Car Hire Glossary

There are many different terms/phrases associated with car hire relating to insurance, taxes and surcharges that you may come accross while researching your hire. In order for you to be fully informed while making your choice we have created this guide to some of the inducty terminology.

Additional Drivers
You may wish other members of your party drive the vehicle you have hired while on holiday. For insurance reasons the local hire company must be aware of these people. There is often an extra charge payable locally for additional drivers.

Airport Surcharges
At most airports (and in some other locations such as ferry ports) the car hire companies have to pay the airport an additional fee to use the airport's facilities. In many locations this fee is passed on to the customer and must be paid locally at the time of pickup. The terms and conditions of your booking will tell you if the quoted price includes these charges, you are advised to check it carefully.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), also known as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), protects the driver from any claim (minus the excess amount) in the event of any damage occurring to the rental vehicle, except where negligence is proved. Note: Collision Damage Waiver is NOT insurance.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Is an additional extra that you may be offered when you pick up your hire vehicle. PAI is an additonal insurance which covers the authorized driver(s) and passengers in the hire vehicle for death, disability and medical expenses. Each hire company will have different PAI policy so always be sure to check what is being offered when you actually pick your vehicle up.

Theft Protection (THP)
In case of theft of the vehicle or its parts, you are only responsable up to the excess charge.

Cancellation Waiver Protection (CWP)
Some of our partners levy a charge for cancellation of bookings prior to the collection date. By taking out cancellation waiver protection at the time of booking, this charge is not payable should you choose to cancel your booking prior to the collection date.

Damage Excess Waiver (DEW)
In the case of damage occuring to your car during your rental period you will be required to pay the ammount up to your collision damage waiver. Optional damage excess waiver allows you claim back this excess direct from the booking partner after your rental period is over.

Insurance Excess
In the event of accident, or damage to the vehicle, you will be expected to pay a certain amount towards the total repair cost. This is your car insurance excess. The excess on your hire will depend on the local supplier and they will be able to give you more information when you collect your car.

International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Licence, or IDP, allows you to drive a private motor vehicle abroad when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. For more information see page on the international driving permit.

Out of Hours
In most locations flights will be met and cars supplied outside of normal working hours. However, at some locations there may be an additional charge for this service which is payable locally. Please note that in the event that a flight is delayed, causing the car pick-up to fall outside normal working hours, the additional charge will be made.