Partial Damage Waiver

Partial Damage Waiver (PDW) is an optional add-on for Hertz rentals at select locations. With PDW, you can offset up to the first $1,000 of any damage costs incurred during your rental period.

Partial Damage Waiver:

• Reduces your personal liability for any damage caused to your rental car
• Offers up to $1,000 maximum waiver
• Limits your financial responsibility.

Jump section:

• What is Partial Damage Waiver?
• How much does Partial Damage Waiver cost?
• Do I need Partial Damage Waiver?
• What are the alternatives to Partial Damage Waiver?
• Can I cancel Partial Damage Waiver?

What is Partial Damage Waiver?

Partial Damage Waiver (PDW) is a form of insurance. It protects you from the first portion of the cost of any damage caused to your rental car while in your possession, up to $1,000 depending on your personal insurance deductible.

With Partial Damage Waiver protection, you’re covered for the first amount of the cost for repairs up to a maximum of $1,000.

This depends on your personal automobile insurance policy and is equal to the applicable deductible. With PDW, Hertz will not hold you responsible for the first amount of damage repair up to your applicable deductible – or $1,000, whichever is lower.

Having said this, there are a few things we would recommend keeping in mind:

• All optional products and services incur an additional daily charge.
• All Hertz Optional Protection Plans, including PDW, can be declined, provided you have adequate cover from your own insurer.
• Your personal insurance premium could be raised if you have to make a claim.  Protection plans can help reduce the likelihood of you having to use your own insurance should loss or damage occur during your rental period.

You can find out more in our guide to the Hertz Partial Loss Damage Waiver.

How much does Partial Damage Waiver cost?

Partial Damage Waiver costs vary depending on your circumstances – including location and car class. All pricing for optional cover will be provided at the time of booking your rental, so you will know exactly what is covered and how much you will have to pay.

Do I need Partial Damage Waiver?

Hertz’s Partial Damage Waiver can help reduce your liability for any costs incurred due to damages to your vehicle during your rental period. It can also reduce the chances of you having to make a claim on your personal automobile insurance. Making fewer claims could mean your automobile insurance premiums are less likely to rise.

With PDW, you can offset up to $1,000 of damage costs without having to use insurance. Whether you need PDW will depend on your personal insurance policy and any other optional protection products you purchase at the time of booking.

What are the alternatives to Partial Damage Waiver?

An alternative to Partial Damage Waiver protection is Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), a protection plan that relieves you of financial responsibility for any damage to, or loss of, the rental vehicle while it is in your possession. This is regardless of whether you have insurance.

All accidents and accidental damage must be properly reported for LDW to apply. If you misuse the vehicle and break your rental contract, or obtain your rental vehicle through fraud, all protection plans including LDW are null and void. In this case, you will be personally responsible for all costs relating to any loss or damage.

You may also be interested in the following optional protection products:

• Limited Loss Damage Waiver – protects you for up to $1,000 in cases of loss or damage.
• Personal Accident Insurance – covers accidental death and medical expenses for you and any passengers throughout your rental period.
• Personal Effects Coverage – insures personal possessions within the vehicle for up to $600 per person ($500 in the State of New York), to a maximum of $1,800.

Can I Cancel Partial Damage Waiver?

Yet we advise all customers to consider the benefits of the Partial Damage Waiver. Although nobody wants to think about scenarios in which they damage their rental vehicle, accidents happen. Having a Partial Damage Waiver provides a safety net in case a mishap occurs.

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

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

• Prepay the Fuel – return your rental vehicle without having to fill up at the gas station or charging point
• SiriusXM®- enjoy your music, your way with a wide range of ad-free satellite radio stations
• PlatePass- no more stopping at tolls to pay, just roll on through
• NeverLost® GPS – not just a navigation system but expert tour guide and international calling to boot
• One-Way Car Rental – pick up your rental in one location and return it at another, hassle-free.