Insurance, deposit and excess: CDW and SCDW explained simply

What basic cover includes, when full cover is worth it and how the card deposit works.

Basic cover (CDW)

Included in the price. If the car is damaged you pay up to the excess (for example €800); the insurance covers the rest.

Full cover (SCDW)

For a daily fee the excess drops to zero, and glass and tyres are usually included. It is worth it for long trips, mountain roads or simply peace of mind.

The deposit

At handover we hold an amount on the driver's credit card. It is released when the car comes back without new damage and with the right fuel level.

What is not covered

• Damage while driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Lost keys and documents.

• Traffic and parking fines.