When you rent a car on line and go to a car hire providers website you will at some time be greeted with a list of strange terms like:

Risk Reduction Cover - Zero Risk Option - Carefree Personal Protection (PERS PRO) - Cancellation Waiver Protection (CWP) - Total Damage Excess Waiver (TDEW) - Standard Damage Excess Waiver (SDEW) - Weekly Accident Indemnity (WAI) - Emergency Medical Evacuation (EVE) - Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) - Repatriation of Remains (ROR) -Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) - Travel Assistance (TA) - Deductible Protection - Liability Protection -Master Cover - Mastercover Plus (MCP) - National Protection Plus - Personal Accident Insurance PAI -Personal and Accident and Effect Coverage (PAEC) - Roadside Plus (RSP) - Supercover - Theft Protection - Third Party Liability/Insurance (TPI) and probably many, many more....

The above were found on a ten minute search of car hire providers on the web. It looks like every vehicle hire company designs their own covers and options and these will differ from country to country. It is all rather confusing for members of the public who simply want to rent a car.

One of the most standard jargon terms is for Car hire damage cover. Damage cover goes by a number of different names including Collision Damage Waiver - (CDW), Damage Excess Waiver or Vehicle Damage Cover. It's basic cover that pays for accidental damage to the hire car under certain circumstances, and is usually subject to a large excess. See our specialist page here See our specialist page Here

Then there is Excess - this excess refers to a set amount that the hirer must pay towards the cost of any insurance claim. It can be set very high, ranging from around £500 to £1500..

Finally there is Vehicle Theft Cover or Theft Protection which provides cover for the theft of the hire car. This is usually included in the hire price and subject to a large excess.

The car hire excess insurance policies sold will normally provide cover covers the renter not only for the total amount of Excess for which the renter is are liable if the car is damaged or stolen, but also for damage to the roof and undercarriage of the car, and windows and tyres. (check with individual providers for full details).

No doubt excectives at car rental companies will be thinking up other names for insurance policies and rental terms in due course. All rather confusing.

Don't forget: Vehicle Condition Report (VCR): Essential to check the car before you sign this document, if you are unable to do report any damage you find by phone or returning as soon as you find it, not waiting till you return the car - More information here

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