover the costs of handling the claim and repairing the car.

For Corporate Rentals

If you are using a corporate rental, complete the accident report and let your employer know about the damage as soon as possible. Check whether you need to file a claim with your personal insurance or if your employer’s insurance covers the damage. Avis will contact your employer to see if they will cover the cost of any damage to the car. If Avis does not receive a response or reply from your employer, they will charge you for the damage.

The company offers several options to deal with damage issues giving you peace of mind by protecting you financially and reducing stress. They cost a little but offer big benefits. Make sure to check the details for your rental location, as coverage can be different depending on where you rent the car. Let's discuss these options.

Immediate Actions After an Accident

When you meet with an accident, first, move your car to a safe spot away from traffic. Later, you should inform the police about the accident and complete a report detailing what happened. While doing this, be sure to collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any other people who were part of the accident. Then, call Budget’s 24-hour roadside assistance at 800-354-2847 for help. Finally, fill out the Budget accident report form, which you can find in your rental agreement or online, and send it along with any other reports to Budget’s fax number: 720-479-4034.

Who Pays for the Damage?

• If You Purchased Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): If you bought LDW when you rented the car, you will not have to pay for damage to the car, as long as you follow the rental rules. Make sure to add LDW to your rental agreement if you have not done so already.
• If You Didn’t Purchase LDW: If you do take LDW, you will be responsible for the car damage. You must pay for any harm to the car. This includes damage from:
  • Collisions
  • Theft
  • Tire damage
  • Vandalism
  • Natural events like floods or hail
  • Accidents caused by medical conditions
• File a Claim: Contact your own auto insurance company to file a claim. If you used a major credit card for the rental, check if your card offers rental car protection or not.
• If Someone Else Caused the Damage: If another person caused the damage, collect their contact information. This helps Budget to contact them or their insurance for costs. However, you might still need to pay for the damage until Budget sorts it out.
• If You Rented Through a Company Account: Follow the same process for reporting damage. You must ask your employer to see if you need to file a claim with personal insurance, corporate credit card insurance, or the company’s insurance.
• Corporate Damage Waiver: The Budget will confirm with your employer if corporate damage waiver coverage applies. If your employer does not respond, you will have to pay for the damages.

Tip: Always report the damage quickly and keep all necessary paperwork. This helps make sure everything is handled properly and efficiently.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

LDW is not insurance, but an option that you can buy to avoid paying for car damage or theft. It saves you from dealing with your own insurance company. You will not need to pay extra money from your own pocket for damage or theft beyond the amount listed in your rental agreement. Also, if you buy LDW, it will not affect or increase the cost of your own car insurance. LDW makes you feel more relaxed and secure by making things easier if something happens to the rental car.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

CDW is also an option that helps cover the cost of repairs if the rental car is damaged in an accident. It works outside the U.S. and Canada. It is good because it lowers your financial risk and gives you a smooth rental experience with a small extra cost.

Personal Accident and Effects (PAE)

You can take PAE if you want as it is not necessary. It helps if you or your passengers get hurt in an accident and covers loss or damage to your personal items. It provides medical benefits, death benefits, and injury benefits for you and your passengers, and also protects your belongings even when you are outside the car. It is good because it offers protection for both people and their possessions.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

SLI is an extra coverage that helps protect you if someone else sues you for injuries or damage they claim happened because of you. It covers up to $1,000,000 or $2,000,000, depending on where you rent the car. It is good because it gives you more protection than the minimum level of insurance or coverage that is legally required by the law for drivers. This makes you feel safer and more secure.

Emergency Sickness Plan (ESP)

ESP is an option for people who are not from the U.S. It helps cover medical costs if you or your travel partners get sick while renting the car. It is good because it provides support for unexpected illnesses, giving you help when you need it most.

If you are renting a car from Dollar, make sure you go through its damage policy. It helps you to choose the best protection plan during your car rental journey.

Responsibility for Damage

You and any additional drivers are fully responsible for any damage or loss to the rental car, including theft, fire, hail, flood, accidents, or if it gets destroyed, even if someone else caused it or if the cause is not clear. However, you will not be charged more than the car’s total value, plus:

• Towing and storage costs
• Loss of use
• Reduction in the car's value, as decided by Dollar, even if the car is repaired
• All rental charges up to the date you report the damage or until the car is returned
• Any extra costs Dollar faces due to the damage
• A reasonable admin fee
• Pro-rata license plate fees, if allowed by law

Third-Party Claims

Unless there are specific laws that provide different requirements or exceptions, you and any approved drivers are responsible for any injuries or damage caused to others while using the Dollar car. If there are any cases or expenses related to the use of the rental car, you will cover those costs and legal fees, not the Dollar. If Dollar has to handle any claims despite this, they will only cover the minimum amount required by law.

Optional Protection Packages

When renting a car, Dollar offers several optional protection plans you may consider:

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This plan can reduce or cover your responsibility for damage or loss to the car. LDW is not insurance and does not apply if you break the rental rules, fail to secure the car, do not report the damage, or do not pay rental charges.
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) & Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Together known as P&P, this covers medical expenses for accidents and loss or damage to personal belongings.
  Note: P&P is not available in Canada.
• Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS): It provides up to $1,000,000 for claims from others if you are involved in an accident. It covers physical injury and property damage, including protection if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
  Note: LIS does also not work in Canada.
• Protection Plus (PP): This plan is surely available in Canada. PP plan offers medical, legal, and roadside assistance benefits, as well as protection for personal belongings.
• Emergency Sickness Protection (ESP): It is available at some locations for non-U.S. citizens. ESP covers medical expenses for sickness during the rental. It has many exceptions.
  Note: This plan does not apply in Mexico.
• Mexico Insurance: This insurance is needed if you drive a rental car in Mexico. It covers liability and damage protection for up to 250 miles south of the U.S./Mexico border. You can purchase it only in certain rental locations.

At Enterprise, they do not charge you for normal wear and tear. They use a Damage Evaluator to make sure you do not pay for very small scratches or dents. If the damage is smaller than the circles on the Damage Evaluator, you will not be treated as responsible. If your rental car gets damaged, contact the rental branch or follow the instructions in your rental agreement summary.

Damage Waiver Protection

If your rental car gets minor damage like scratches, dents, or a chipped windshield, the Damage Waiver can cover these costs. This is an extra protection you can buy when you are renting the car. It helps you avoid paying extra for minor damages.

No Damage Waiver

If you decide not to get the Damage Waiver and the car gets damaged, you might need to pay for the repairs yourself. Contact your car insurance company to find out if they will pay for the repairs if your rental car gets damaged. This will help you know if you need extra protection while renting the car. Without the waiver option, you could face unexpected expenses, so it is good to take this.

We know most people drive carefully, and accidents are rare. But if damage happens, you must know how to handle it if your car is from Europcar rental. Europcar has a clear damage policy to explain how they charge for damage.

Note:

• You can check sections 5 and 12 of our Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) on its website for the exact Damage Policy details.
• Please Check out section 26 of the T&Cs for the latest details on Insurance and Protection.

Types of Damage

• Light Damage: Light damage includes small scratches, chips, dents, or damage to keys, accessories, or documents. You can see their Light Damage Charges Schedule for specific costs.
• Tyre Replacement: This means that the tyre is damaged to the point where it cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new one.
• Total Loss: Severe damage that makes the car unusable or too costly to repair.
• Serious Damage: This refers to any damage to the car that is more severe than light damage but it does not include tyre replacement or total loss. It includes significant repairs that are not minor scratches or dents.

Check Damage While Returning the Car

When you return the car, a representative from the rental company will check the car for damage while you are present so that you to see and discuss any issues together. If there is light damage and you agree, you will get a bill with a Light Damage Administration Charge. For serious damage or possible total loss, if you agree, they will consider the damage and send you a bill with a Serious Damage Administration Charge or Tyre/Windscreen Damage Administration Charge, an Engineer’s Charge, and a Loss of Use Charge.
Note: If you disagree with the damage and do not sign, the company will follow a different process mentioned in Section II.

Damage Founed After You Return the Car

If Europcar finds damage after you have returned the car, they will send you a report, pictures of the damage, and a bill with the costs. This includes an administration charge and, for serious damage or total loss, an Engineer’s Charge and a Loss of Use Charge.

Process For Claims

If you do not agree with the charges, you can email or write to Europcar within 14 days. If you do not contact them within 14 days to discuss the charges, they will assume you agree with the charges and will send you a bill to pay. You can contact their Customer Services at customerservicesuk@europcar.com or call 0371 384 0235. You can also file a claim with the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS) on their website.

Known as one of the most popular car rentals, Hertz follows an easy but effective damage policy. Let's check how it works.

Be Vigilant

When you rent a car from Hertz, inspect it for any damage before driving away. Note down any damage that is already on the car on the Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) so that you will not be responsible and charged for it when you return the car.

When You Return the Car

When you return the car, check it again for any new damage. Hertz will update the VCR with any new issues. If there is new damage, you might have to pay charges based on their damage policy.

Hertz Damage Check

If you are not present during the return inspection, Hertz will still assess the car and notify you later about any new damage. They will contact you with proof if they find hidden damage. Do not worry about normal wear and tear, like small scratches, they do not charge for these.

Disputing Charges

If you believe a damage charge is unfair, you can report it to Hertz. They will review the situation. If you still disagree with their decision, you can ask for a neutral third party to examine the damage and make a final decision.

From Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) to Roadside Plus (RSP) National provides many options to protect you from paying extra. Check out these options one by one here:

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is not insurance but an additional service for you to choose to purchase when you rent a car. If you get LDW, the rental company will pay for some or all of the costs if the car is damaged, lost, or stolen. Before buying LDW, check with your car insurance or credit card company to see if they already cover rental cars and any additional costs you might have to pay out of your own pocket despite that coverage. In California, LDW costs between $10.99 and $500 per day, depending on the car.
Note: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) does not cover damage in Mexico.

Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP)

SLP is an optional service you can buy when renting a car. It is not required, and you can choose if you want it or not. It provides additional protection beyond the basic insurance required by law, covering up to $300,000 per accident for injuries or damage you cause to others if you are at fault. This extra coverage is used after the basic coverage is gone.
Note: SLP does not cover damages if you drive the car in Mexico. In Puerto Rico, SLP gives up to $300,000 in coverage for accidents and is the primary insurance for such claims, but it still does not cover damages from driving in Mexico.

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)

PEC is not necessary to take. It is an insurance you can buy if you want while renting a car, and it costs extra for each day. If you get PEC, it will protect your personal items. It also protects the personal belongings of any additional drivers or passengers in the rental car if their items are lost or damaged. Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) provides extra protection beyond what your current insurance offers. You should review your current insurance to see if it already includes protection for personal items. If it does, buying PEC might be unnecessary because it could duplicate the coverage you already have. National Car Rental will not check your current insurance, so you should check it before deciding to buy PEC.

Roadside Plus (RSP)

Roadside Plus (RSP) is another optional service, provided by National for customers. You can buy when renting a car. With RSP, you get 24/7 help if you lose your keys, get a flat tire, lock yourself out of the car, or run out of fuel (up to 3 gallons). Without RSP, you can still get roadside help, but you will have to pay the regular charges. In case you need any help, call 1-800-367-6767.

Note:

• This service is only available in the U.S. and Canada.
• RSP does not cover assistance in Mexico.

Like other top car rentals, SIXT also has its damage policy to help its customers so they have to spend less.

Administrative Fee for Damage

If the car is damaged, you will have to pay an extra fee for handling the paperwork. This fee depends on how much the repairs cost. Also, it might change after they check the damage.

Dispute or Complain

If you do not agree with a damage charge or have a complaint, write to SIXT by email or letter. Make sure to include the damage number in your message so they can look into it.

Damage Discovery

If SIXT finds new damage when you bring back the car, they will record it. If the rental company finds damage, their team will look into it. You will be responsible for the repair costs unless you bought the Loss Damage Waiver (which covers such costs) and followed all the rental rules.

Check out the damage policy of Thrifty to avoid paying extra during accidents or other issues.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

LDW is an optional protection. You can buy while renting a car from Thrifty. It does not work like insurance, but it helps pay for repairs or replacement if the rental car is damaged or stolen. If you have taken the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) service, the rental company will pay for any damage to the car, no matter if it was your fault or someone else's, as long as you stick to the rules mentioned in your rental agreement. You do not have to file a claim with your personal car insurance. Also, there is no need to pay any extra costs before the insurance or waiver covers the rest of the expenses.

Limitations in Some Areas

• Illinois (IL): In Illinois, if the rental car is worth $50,000 or less, you might have to pay up to $17,500 for damage. This amount can increase each year. If the car is worth more than $50,000, you could be responsible for up to $40,000 in damage, and this amount also goes up yearly.
• California (CA): In California, even if you have extra protection, you might still have to pay for damage from collisions, and sometimes for destruction or theft.
• New York (NY), Iowa (IA), and Nevada (NV): In New York, Iowa, and Nevada, you only have to pay for theft if you caused it.

LDW Does Not Cover

LDW will not cover damage or theft if you break the rental rules, like not locking the car or leaving the keys inside. It also does not cover issues if you do not report the loss or damage to the police and Thrifty right away, or if you do not pay the rental charges.

Other Insurance Options

• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This Covers medical expenses and accidental death for you and your passengers.
• Personal Effects Insurance (PEI): It is useful to cover personal belongings in the car.
• Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS): LIS provides extra liability coverage if someone sues you after an accident.
• Protection Plus (PP): The plan offers benefits like medical expenses, emergency road service, and coverage for personal belongings, but only in Canada.
• Emergency Sickness Protection (ESP): This protection is available for non-U.S. citizens and covers some medical expenses for sickness during the rental.
• Mexico Insurance: You may need it if you drive in Mexico. It covers liability, damage, and limited medical expenses.

Note: Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and other protection plans are not required but can be added to your rental. They might provide similar coverage to what your personal car insurance already includes. Before you buy LDW or other plans, it's a good idea to check if your own car insurance covers rental cars to avoid paying for extra coverage you might not need. You can read more about these options in brochures at the rental location.

After discussing the damage policy of these top ten car rentals, you must agree that knowing the damage policies of car rental companies helps you avoid extra fees. Before driving off, check the car for any damage and let the company know about anything that they did miss. Companies charge for new damage that they find when you return the car but offer insurance to cover repair costs too. Always check the car carefully and consider getting extra insurance to protect yourself. This way, you can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience and focus on your trip.