Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

When you use your Downriver CU Visa Gold Card to reserve and pay for your entire auto rental, you can be covered for damage to the rental vehicle that results from a collision or theft.

Click Here for the complete ARCDW Benefit Guide

Add Peace of Mind to your Itinerary

Decline the CDW coverage offered to you at the rental agency, and make sure your name is listed as the primary renter on the auto rental contract. Any additional drivers must also be listed on the auto rental agreement. You’ll also want to be sure that you rent a “covered vehicle” – for example, trucks and luxury cars are not covered.

Easy Claims Process

Collect your documents (auto rental agreement, rental dates, etc.), and go to www.eclaimsline.com or call 1-800 348-8472 . If outside the U.S. call one of our toll-free numbers to file a claim or get your questions answered.

Below you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.

Q: What do I need to do when reserving a rental car to be eligible for coverage?

A: You must secure and charge the rental in full on your Downriver CU VISA Gold Card and you must decline the Collision or Loss Damage Waiver at the rental agency. For personal cards, the name embossed on the card must be listed as the primary renter on the Rental Agreement, and all authorized drivers must be listed on the Rental Agreement. You also must follow all of the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement.
 
Q: How does the benefit work for domestic auto rentals?

A: For domestic rentals this benefit covers the rental vehicle for physical damage, vandalism, and theft. Coverage does not apply to lost or stolen personal belongings, injury to anyone, medical expenses, or personal liability. You may rent the vehicle for up to 15 consecutive days per contract. And you must report damages to Card Benefit Services within 45 days of the incident. Coverage is supplemental to and excess of your personal automobile insurance.
 
Q: How does the benefit work for international auto rentals?

A: For international rentals this benefit is primary, and covers the rental vehicle for physical damage, vandalism, and theft. Coverage does not apply to lost or stolen personal belongings, injury to anyone, medical expenses, or personal liability. You may rent the vehicle for up to 31 consecutive days per contract. And you must report damages to Card Benefit Services within 45 days of the incident. Coverage is not available in Jamaica, Ireland, or Israel. It is not available where it is prohibited by law or by individual merchants, or is in violation of the territory terms of the rental agreement. Please note: Regulations vary outside the United States, so we recommend that you check with your auto rental company before you travel to make sure this benefit will apply.
 
If you happen to be renting a vehicle in Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, or Italy, please note: often the purchase of a minimum level of collision damage coverage is mandated in these countries. In that case, your benefit is supplemental to that required coverage.

Q: I see that for domestic rentals this coverage is considered “secondary” – what does that mean?

A: “Secondary coverage” means that if you have other insurance that covers the theft or damage, the other coverage gets applied to the loss first, and this benefit helps to reimburse you for what’s left over (e.g. the deductible portion of your personal automobile insurance and any unreimbursed portion of valid administrative and loss-of-use charges imposed by the rental car company, as well as reasonable towing charges resulting from covered theft or damage of the rental vehicle while it is your responsibility.)

If you do not have other insurance that covers this theft or damage, then this benefit is considered primary, and will reimburse you for the covered theft or damage as well as valid administrative and loss-of-use charges imposed by the auto rental company and reasonable towing charges that occur while you are responsible for the rental vehicle.
 
Q: What kinds of vehicles are covered? Not covered?

A: Covered vehicles include economy through luxury class automobiles, vans that do not seat more than 9 passengers including the driver; SUV’s only when driven on-road. All other vehicles are excluded including trucks, cargo vans and expensive vehicles.

Q: What do I have to know in the event I have to file a claim?

A: You are responsible for gathering the necessary documentation to complete your claim. Please note that you must sign and return your claim form (or if you prefer file online) within 90 days of the date of incident regardless of whether you have received any other required documentation. All documents must be submitted within 365 days of the incident. The required documents are listed on the claim form, and include:

• Initial rental agreement & final rental agreement

• Copy of your monthly billing statement showing the charge of the rental

• Copy of personal automobile insurance Declaration Page (Domestic Rentals Only) effective at date of incident OR a notarized statement of no insurance

• Itemized list of repairs from the Rental Agency

• Repair Bill

• Incident