Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by Elizabeth
Renting a car overseas? One of the most costly add-ons at the rental desk can happen when agents insist that you buy “car hire excess insurance,” a.k.a. the “super collision damage waiver” (SCDW).
The SCDW protects you from having to pay anything if your hire car is damaged or stolen, with no deductible.
Car Rental Definition of SCDW
When you rent a car in the U.S. or Canada, you have a choice: Buy the collision damage waiver (CDW) or don’t. In Europe and some other regions, there may be a third option, known as SCDW or simply “excess insurance.”
SCDW is similar to the CDW in the U.S. in that it can be thought of as “walk-away insurance.” At the car rental counter, you may be told that you can either have a huge hold (the equivalent of thousands of dollars) put on your credit card, or pay a daily charge for the SCDW. This waiver typically costs between $20 and 32 per day.
Collision insurance, including the deductible
Think of the SCDW as collision insurance plus coverage of the “excess,” or deductible. Rental car companies in Europe and some other parts of the world protect themselves by putting a preemptive hold on your credit card to cover this excess. Opting for this type of insurance is essentially protecting yourself from paying the deductible.
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In theory, the SCDW is optional, but not buying it comes with a big inconvenience and risk. First, the massive hold on your credit card may put you in a bind during your travels if you don’t have enough remaining available credit to get you through your trip.
Second, if the rental car is returned with any damage whatsoever, the cost of repairing the damage will come out of that hold money. Then it would be up to you to file a claim to recoup that amount from any insurance coverage you may have through your credit card or third-party insurer.
Basically, the Super Collision Damage Waiver (sometimes called Car Hire Excess Insurance) covers any damages to the rental car if something happens to it while in your possession. It’s a confusing term because the waiver is not for you, the driver. The waiver is for the car rental company. When you sign the waiver, the car rental company waives the right to hold you responsible for damages to the car. When you decline the waiver, you are giving the rental company the right to hold you responsible.
One other advantage of opting for the SCDW is that it speeds up the return process. If you buy the full insurance, you don’t have to hang round for the inspection. Instead, you just hand over the keys and go.
How to Know If You’re Already Covered
The SCDW is optional, and it’s possible to already by covered for collision damage. Your credit card might offer car rental insurance for overseas rentals, but make sure it’s comprehensive coverage that includes damage to the vehicle’s windshield, tires, undercarriage, and so on. Some policies have exceptions for certain types of damage, and that makes you vulnerable.
If you opt to decline the SCDW, just know that you will have that massive hold put on your credit card. So plan to bring several cards on your trip to spread out your other travel costs.
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Also note that some credit cards have recently removed this benefit, so always check before embarking on a trip.
If you have more than one credit card, it’s important to know how to choose the right card to pay for your car rental.
Is the SCDW a Car Rental Scam?
While some travelers may think of SCDW as a scam, it’s probably more accurately described as legalized extortion. In effect, the car rental company puts a massive hold on your credit unless you buy the “excess” insurance coverage.
Related:
- Ultimate Glossary of Car Rental Terms
- Can You Drive A Rental Car Across a Border in Europe?
- Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?
The post What is SCDW for Car Rentals? appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to rent a car so that I can drive all over Europe.
Yes, you can. You will need to make a reservation for an organized tour, and then pay for each day separately. These tours are offered by many companies.
If you are looking for more flexibility, you might want to look into hiring a car through one of the primary travel agents. These agencies usually provide various services, including car rentals and city transfers.
They often work with local suppliers who are experts in providing high-quality vehicles and competitive pricing.
Chase Sapphire car rental insurance available in Ireland
You can add EUR15 per day to your vehicle insurance. There are many optional extras that you can access, such as breakdown assistance, theft insurance and personal accident insurance.
Which place is the easiest to rent a car?
Airports, rental agencies, and hotels are the most popular places to rent cars.
Online travel websites such as Priceline or Expedia are the best ways to locate airports near you.
If local rental companies have locations near where you live, they might be worth your consideration. These are usually cheaper and easier than booking on an airline website.
Consider public transportation if you are renting a car less than two weeks. A city-wide bus pass allows unlimited use within a designated area.
If you are traveling with children, you may be able to rent a convertible. They offer greater protection for children, which is why some people prefer them.
How can I document damage done to my car before it is rented?
You should have all documentation available, including photos of any damage. When inspecting your vehicle, you should ask the agent for information if you are not sure of the damage. You may need to pay extra for an inspection if there is any damage.
Which company is the largest in car rental?
Hertz Corporation is America's biggest car rental company. It was founded by Harry Hertz in 1919 as the Hertz Corporation.
Hertz Corporation has more than 6,000 locations around North America and Europe. Hertz Corporation also owns other businesses like hotels, financial service providers, and automotive parts manufacturing.
Today, the company has almost 4 million employees worldwide.
What's the best roadtrip in Europe?
Road trips that allow you to stop at interesting stops along the way are better than those that just take you from A to Z.
There are many wonderful roads in Europe but none as beautiful as this route between Venice, Dubrovnik.
For much of the trip, you'll be driving through stunning scenery. There are many stops along the route to enjoy all the sights.
Highlights include Torcello and Lido di Jesolo islands on Lake Garda, northern Italy's Dolomites and Lake Como, and Carcassonne, a walled medieval town in southern France.
Statistics
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
External Links
alamo.com
- Cheap Car Rental in the U.S., Latin America & More - Alamo Rent a Car
- Alamo Insiders – Alamo Rent a Car - Low Car Rental Rates
jdpower.com
- 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
- 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
sixt.com
avis.com
How To
12 Things You Should Learn About Renting a Car in Europe
What information should I have when renting a vehicle in Europe?
You should be aware of several things before renting a car abroad. A lot depends on what type of rental car you choose. Here's a list of must-know tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
- Your insurance policy. Check your auto insurance coverage before you take to the roads. If not, check out our guide to finding cheap car insurance abroad.
- The right documents. A driver's licence from your country and several identification cards (passports, visas, etc.) are required. To prove your identity and whereabouts. It's best to obtain these documents well ahead of time, so you don't miss any deadlines.
- Road Rules. Follow local traffic laws and pay attention to signs indicating speed limits, one-way streets, and pedestrian crossings. Driving in another country can lead to fines or accidents.
- Parking rules. Many cities require drivers only to park in designated areas. Before arriving in town, be sure to review parking regulations.
- Gasoline. Gasoline. Although gas prices are subject to change depending on the country and location, they are generally three times higher than those back home.
- Insurance requirements. Additional liability insurance may be required in certain countries for rentals that exceed 3 years. Get more information from your rental company.
- GPS navigation systems. It is becoming more popular for travelers to use GPS navigation systems. You should bring a map along and ask for directions if you aren't familiar with the use of these GPS navigation systems.
- Radio stations. You might hear music from a radio station in your region. Don't worry; press "0" to change the frequency to English.
- Seatbelts. Seat belts are mandatory in most European countries.
- Road tolls. Road tolls in Europe are very common. Most are payable at meters located at major intersections.
- Speeding tickets. Speeding is prohibited in large areas of Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain.
- Tipping. Tipping isn't as expected in Europe as in North America. Tipping isn’t a customary practice anywhere in the world. Instead, consider giving a round number such as 10%- 15%.
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