Confusing CDW/"non-waivable excess" terms for car rental in Italy

Posted by dacorey on 05/31/15 11:07 PM

HELP?! Usually when we rent a car, we do so on one of our credit cards and waive/decline the CDW stuff...I am finding this very confusing checking out options in Italy. Through AutoEurope it seems to imply we are getting it with quoted price for Hertz as it makes mention of "0"deductible( •Rental includes Collision Damage coverage . Rental limits potential vehicle damage liability to deductible of approximately EUR 0.00.
•Rental includes Theft Protection for the vehicle. Rental limits potential vehicle loss liability to deductible of approximately EUR 0.00) BUT also makes it clear they are independent from actual car rental company which will have its own agreement blah blah....then looking directly through Hertz website, it includes some CDW( which can be waived) and mandatory Theft Protection in price quote but also mentions that there will always be a "non-waivable excess charge" - which I understand to be a deductible if a collision or theft occurs- but of course we could elect Super CDW/TP ( which about doubles the rental rate!) for "O" exposure.

Our credit cards require us to decline/waive coverage to have their coverage but in the AutoEurope- it is embedded in the booking ( or is it?) and direct through Hertz, TP is mandatory so what does one do?

Posted by Janet

Boise, ID, USA

2478 posts

My husband, in the insurance business for 40+ years, says "Always take the CDW." The hassles you would experience without it, especially if something happened in a foreign country, would cost way more in frustration than the cost of the insurance (even it doubles the price of the rental).

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

32524 posts

da,

Unfortunately, your credit card coverage for rental cars will only be of limited use. According to the website....

"In Italy, coverage must be purchased from the rental company. Some credit cards offer coverage in Italy, but it means nothing because all major rental companies require the purchase of CDW and theft insurance. The only question left is will your credit card reimburse the deductible in case of damage or theft? Apparently Visa will, but confirm with them. This a murky area."

You might find it helpful to contact Gemut and clarify the details on CDW in Italy. I've found them to be very responsive and helpful.

Posted by Mike

Boston

1878 posts

By law CDW and theft insurance are already included in Italian rentals. There is a deductible in the coverage of , often, 1,000 and 2,000 Euro, respectively. Thus your credit card coverage will apply, but check with your cc company. CC coverage is secondary, meaning they reimburse you after you deal with it following their rules.
AutoEurope is basically offering to cover the deductible. If it's primary coverage, it's easier, but read the terms and exclusions.
All the offers will have exclusions, including Super CDW which usually doesn't cover 'road hazards' (tires & glass) and may have a service charge if there are claims.

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

16916 posts

Just buy the zero deductible when you book with AutoEurope (or their sister company Kemwel) and enjoy your trip. I use them every year. It's just about $5 day more than the other option where you are responsible for the deductible (1000€ to 2000€). I just rented with AutoEurope for the end of the month of June in Italy. For 16 days it worked to just about $80 extra. Peace of mind is priceless and you don't have to deal with paperwork to get the reimbursement from the credit card in case of accident.

Posted by mph

693 posts

Take Roberto's advice and get the Autoeurope zero deductible option. Just be very careful when signing the rental papers. Despite having zero deductible on our contract with Kemwel, in March Hertz in Bologna tried to get me to sign their contract with a 900 plus euro excess. It took some arguing before they removed it.

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