Auto Insurance Claims: CDW, rental documents, rental coverage

Question
Hi,

I rented a car in Hawaii and it was damaged while it was parked on the street.  I purchased the CDW at $10 but they are now telling me that there is a $1000 deductible and that I have to pay $700 for the damage.  I was under the impression that when buying the CDW, I am relieved of any costs relating to the damage sustained to the car.

Thanks,

Katie

Answer
Hi Katie,
There are many different forms of CDW written by the car rental agencies.  Usually, the CDW that provides a$0 deductible costs more than the daily car rental.
It appears that you might have chosen a less expensive plan of CDW that has a high deductible.
There are possibly several other sources that you can turn to for coverage.
A large number of credit card companies provide car rental coverage for free.  Phone the 800 number on the back of your credit card and discuss this issue with them to learn if you have coverage.
If you have you own personal insurance policy and you carry a collision deductible of $250 or $500, report this loss to your own company and they will pay the difference between your deductible and the $700.
I hope you kept all your rental documents including the legal wording of the CDW coverage.  Read those documents closely, the rental company may just be trying to 'scam' you, since you are back on the mainland and to far away to fight them.  Your Credit Card company or Insurance company will also want to read the legal wording of the CDW coverage.
I trust my answer has been of help.  Please write again if I can provide more assistance.
Your feedback on my answer will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area 10-29-07 5:38 PM PST