Collision Damage Waiver (or CDW) is an important part of most rental contracts. This limits the maximum financial liability to the customer for any damage to the rental vehicle, as long as the terms and conditions are adhered to during the rental period. CDW differs from agreement to agreement, so it’s important that the customer familiarises themselves with the specifics of their agreement before signing. If in doubt, ask your Hertz representative before signing the rental agreement, and they will go through the CDW terms and conditions as they apply to that agreement.

It’s also possible to purchase additional cover or Super CDW (SCDW). This enables the customer to waive any financial liability for accidental damage to their Hertz vehicle. This does cost more than the standard CDW, but it means that the customer has no financial responsibility towards the repair of a rental vehicle in the event of an accident, as long as all terms and conditions have been met.

Part of this is the provision of a valid police report. Without this, the customer cannot take advantage of the SCDW and will be liable for the cost of the damages to the vehicle.

Please note that Super CDW (SCDW) may not be available on some business contract rate rentals.

Super CDW (SCDW) can be purchased in advance, or when the customer collects their rental vehicle from their Hertz branch.

Please note your liability for damage to or loss of the vehicle will not be reduced where you or an authorized driver are grossly negligent (for example failure to assess the vehicle’s height, driving on unsuitable road conditions, improper use of the vehicle, contribution to damage to/theft of the vehicle) and in particular, but not limited to, in the following circumstances:

Striking overhead or overhanging objects
Driving into a barrier that is too low for the vehicle to pass beneath
Driving into a barrier in a car park before it fully opens
Driving on a road in bad condition without due care resulting in damage to the undercarriage
Driving on a beach causing damage by saltwater and/or sand
Driving through flooded roads causing damage to the engine
Putting the wrong fuel in the vehicle or otherwise contaminating the fuel
Damage occurring as a result of ignoring a warning light
Damage to Tyres and windscreen
Burning a clutch (which requires persistent ill-use) or misusing the handbrake
Damage to the wheel rim caused by driving with a flat tyre
Fitting unauthorized objects to the interior or exterior of the vehicle
Carrying especially dirty or smelly materials that require extra cleaning costs or that damage or burn the interior
Damage resulting from locking the keys in the vehicle or losing the keys
Damage resulting from leaving the windows open
Damage resulted from driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Damage in the vehicle interiors, including but not limited to Display Panel, Upholstery, Navigation etc.

If you choose to rely on your credit card for cover, we strongly recommend that you fully understand the terms and conditions of any cover provided by your credit card company before you decline any of our optional services.

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