Quick Summary:
- CDW/LDW often excludes windscreen and glass, unless specifically stated.
- If glass is excluded, you may pay the full replacement cost.
- Check for separate glass, windscreen, or “all risk” add-ons.
- Inspect and photograph glass at pick-up, report chips immediately.
When you compare a US car hire quote for Florida, you will often see CDW or LDW listed in the inclusions. Many travellers assume that means any damage is covered, including a cracked windscreen from highway debris or a broken side window after a break-in. In practice, glass is one of the most common grey areas in rental agreements, because CDW/LDW wording varies by supplier, state, and even vehicle category.
This guide explains how glass and windscreen damage is typically treated on Florida rentals, what “excess” and “deductible” can mean for you, and which optional protections are worth checking carefully before you sign at the counter.
What CDW and LDW usually mean on US rentals
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) are waivers, not traditional insurance policies. They generally reduce or remove the rental company’s right to charge you for damage or loss to the vehicle, provided you follow the agreement terms. On many US car hire deals, CDW/LDW is either included in the rate or offered as an optional extra.
However, a key detail is what counts as “damage covered by the waiver”. Standard wording often focuses on collision and theft-related loss to the vehicle body. Glass, tyres, wheels, roof, and underbody are frequently excluded, or covered only in limited circumstances. That is why two quotes can both say “CDW included” yet leave you with very different exposure if a windscreen gets chipped on I-95.
If you are picking up near Orlando, for example, you may see CDW/LDW bundled on packages around car hire at Orlando MCO. The inclusion is helpful, but it does not remove the need to confirm whether windscreen and other glass are explicitly included, and whether a deductible applies.
Does CDW/LDW cover windscreens and glass in Florida?
Typically, standard CDW/LDW on US rentals does not automatically include windscreen and glass. Some suppliers treat glass as part of the vehicle and include it under the waiver, but many apply one of the following approaches:
Glass excluded outright, meaning any windscreen, side window, rear window, mirror glass, or sunroof damage is chargeable.
Glass covered only with a deductible, so the waiver applies but you still pay up to a stated excess amount.
Glass covered only if you add an extra, often called “Windshield Protection”, “Glass and Tyre Protection”, or sometimes bundled under a broader “Roadside and glass” package.
Glass covered, but subject to conditions, such as reporting timeframes, police reports for vandalism, or restrictions on where the vehicle is driven.
Because Florida is a high-mileage driving destination, windscreen chips from road grit are common. Even a small chip can lead to a full windscreen replacement if it spreads, and replacements can be expensive on newer cars with cameras or sensors mounted to the glass.
Common glass damage exclusions to look for
The rental agreement and the rental company’s terms are where you will find the decisive wording. Before signing, look for exclusions that mention:
Windscreens and windows, sometimes grouped with “glass, lights, lenses”.
Mirrors, which may be treated as glass or as a separate exterior part.
Roof glass or sunroofs, often excluded with roof damage.
Tyres and wheels, because glass and tyre protection are sometimes sold together. Even if your question is about glass, you may end up buying a bundle, so you should understand both.
Interior damage and vandalism, which matters if a side window is smashed during a break-in. Some waivers require a police report for vandalism-related claims, even if the damage is “just glass”.
Negligence and prohibited use, such as driving off-road, ignoring warning lights, or continuing to drive with a cracked windscreen.
If you are collecting around South Florida, terms can be similar across locations, but always check the actual supplier at your chosen branch. Deals around Budget car hire in Miami may show CDW/LDW in the inclusions, yet glass cover can still depend on the precise plan you select and the contract you sign.
Excess, deductible, and “you still pay something” scenarios
Even when CDW/LDW applies, you may have a deductible (also called an excess). This is the amount you could be charged before the waiver covers the rest. The key point for glass damage is that deductibles can apply differently depending on the damage type.
Here are typical real-world outcomes:
Chip repair billed as damage. A small windscreen chip might be billed as a repair fee. If glass is excluded, you pay it in full. If glass is included with a deductible, you pay up to that deductible.
Full replacement cost charged. A cracked windscreen can be far more expensive than people expect, especially with calibration for driver-assistance systems. If glass is excluded, the waiver may not help at all.
Administrative and loss-of-use charges. Some rental companies add administration fees, and in certain cases charges for vehicle downtime. Whether these are waived depends on the supplier terms and the protection you bought.
Multiple parts damaged. A stone could crack the windscreen and chip the bonnet. Your CDW might cover the bodywork but not the glass, creating a split bill.
For travellers planning longer drives, perhaps a loop from Tampa to the Keys, understanding the deductible matters as much as understanding whether glass is included. If you are comparing options from car hire at Tampa TPA, look beyond the headline inclusions and check the damage sections for any separate glass limits.
Add-ons to check before you sign
If you want to reduce your exposure for windscreen and other glass damage, the protection you need may be sold separately. Names vary, but you are generally looking for one of these:
Glass or windscreen protection, which may cover repair and replacement for windscreen and windows, sometimes excluding mirrors or roof glass.
Glass and tyre protection, a common bundle that covers windscreen, windows, tyres, and sometimes wheels. Read carefully, because “tyres” might not include wheel rims, and “glass” might not include mirrors.
Zero excess or excess reimbursement products. Some packages reduce the deductible to zero for covered damage categories. Others may reimburse you after you pay the supplier first. The practical difference is whether you may need to pay upfront at the counter and claim back later.
Roadside assistance packages. These can be valuable if a glass incident leaves the vehicle unsafe to drive, but roadside assistance does not necessarily mean the damage itself is covered. Confirm whether it is simply service, or service plus damage waiver.
Personal effects cover. This does not fix the car, but it can be relevant if a window is broken during theft from the vehicle.
When you are offered these at pick-up, slow down and check the exclusions, what is covered, and whether the protection changes your excess. In tourist-heavy areas such as Miami Beach, you may see a wide range of options on the counter. If you are researching Dollar car hire in Miami Beach, factor in not just the base rate but the protections you would realistically want for your driving plans.
What to inspect at pick-up to protect yourself
Because glass damage can be subtle, a careful inspection at pick-up is one of the simplest ways to avoid disputes later.
Check the windscreen from inside and outside. Look for tiny chips, star cracks, or wiper scuffs. Turn your head and change angles, chips can be hard to spot straight on.
Check all windows and mirrors. Pay attention to the edges of the glass where chips can hide.
Photograph and video evidence. Take clear, time-stamped photos of the windscreen, including close-ups of any marks, and a wider shot showing the vehicle registration plate.
Make sure it is recorded. Ask the agent to note any chips or cracks on the condition report. If they say it is “too small”, insist it is still recorded.
Ask about chip policy. Some suppliers treat chips under a certain size differently. You want to know what triggers a charge.
What to do if a windscreen chips during your Florida trip
Small chips can spread quickly with heat, air conditioning, and highway speeds. If you notice a chip:
Report it promptly using the number on your rental agreement. Delays can be treated as negligence if the damage worsens.
Avoid DIY repairs unless authorised. A shop-bought repair kit might be seen as unauthorised repair. Ask first.
Keep documentation. If you are instructed to visit a repair shop, keep receipts and the work order, even if you did not pay.
Do not keep driving if visibility is affected. A crack in the driver’s field of view can create safety issues and potential legal concerns.
Understand payment handling. If you have an excess reimbursement product, you may still need to pay the rental company and claim later. Make sure you know what evidence is required, such as an invoice, damage report, and proof of payment.
Florida-specific context: why glass claims are common
Florida driving often means long motorway stretches, frequent construction zones, and plenty of highway mileage between theme parks, beaches, and day trips. Add summer heat and sudden rainstorms, and windscreens take a lot of stress. Even if you are careful, a stone thrown up by another vehicle can happen anywhere, from the Turnpike to coastal A1A routes.
Also, parking in busy areas can increase the risk of vandalism or break-ins. If a side window is smashed, whether that is covered may depend on whether your waiver includes glass, whether vandalism is treated differently, and whether you provide a police report when required.
How to compare car hire quotes with glass cover in mind
When comparing car hire options, try to standardise the protections so you are comparing like with like. Two quotes can look similar until you check glass, tyres, and excess.
Use this checklist when you review the inclusions and the rental terms:
1) Is CDW or LDW included? If yes, check the exact wording on what parts are covered.
2) Is windscreen and glass explicitly included? Look for “glass” or “windscreen” by name, not assumptions.
3) What is the deductible for damage? Confirm whether glass shares the same deductible or has its own rule.
4) Are tyres, wheels, roof, and underbody excluded? These exclusions often sit alongside glass exclusions.
5) Are there extra fees for administration or loss of use? If they exist, check whether your protection waives them.
6) What is required after an incident? Reporting deadlines, paperwork, and whether a police report is needed.
If you are travelling with family and luggage, vehicle choice can matter too. Larger vehicles sometimes have more expensive windscreens due to size and features. When comparing minivan hire in Florida options, pay extra attention to windscreen replacement costs and whether glass is included under your chosen protection.
FAQ
Is CDW/LDW the same as full insurance for a Florida car hire? No. CDW/LDW is a waiver with exclusions and conditions, and it may not cover glass, tyres, or underbody. Always read what parts and events are excluded.
If my windscreen chips on the motorway, will I definitely be charged? Not definitely, but it is possible. If glass is excluded, you are usually responsible. If glass is covered with a deductible, you may pay up to that amount.
What wording should I look for to confirm glass is included? Look for terms such as “glass”, “windscreen”, “windows”, or “glass and windscreen cover” listed in inclusions or protection details, not just “CDW/LDW”.
Do I need a police report for a broken window? Often yes if the window is broken due to vandalism or theft, but rules vary by supplier. If in doubt, report it to the police and to the rental company immediately.
Can I rely on my card or travel policy for windscreen damage? It depends on the policy terms and whether it covers rental car glass damage, and whether it reimburses after you pay the rental company. Check exclusions and claim requirements before you travel.
