Posted on July 29, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

This question comes from a customer called Jonathan. He says:

Hi Fiona

I’m planning on renting a car in LAX this September and taking a road trip around America’s west coast.  I’ve been hearing various things about the difference between insurance policies for Europe and the US.  Can you please clarify the difference? Is there a special type of insurance that I need for the US? What’s the difference?

Many Thanks

Jonathan Brown, Glasgow

Fiona says:

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for your question.  When renting a car in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South America, you are required to carry a CDW (collision damage waiver) or Loss Damage Waive.  This covers damage, theft and loss of use of the rental vehicle.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) covers Third Party (other vehicles) Super CDW is recommended (excess insurance).  If you get the chance, you should always try to purchase your insurance before you go, as insurance bought at car hire desks usually costs much more than insurance offered to you online at the time of booking.

Enjoy your LA road trip!

Fiona