Protect the car: Loss Damage Waiver

Did you know, in most Statesstates you are responsible for damage to a car you rent – even if you aren’t at fault? A fallen branch, chipped windscreenwindshield or break-in could land you with a bill. The Hertz Loss Damage Waiver helps protect you against these fees.

Our Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) offers:

• Relief from all financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental car, provided you weren’t using the vehicle in a prohibited way.
• Protection whether you have insurance or not.
• A route to avoid insurance deductibles entirely. When damage fees are simply waived, you may findit makes the process easiersimpler.

Jump to section:

• What is the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?
• How much does the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) cost?
• Do I need the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?
• What are the alternatives to the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Can I cancel the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?

What is the Loss Damage Waiver?

The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is an add-on that helps you avoid fees related to vehicle damage when renting a car from Hertz. You can add LDW protection to your Hertz rental at an additional cost of just $45 a day for any vehicle.

Ordinarily, you’re responsible for any damage due to collisions, break-ins, vandalism, theft, fire, flood or bad weather during your car rental period. Having a Loss Damage Waiver means these costs can be taken off your hands. Some drivers find the Loss Damage Waiver offers peace of mind too, allowing you to focus on the important things.

So long as your agreement isn’t fraudulent and you haven’t used your rental car in a prohibited way, this product protects you from needing to pay the following:

• The car’s full value at the time of rental, less its salvage value. That’s a potentially big bill – with the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), it can be waived entirely.
• Car repair fees. If your rental car is damaged but not a write-off, repair costs can be substantial. With the Loss Damage Waiver, this worry is taken away.
• Expenses for towing. Towing costs can add up and make a stressful situation worse, but the Loss Damage Waiver would spare you that worry.
• Storage and impound fees. These costs accumulate. With the Loss Damage Waiver, you don’t need to fret about them.
• Fees for a reduction in car value due to damage.
• Administrative charges.
• Charges for Hertz’s loss of use. Depending on the damage to the vehicle, this charge could be costly. A Loss Damage Waiver spares you the brunt of that fee.

You can find out more in our blog post about the LDW. Read about the Vehicle Incident Report process here.

How much does the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) cost?

Loss Damage Waivers cost different amounts depending on the type of car you rent. In general, the more the vehicle is worth, the higher the fee. Location can also make a difference to the cost.

Similar products are also available, which come with different prices. You can find out more in our guide to Limited Loss Damage Waivers and Partial Damage Waivers.

Do I need the Loss Damage Waiver?

The Loss Damage Waiver helps prevent you from paying for
any damage to your Hertz rental. The LDW means you won’t have to pay for the cost of damages in case of an accident, which is some instances may amount to the rental vehicle’s total value.

Depending on the value of your Hertz rental, fees for loss,
damage or write-off can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

The Loss Damage Waiver:

• Gives you an extra layer of protection in the case of collisions
• Prevents you from needing to foot the bill following vandalism, accidental damage or theft of your rental car
• Also waives fees for several related costs, such as repairs, towing and administration.

What are the alternatives to the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?

An alternative to the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is the Partial Damage Waiver (PDW). As the name suggests, this product offers partial protection in the event of an incident that damages your Hertz rental car.

The Partial Damage Waiver is designed to be used alongside your own separate, comprehensive insurance policy. This is because the add-on product covers the deductible on your personal automobile insurance, up to a maximum of $1,000.

While this product costs less than the full Loss Damage Waiver, it’s a waiver that offers protection for limited fees. It’s available at select locations, and you’ll need to make sure you report accidents in line with terms and conditions to be eligible.

Like the full Loss Damage Waiver, though, this product can help with deductible fees regardless of who is at fault – as long as your personal insurance covers the loss or damage. Check in with your insurer to verify that incidents such as at-fault collisions, car theft and vandalism are covered for you.

Other alternatives or additions to the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) include:

• The Limited Loss Damage Waiver (LLDW). This also waives fees worth up to $1,000 – but these relate directly to car damage, rather than insurance deductibles. If your Hertz rental car sustains damage worth more than $1,000, you’ll be liable for the remainder.
• The Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS). This instead provides coverage for third-party claims – for instance, if your rental car is involved in a collision that damages another car too. However, this doesn’t cover costs for damage to your Hertz rental car.

Can I cancel the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)?

Once you’ve bought the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), you may be able to cancel it. With all Hertz car rentals, you can make changes up to two times, including for additional products.

To find out if you can cancel your Loss Damage Waiver, call our Internet HelpdeskCustomer Care Team.

If you try to cancel your Loss Damage Waiver less than two days before your scheduled pick-up date, an administration charge may apply. In all cases, a new price will be calculated for your car rental.

Remember that, without the Loss Damage Waiver, you might need to pay for any and all damage to the car during your rental period.

What other products and services can I get with my Hertz rental?

We know that the small things add up to making a grand adventure one that you’ll look back on fondly. When you plan out a road trip, it’s important to think ahead and consider what to add to your journey to make it a more comfortable experience.

Along with loss damage waivers, Hertz also offers a wide range of add-ons to help you make the most of your rental, including:

• SiriusXM®-the best in music, news and entertainment wherever you are in the country

• PlatePass®- a electronic toll pass which lets you cruise right through

• Prepay the Fuel – no more topping up the tank last minute before you return your rental

• NeverLost® GPS – a tour guide, satellite navigation and international calling all rolled into one

• One-Way Car Rental – want to pick up and drop off in different locations? Hertz has you