Waiver, excess and liability
CDW commonly limits what the rental company can charge for eligible vehicle damage, subject to an excess and contractual exclusions. SCDW or excess-reduction products may lower that amount, but names and coverage vary by operator.
- Ask for the maximum payable amount for your exact vehicle group.
- Check whether theft is separate.
- Confirm what voids the waiver.
Desk cover versus reimbursement
Rental-company cover usually changes the contract at the desk. Broker or credit-card protection may leave the deposit and excess in place: you pay the rental company and claim reimbursement later. Confirm documentation, territory and time limits with the protection provider.
- Do not call reimbursement cover ‘zero excess’ at pickup.
- Keep the rental agreement, damage report, invoices and card statement.
- Report an incident using the rental company’s required procedure.
Sources
Policy details can change. These sources were reviewed on the dates shown.
- Enterprise Madeira terms — Checked 2026-07-16
- Europcar Portugal terms — Checked 2026-07-16