CDW included?

Question

Hi , I have booked a rental car with Alamo for our trip in August, and the booking says

Extras included are :

CDW-ALLOCATED INCLUSIVE

SLP

Unlimited Mileage

Am I correct in thinking then that I do not need to purchase CDW from a third party provider, which is what I usually do on holiday in Europe to avoid the crazy upsell charges when I arrive at the rental desk?

Thanks

Michael

Answer

Hi Michael,

You are correct in your understanding that “CDW-ALLOCATED INCLUSIVE” typically means that Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage is already included in your Alamo rental. This is common in U.S. car rentals, especially with major companies like Alamo, Enterprise, or Hertz, where certain rates include CDW/LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) by default.

Here’s a breakdown of what this usually means:

CDW / LDW Coverage:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) or LDW covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident or collision. - If your booking states “CDW-ALLOCATED INCLUSIVE,” this waiver is already applied to your rental. You should not need to purchase additional coverage at the counter.
SLP (Supplemental Liability Protection):
- SLP covers liability for damage or injury to other people or their property, above your personal auto insurance limits. This is usually a standard add-on in U.S. rentals and is included in your booking.
Unlimited Mileage:
- You can drive as much as you like without extra charges. This is straightforward and beneficial for road trips or long drives.

Additional considerations:

Even with CDW included, you may still be responsible for a deductible if you damage the vehicle. Check your rental agreement to see if a deductible applies.
Your personal car insurance or a credit card used to pay for the rental may offer additional coverage, which can reduce or eliminate the deductible. Many travelers use a major credit card that provides rental car protection.
Unlike Europe, where CDW/LDW is often optional and heavily upsold, in the U.S. the “inclusive” coverage is usually sufficient, and a third-party CDW purchase is not necessary unless you want extra protection beyond the rental company’s terms.
Always review the rental agreement and terms for exclusions (off-road, certain driver ages, or prohibited uses) to ensure your CDW applies in all circumstances.

Conclusion:

For your Alamo rental in August, since the booking shows CDW included, you do not need to buy CDW from a third-party provider. However, confirm whether a deductible applies and whether your personal insurance or credit card covers it. Doing so ensures full peace of mind and avoids unnecessary extra costs at the rental desk.

CDW included?

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