Quick Summary:
- CDW/LDW often excludes tyres, glass and underbody damage in the US.
- Read the rental agreement, exclusions vary by state, supplier and vehicle class.
- Consider tyre and windscreen protection, or a broader damage waiver add-on.
- Report damage promptly, keep photos and receipts to support any claim.
When you pick up a rental car in the United States, CDW or LDW can sound like a simple answer to “am I covered?”. In practice, it is one of the most misunderstood parts of car hire. CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) typically reduce, or sometimes remove, the amount you pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. However, they are not the same as fully comprehensive motor insurance, and they often come with exclusions.
The big three exclusions travellers ask about are tyres, windscreens and underbody damage. These areas are common sources of surprise charges because they are easy to damage, hard to prove fault, and sometimes treated as “wear and tear” or “off-road misuse”. The exact wording differs by supplier and location, but there are reliable patterns you can use to avoid unpleasant costs.
If you are comparing options for car rental United States or looking at car hire in the United States through Hola Car Rentals, it helps to know what these waivers usually do, what they usually do not, and which add-ons are designed to fill the gaps.
What CDW/LDW usually covers on US car hire
On US car hire, CDW/LDW is generally a waiver that limits your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle, and sometimes for theft, subject to terms. If included or purchased, it often means the supplier will not pursue you for the full repair cost after an accident. In some cases you still have an excess (deductible), and in other cases the excess is reduced to zero. The key is that CDW/LDW is a contractual waiver, not a promise that every type of damage is included.
Most CDW/LDW terms focus on collision damage to the bodywork and panels, and loss of the vehicle due to theft. Many also include damage from impact with another vehicle or object, again subject to compliance with the rental agreement. The exclusions, rather than the headline cover, are what decide whether tyres, windscreens and underbody are treated as “damage covered by the waiver” or “damage you pay for separately”.
Do CDW/LDW policies cover tyres?
Tyre damage is frequently excluded from standard CDW/LDW on US car hire. Common excluded scenarios include punctures, blowouts, sidewall damage and wheel damage (alloy scuffs, cracked rims). Some suppliers treat tyres and wheels as separate components, and may charge for the tyre, the wheel, labour, and sometimes towing if the car cannot be driven.
Why the exclusion? Tyres are considered high-frequency damage items and are easily affected by road hazards such as nails, potholes and kerbs. Suppliers may also argue that misuse, for example driving with low pressure, can contribute. Even if you did nothing wrong, many agreements still place tyre responsibility on the renter unless an extra protection product is purchased.
Practical steps that reduce tyre-related costs include checking tyre condition at pick-up, photographing each wheel and tyre sidewall, and confirming the spare, jack kit, or tyre inflator is present if the vehicle is meant to have one. If you get a puncture, follow the supplier’s instructions, unauthorised repairs can complicate reimbursement.
Do CDW/LDW policies cover windscreens and other glass?
Windscreens (and sometimes other glass such as windows and mirrors) are also commonly excluded from standard CDW/LDW. Stone chips and cracks can happen on motorways, and the damage may worsen quickly with temperature changes or vibration. Suppliers often treat glass as a separate category, sometimes called “glass coverage” or “windscreen protection”.
Exclusions can apply even when you have CDW/LDW, meaning you might still be charged for replacement, calibration of driver assistance sensors, and administrative fees. Modern vehicles can be expensive here, because many windscreens integrate cameras or heating elements. Even a small chip can require attention if it is in the driver’s line of sight.
At pick-up, inspect the windscreen carefully in good light, check for existing chips, and make sure any marks are recorded. If you notice damage after you start your trip, report it quickly. Late reporting can make it harder to show it was a road incident rather than misuse.
Do CDW/LDW policies cover underbody damage?
Underbody damage is one of the most frequently excluded areas under CDW/LDW for US car hire. This can include damage to the oil pan, exhaust, suspension components, drivetrain, bumpers underneath, and sometimes the fuel tank area. It often happens when driving over kerbs, debris, deep potholes, steep driveways, or on unpaved roads.
Many rental agreements also restrict where you can drive. If the supplier considers the road “off-road” or not properly maintained, they may treat resulting underbody damage as a breach of contract. Even if the route looks like a normal shortcut, gravel tracks, beach access roads, and construction zones can create disputes.
To reduce risk, match the vehicle type to your route. If you need extra clearance for rural areas, consider whether a larger vehicle class is appropriate. If you are evaluating a people carrier or cargo option through van hire in the United States, confirm permitted road types and whether underbody is ever included in the waiver or an add-on.
Common reasons these areas are excluded
Although each supplier is different, there are recurring reasons tyres, glass and underbody are separated from standard CDW/LDW:
High likelihood and hard-to-prove events. A puncture or chip can happen without any obvious incident.
Wear-and-tear arguments. Tyres are consumable, and suppliers may frame damage as maintenance-related.
Misuse or prohibited roads. Underbody issues often connect to road choice or driving style.
Cost volatility. Windscreen replacement can be far more expensive than expected.
What add-ons may be needed for more complete protection
If tyres, windscreens and underbody are important concerns for your trip, there are several add-ons you may see at the counter or pre-purchase as part of the car hire package. Names vary, but the intent is similar: reduce the parts of damage that CDW/LDW excludes.
Tyre and wheel protection. Designed to cover punctures, blowouts, wheel damage, and sometimes towing related to a flat tyre. Check if it covers both tyre and rim, and whether there is a cap per incident.
Glass and windscreen protection. May cover windscreen replacement and sometimes side windows and mirrors. Look for whether sensor recalibration is included, as that can be a significant extra cost.
Underbody protection. Less common as a standalone product, but sometimes included in a broader “extended protection” package. Still, it may exclude damage from prohibited roads, so confirm the road restrictions.
Zero excess damage waiver upgrades. Some suppliers offer a tier that reduces the deductible to zero for covered damage. This does not automatically mean tyres, glass or underbody are covered, so you still need to read the excluded parts list.
Supplier policies can differ. For example, when reviewing terms for brands such as Dollar car hire United States or Enterprise car rental United States, compare the waiver inclusions, exclusions, and any available tyre, glass, or underbody products.
How to check what your specific rental includes
The safest approach is to verify cover at three points, because the detail can change depending on supplier, state, and vehicle class.
1) Before you travel: Review the inclusions and exclusions in the booking confirmation and the supplier’s rental terms for your location. Look specifically for the words “glass”, “windscreen”, “tyres”, “wheels”, “undercarriage” and “underbody”.
2) At the counter: Ask the agent to confirm, in plain language, whether tyres, glass and underbody are covered under your CDW/LDW. If an add-on is offered, ask what it covers and what it excludes, and whether it is subject to any deductible.
3) On the rental agreement: The signed agreement is what is enforced. If something matters to you, do not rely on general statements. Make sure the product name and coverage are consistent with the written terms.
Also consider how you plan to use the car. City driving increases kerb damage and pothole risk, while long highway drives increase stone chip risk. Even parking location can matter, because break-ins and vandalism may trigger separate rules.
What to do if you get tyre, windscreen or underbody damage
If damage happens during your US car hire, the actions you take can affect charges and claim outcomes:
Document immediately. Take clear photos of the damage, the surroundings, and any road hazard that caused it. Note the time and location.
Contact the supplier. Use the emergency or roadside number provided. For tyre issues, ask whether they want you to replace the tyre, use roadside assistance, or bring the car in.
Keep receipts. If you are authorised to pay for a repair, keep itemised receipts and any written authorisation.
Report accidents properly. If there is an accident or third-party involvement, follow local reporting rules and the rental agreement. Even if CDW/LDW applies, failure to report can void the waiver.
Key takeaways for avoiding surprise charges
For many renters, CDW/LDW is worth having because it can cap large collision costs. The gap is that the most common “small but painful” incidents often sit in exclusions. Tyres, windscreens and underbody damage are not automatically included, and you should assume they are excluded unless the paperwork clearly says otherwise.
When comparing providers and packages, focus less on the headline “CDW included” message and more on the excluded parts list and the deductible. If your route includes rougher road surfaces, long highway miles, or lots of urban parking, it can be sensible to look for add-ons that specifically mention tyres, wheels, glass and underbody.
FAQ
Is CDW the same thing as car insurance on US car hire? No. CDW/LDW is a contractual damage waiver that can limit what you pay for certain vehicle damage or theft. It can still exclude tyres, glass and underbody, and it may not include liability cover.
If I have LDW with zero excess, are tyres and windscreens covered? Not necessarily. “Zero excess” usually applies only to damage types included in that waiver. Many agreements still exclude tyres, wheels, windscreen and underbody unless specifically stated.
What counts as underbody or undercarriage damage? It typically means damage underneath the vehicle, such as the oil pan, exhaust, suspension parts, protective shields or lower bumpers. The exact definition is in the rental agreement.
Can I be charged for a tiny windscreen chip? Yes. Some suppliers charge for chips that require repair, and for cracks that require replacement. Costs can include glass, labour, and sensor recalibration depending on the vehicle.
How can I reduce disputes about pre-existing damage? Do a careful walkaround at pick-up and return, take dated photos of tyres and glass, and ensure any chips, scuffs or cracks are written on the check-out report before you drive away.
