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What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?
Meaning, Origin, Popular Use, and Synonyms

Collision Damage Waiver - osam tour

What is Collision Damage Waiver?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is a term frequently encountered in the realm of car rentals and travel insurance. It refers to a type of protection or insurance that relieves the renter or driver from financial responsibility in the event of damage to the rental vehicle. When a traveler opts for a Collision Damage Waiver, the rental car company typically agrees to waive or reduce the cost of repairs for damages caused to the vehicle during the rental period, subject to certain terms and conditions.

CDW is an optional add-on often offered by car rental companies, giving peace of mind to travelers by mitigating the potential financial burden of car damage while on their trip.

Origins of the term Collision Damage Waiver

The exact origins of the term Collision Damage Waiver in the travel industry are not well-documented. However, the concept of providing insurance or waivers to protect against car rental damages can be traced back to the mid-20th century when car rental businesses started offering additional coverage options to customers.

As the car rental industry evolved, Collision Damage Waiver became a standard feature offered by rental companies, providing travelers with a convenient way to safeguard themselves from unexpected costs resulting from accidents or collisions during their rental period.

Where is the term Collision Damage Waiver commonly used?

The term Collision Damage Waiver is commonly used by car rental companies worldwide. Travelers often encounter this term when renting vehicles in various destinations. It is particularly prevalent at airports, popular tourist destinations, and major cities, where car rentals are in high demand.

Additionally, many travel insurance providers also offer a similar type of coverage known as “Rental Car Damage Insurance” or “Car Rental Excess Insurance,” which serves a similar purpose to a Collision Damage Waiver. Travelers may opt for this insurance to supplement or replace the CDW offered by car rental companies.

Synonyms of the term Collision Damage Waiver

The term “Collision Damage Waiver” may also be referred to as:

  • Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
  • Collision Damage Coverage
  • Vehicle Damage Waiver
  • Damage Waiver

These synonyms are used interchangeably within the context of car rentals and travel insurance, offering protection against damages to rental vehicles.

How to say Collision Damage Waiver in other languages?

Translation - osam tour

Here’s how to say “Collision Damage Waiver” in various languages:

  • Spanish: Exención de Daños por Colisión or Seguro de Daños por Colisión
  • Italian: Esenzione danni da collisione or Assicurazione danni da collisione
  • French: Renonciation à la Collision or Assurance Dommages Collision
  • German: Kollisionsschadenschutz or Unfallversicherung
  • Chinese: 碰撞损失豁免 (Pinyin: Pèngzhuàng Sǔnshī Huòmiǎn)
  • Hindi: टक्कर नुकसान सुविधा (Devanagari: टक्कर नुकसान सुविधा)
  • Japanese: 衝突損害免責 (Katakana: ショウトツ ソンガイ メンセキ)
  • Arabic: تنازل عن تحمل تكاليف الاصطدام (Transliteration: Tanazul ‘an Tahmil Tikalif al-Istidam)
  • Russian: Отказ от страхования ущерба при столкновении (Transliteration: Otkaz ot strakhovaniya uscherba pri stolknovenii)
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