When you book a rental car, the insurance options can feel like alphabet soup — CDW, SCDW, TP, TPL. What do they mean? Which ones do you actually need? And are any of them already included in your rate? This guide cuts through the jargon and explains every type of car rental cover in plain language.
CDW is the most common type of car rental cover worldwide. It limits — or eliminates — the amount you pay if the rental vehicle is damaged in a collision or accident. However, CDW is usually not a full insurance policy; it's a waiver. Most CDW policies include an excess (also called a deductible): an amount you still pay out of pocket before the waiver kicks in.
Example: If your CDW has a €1,500 excess and the damage costs €800, you pay the full €800. If the damage is €3,000, you pay €1,500 and the CDW covers the rest.
SCDW takes CDW a step further by reducing your excess to zero. If the car is damaged in a collision, you pay nothing. This is particularly valuable on longer trips, in unfamiliar cities, or anywhere you expect heavy traffic. The additional cost is usually modest compared to the peace of mind it provides.
TP covers you if the rental vehicle is stolen. In popular tourist destinations like Turkey, where rental cars can be targets, TP is strongly recommended. Some companies bundle TP with CDW; others charge for it separately. Always check whether it's included before assuming you're covered.
Every car in Turkey comes with mandatory third-party liability insurance (traffic insurance). However, the legal minimum cover limits may not be sufficient in a serious accident — especially involving expensive vehicles or multiple injured parties. TPL tops up this cover to a higher limit, giving you extra protection if you're found liable for significant damages.
|
Cover Type |
What It Covers |
Excess |
Recommended? |
|
CDW |
Collision damage |
Yes (set amount) |
Yes — essential |
|
SCDW |
Collision damage |
None (zero) |
Yes — longer trips |
|
TP |
Vehicle theft |
Usually none |
Yes — recommended |
|
TPL |
Third-party liability |
None |
Yes — heavy traffic |
The right answer depends on your trip length, driving conditions, and risk appetite. As a practical guide:
In addition to standard insurance options, RepeatCar offers its own protection packages that combine CDW and TP under a single, competitively priced umbrella. Customers who take a protection package are also exempt from paying a deposit at pickup.
You can compare packages directly on the booking screen, or contact our 24/7 customer service team if you have any questions.
