AXA Travel Insurance Benefits

Renting a car on a holiday gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, without relying on public transport or tour operator schedules. So, if your plans include renting a car while on a trip, you can look into optional coverage in the travel insurance called a collision damage waiver, also known as CDW insurance. This optional benefit to travel insurance covers damage to the rental vehicle if it gets into an accidental collision. It can be a pricey proposition, but it may be worth buying, depending on your own personal car insurance and credit card coverage. 

Navigating Rental Car Insurance: Your Guide to Protection on the Go  

Renting a car can be a convenient option to explore new destinations. However, unforeseen events like collisions, theft or damage can put a damper on your travel plans. To have flexible coverage against such uncertainties, AXA Travel Insurance offers an optional rental car coverage benefit. This article simplifies this coverage's complex terms and conditions while outlining your responsibilities in the event of loss due to rental car damage.  

What is CDW Insurance? 

Collision Damage Waiver is an optional benefit offered to protect vehicle renters from financial responsibility in case of damage or loss to the rental vehicle. Rental Car Damage benefit typically covers collision damage, theft, and vandalism and reduces the renter's financial responsibility for these costs. 

Is the Rental Car Damage benefit necessary?

Rental Car Damage benefit can offer valuable protection for rental car damages, including collisions, theft, and vandalism. 

What does Collision Damage protect against? 

Collision damage insurance offers coverage for damages to the rented car caused by: 

•    Fire
•    Hail
•    Theft
•    Flood
•    Collision
•    Vandalism
•    Windstorms
•    Causes not within your control while in your possession
To learn more about Rental Car Damage coverage, file for a free quote.

What type of benefits are provided? 

If you choose to include the optional rental car coverage with AXA Travel Insurance, here is what you need to know about the protection it offers. Imagine you are on a trip and rent a car, but it gets damaged due to various causes such as collision, theft, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, flood or any other reason beyond your control while the car is under your possession. In such cases, AXA Travel Insurance can offer assistance if: 

• (a) Cost of Repairs and Rental Charges: AXA Travel Protection can reimburse you for repairing the car and any charges imposed by the car rental company while the vehicle is being fixed.  

• (b) Actual Cash Value of the Car: Alternatively, AXA Travel Protection can provide compensation based on the car's actual cash value at the time of the incident.  

• (c) Maximum Benefit: The maximum compensation you can receive is determined by the "Maximum Benefit" amount mentioned in the Schedule of Benefits of your AXA Travel Protection plan.  
   

To be eligible for this coverage, you must be a licensed driver and are listed on the rental car agreement.  

Gold

Maximum Benefit: $35,000

Platinum

Maximum Benefit: $50,000

This is an optional benefit for both Gold and Platinum policyholders.

Understanding the coverage options available and your responsibilities in the event of damage to a rented car is essential to ensure you are prepared for any unexpected incidents. By following the prescribed steps and providing the necessary documentation, you can navigate the claims process smoothly and make the most of your travels without worrying.  

Other Travel Insurance Benefits: Trip Cancellation, Emergency Evacuation, Baggage Loss, Cancel For Any Reason, Trip Interruption, Medical Travel Benefit, Trip Delay 

We understand that the needs of every traveler are unique, which is why our travel plans allow customers to choose their coverage based on their specific needs. Having your travel insured by an industry leader like AXA means having greater peace of mind. 

In just a few minutes, you can afford the assurance and support of experts available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and around the world. AXA Travel Insurance protects you before, during, and after your trip. 
 

How much does CDW insurance cost? 

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is an optional coverage that comes at an additional charge along with the Gold and Platinum travel insurance plans for AXA Travel Insurance. The exact cost of the coverage varies based on several factors, including the specific travel plan selected, the destination, and the state of residency. 

However, with the Gold Plan, you can get a maximum benefit of $35,000 for rental car coverage, while the Platinum Plan gives a higher benefit of up to $50,000. For precise quotes tailored to your needs, you can obtain a free quote directly from AXA by providing details about your trip 

Rental Car Damage Benefit FAQs 

What are the exclusions to Rental Car Damage benefits?  

• Any obligation you assume under any agreement (except insurance collision deductible); 

• Rentals of trucks, campers, trailers, off-road or four-wheel drive vehicles, motorbikes, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or exotic vehicles; 

• Any loss that occurs if you violate the rental agreement 

• Failure to report the loss to the proper local authorities and the rental car company, and  

• Damage to any other vehicle, structure, or person because of a covered loss 

Travel plan benefits vary by selection. Explore our Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. 

What are your Responsibilities in Case of Loss?  

In the unfortunate event of damage to your rented car, there are several steps you must take to ensure a smooth claims process:  

• Protect the Vehicle: Your first duty is to take all necessary actions to prevent further damage to the vehicle. This might involve securing the car and ensuring it does not sustain additional harm.  
• Report the Loss: As soon as possible, report the incident to the local authorities and inform the car rental company about the damage. Prompt reporting is crucial for a swift resolution.  
• Gather Information: If the damage occurs due to an accident involving another party, gather essential information such as their name, address, travel insurance details, and driver's license number. This information will aid in the claims process.  
• Provide Documentation: To support your claim, you must provide AXA with all relevant documentation. This includes the rental agreement, police report (if applicable), and a damage estimate. 
   

Who is covered under the Rental Car Damage benefit? 

The insured must be a licensed driver listed on the rental car agreement for coverage to apply.

What is car hire insurance excess? 

Car hire insurance excess is the amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket if you make a claim for damage to or theft of the rental car. For example, if you have an excess of $500 and the damage to the car costs $1,000, you will pay the first $500, and the insurance would cover the remaining $500. Some rental car insurance policies offer the option to reduce or eliminate this excess through additional coverage or waiver options. 

Can I purchase CDW after I have rented the car? 

CDW is typically offered at the time of selecting a travel insurance plan. If you have already rented the car without purchasing a collision damage waiver, you may need to rely on other forms of insurance, such as personal auto insurance or coverage provided by your credit card company, if available. 
 

Does Collision Damage Waiver Cover a Flat Tire? 

If you hit something, like another car or object, and get a flat tire, CDW will cover the cost of the tire because it’s considered collision damage. But if you get a flat tire for other reasons (e.g. hitting a nail or parking on broken glass), CDW won’t cover that. Many rental companies exclude tires, windows, mirrors, and other specific parts of the car from their CDW policy. Always review your policy and ask about additional coverage if needed. 

Why choose AXA Travel Protection? 

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA offers assistance with a wide range of features that include:  

•    Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency 

•    24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling 

How to get a Travel Protection Quote?

Receive a free quote within minutes
Or call us at 855-327-1441 to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors.
Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-7 PM Central Time

Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics of CDW will depend on date the of purchase, and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy, and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have.

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