Collision Damage Insurance for U.S. Residents: How claims are paid
The way US rental companies react to collisions where their renter has an independent policy, such as one from RentalCover.com, differs between each rental company.
If you have a RentalCover.com policy and a US claim, depending on the rental company, extent of damage and other factors, one of these two scenarios will take place (if the claim is approved). We will keep you informed after you submit your claim:
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You will pay for the damages upfront and seek reimbursement from RentalCover.com, or
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The rental company will work with RentalCover.com so you do not need to make any payment.
This is not an exhaustive list and there are exceptions on a state-by-state basis. Is your rental company missing? Let us know so we can add it for you.
Who pays if you bring your RentalCover.com CDW?
ACE
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Who pays the damage bill?
CDW insurer. -
How is the bill paid?
ACE will liaise with RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
ACE will contact your CDW Insurer immediately after an accident or upon return of the vehicle. If, for some reason, the insurer does not immediately accept responsibility for the forthcoming matter (e.g. if they're closed), ACE won't charge you but will keep trying to contact your CDW insurer.
Alamo
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Who pays the damage bill?
CDW insurer. -
How is the bill paid?
Alamo will liaise with RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
Alamo will contact your CDW Insurer immediately after an accident or upon return of the vehicle. If, for some reason, the insurer does not immediately accept responsibility for the forthcoming matter (e.g. if they're closed), you will be charged for the damages. You can seek expedited reimbursement from your CDW insurer.
Advantage
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Who pays the damage bill?
CDW insurer. -
How is the bill paid?
Advantage will liaise with RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
You need to engage your CDW insurer quickly. Your CDW insurer would be responsible for the damages. If, for some reason, the insurer does not immediately accept responsibility for the forthcoming matter (e.g. if they're closed), you will need to keep contacting your CDW insurer, but Advantage won't charge you for the damage.
Avis
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Who pays the damage bill?
CDW insurer. -
How is the bill paid?
Avis will liaise with RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
Avis will contact your CDW insurer immediately after an accident or upon return of the vehicle. If, for some reason, the insurer does not immediately accept responsibility for the forthcoming matter (e.g. if they're closed), you will be charged for the damages. You can seek expedited reimbursement from your CDW insurer.
Budget
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Who pays the damage bill?
Policyholder. -
How is the bill paid?
Budget will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
You need to quickly engage your CDW insurer. Budget will do a credit check on the policyholder at the time of pickup and will most likely check your credit limit.
Dollar
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Who pays the damage bill?
CDW insurer -
How is the bill paid?
Dollar will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
Dollar will contact your CDW insurer immediately after an accident or upon return of the vehicle. If, for some reason, the insurer does not immediately accept responsibility for the forthcoming matter (e.g. if they're closed), you will be charged for the damage and then you would seek expedited reimbursement from your CDW insurer.
Enterprise
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Who pays the damage bill?
Policyholder -
How is the bill paid?
Enterprise will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
Enterprise will charge a deductible directly to your credit card in the event of damage ($500 - $1000). You will need to quickly engage your CDW insurer. They will facilitate your reimbursement for outgoing collision costs.
Hertz
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Who pays the damage bill?
Policyholder -
How is the bill paid?
Hertz will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
You need to quickly engage your CDW insurer. They will facilitate your reimbursement for outgoing collision costs. Hertz will do a credit check on the policyholder at the time of pickup and will most likely check your credit limit.
National
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Who pays the damage bill?
Policyholder -
How is the bill paid?
National will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
You need to quickly engage your CDW Insurer. They will facilitate your reimbursement for outgoing collision costs. National will do a credit check on the policyholder at the time of pickup and will most likely check your credit limit.
Zipcar
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Who pays the damage bill?
Policyholder -
How is the bill paid?
Zipcar will hold the driver responsible for the liability until your insurer accepts the responsibility, and your insurer may reimburse you. If you have any queries with your claim, please reach out to RentalCover.com. -
What else you need to know.
You need to quickly engage your CDW insurer. They will facilitate your reimbursement for outgoing collision costs. Zipcar will do a credit check on the policyholder at the time of pickup and will most likely check your credit limit.