When you hire a car or van from Thame Cars, you’re automatically covered by our standard insurance policy — but this includes an insurance excess (the amount you’re liable to pay if the vehicle is damaged in an accident).

A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an optional add-on that gives you extra peace of mind by reducing that excess to a much lower amount.

What is a Collision Damage Waiver?

A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is an optional protection you can choose to add to your rental agreement.

If your hire vehicle is damaged in an accident, the CDW reduces the amount you would have to pay - known as the excess - down to £350.

In short: CDW helps protect you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong during your hire period.

What does it cover?

As long as the vehicle is used in line with the rental agreement and driven legally, the CDW covers bodywork damage to the vehicle caused by an accident.

That means if you’re involved in an incident, the most you’ll pay towards the repair is £350. We take care of the rest.

This protection gives you extra reassurance, especially for longer hires, unfamiliar vehicles, or busy driving conditions.

What isn’t covered?

Even with CDW, you’ll still be responsible for some types of damage and loss. The CDW does not cover:

• Lost, damaged or stolen keys
• Tyre damage or replacement tyres
• Windscreen chips, cracks or replacements
• Damage to the interior of the vehicle
• Overhead or roof damage
• Missing items such as the vehicle book pack, locking wheel nut, or other equipment

You’ll also remain liable for any costs resulting from misuse of the vehicle, or if it is driven illegally or outside the terms of your rental agreement.

CDW Pricing

The cost of CDW depends on the size of the vehicle you’re hiring. Here’s a quick guide:

Things to remember

Choosing CDW is entirely optional, but it can save you significant costs if an accident occurs.

You’ll still be liable for the first £350 of any bodywork damage.

CDW does not cover costs resulting from any law-breaking, negligence, or unauthorised use of the vehicle.

Always read your rental agreement and our supplementary terms and conditions carefully so you know exactly what’s covered.

Why consider CDW?

Accidents happen, even to the most careful drivers. A CDW helps minimise any worry from your hire experience, so you can focus on getting where you need to go without stressing about “what ifs.”

If you’re unsure whether to take out a Collision Damage Waiver, our friendly team will be happy to explain the options and help you decide what’s right for you.

Need advice or ready to book?

Call us on 01844 390 568 or visit us in Thame, Oxfordshire to discuss your hire and CDW options. If you're ready to book your hire vehicle you can do so quickly and easily on our website.