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.