What is a loss damage waiver?

If you’ve already had a look around our site at our various van hire and car hire services, you may have seen the phrase Loss Damage Waiver crop up a couple of times. It’s not a vital prerequisite, but it’s a handy way to give yourself some extra financial protection (not to mention peace of mind) when you come to hire a vehicle. Here, we’ve answered some of your most common questions about LDW.

What is a Loss Damage Waiver?

Often shortened to an LDW, a Loss Damage Waiver essentially waives a large proportion of your financial responsibility for certain types of loss or damage incurred when you’re driving a rental vehicle. The idea of sustaining damage to a hire car is a nightmare scenario for many drivers, but the LDW provides some valuable peace of mind against some of the most common accidents that often happen. If the bodywork is accidentally crunched against a pillar, or you’re hit by a reckless driver, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re covered by the LDW.

Now, obviously it’s not a blank cheque to drive the car as recklessly as you like - the renter (that’s you) remains responsible for the excess, and it only applies as long as you abide by the Terms and Conditions. But the LDW does provide valuable protection against damage, theft and loss, which covers a pretty broad range of bases in terms of any accidents that can befall your hire car.

Is the loss damage waiver worth it?

Yes, absolutely. That’s a common question we see customers often ask each other, but it’s worth remembering that however carefully you drive, there’s always an element of unpre­dic­ta­bility to the roads. As some unfortunate people know, it can be hugely frustrating to have to shell out for someone else’s mistake. Without Loss Damage Waiver, you would be the one who’d be held responsible for any loss or damage to the hire car, whether or not it was actually your fault. Plus, if the vehicle does become damaged LDW helps to reduce the costs associated with towing, storage, impound expense, and loss of use.

Whether you’re looking to hire a car, or chosen our van hire or minibus hire services, purchasing a Loss Damage Waiver when you hire a vehicle with us will lower your insurance excess to just £95.

It also lowers your security deposit from £500 to just £100.

What does a loss damage waiver cover on a rental car?

Plenty! Theft, vandalism, collision, fire damage and acts of nature are all amongst the most significant examples of damage covered by the LDW. As we’ve mentioned though, it’s not a blank cheque to treat the car how you want. The interior and any of your personal belongings aren’t covered. If you want the full details of exactly what is and isn’t covered by the LDW, it’s worth asking any one of our team when you come to hire.

You shouldn’t need to worry too much about accidentally breaking these clauses in the Terms and Conditions though, as most of them involve deliberate deception, which is usually difficult to do accidentally. If in doubt about anything, our full Terms and Conditions are available here, so you can always quickly double-check or speak to our rental operators when you book or collect your vehicle. 

How long does the Loss Damage Waiver cover you for?

Once you purchase the Loss Damage Waiver, you’re covered by it for the entire duration of the rental. (Obviously if you begin another one, a new LDW is required.) The best thing about it, though, is that it covers you whether you’re in the car or not. That means if you’re parked in a public place, such as a supermarket car park or an underground complex, and someone hits you (or simply just dings your door with theirs), don’t worry - you’re covered.