Quick Summary:
- Ask if the CDW/LDW deductible applies per incident, not per rental.
- Confirm whether multiple damages on one day count as one claim.
- Check if windshield, tyres, underbody, and keys are excluded.
- Get the deductible amount in writing before accepting cover at pick-up.
When you pick up a car hire in Florida, the counter often mentions CDW or LDW and an “excess” or “deductible”. Travellers commonly assume that amount can only be charged once during the trip, but many policies and rental agreements apply the deductible per claim. That difference matters, because two separate incidents can mean two deductibles, even within the same rental.
In simple terms, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) limit what you pay if the hire car is damaged or stolen. They are not always insurance in a technical sense, but they work similarly from the driver’s point of view. The key point for Florida car hire is how the deductible is triggered, how a “claim” is defined, and whether multiple events can lead to multiple charges.
If you are collecting near Orlando International, you may see these terms while arranging transport for theme parks or road trips, including via car rental at Orlando MCO. The same deductible logic applies across Florida, whether you are renting in Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale.
What “per claim” and “per rental” actually mean
Per claim (per incident) means the deductible is applied each time there is a separate loss event. If you scrape a bumper on Monday and a door is dented in a car park on Thursday, those may be treated as two claims. Each claim can carry its own deductible charge up to the stated amount.
Per rental means the deductible is applied only once for the entire rental period, regardless of how many incidents occur. This is less common in standard rental terms, but some premium protections or specific policies may operate closer to this approach, or may cap your total liability for a rental.
Because “deductible”, “excess”, “damage fee”, and “claim” can be used loosely at the counter, you should confirm the rule in writing. The contract and the supplier’s terms are what matter, not a quick verbal summary.
Why Florida renters get caught out
Florida is heavy on high-volume airport rentals, short stays, and multi-stop itineraries. People may collect in one place, drive through several cities, then return the vehicle elsewhere. More miles and more parking stops can mean more opportunities for minor damage, and minor damage is exactly where deductibles tend to bite.
It is also common for travellers to rely on a mix of protections, for example the rental company’s LDW plus a separate policy from a card provider or a standalone excess reimbursement product. In those setups, the rental company may still charge the deductible per claim first, then you seek reimbursement later, subject to the separate policy’s rules.
If you are renting on the Gulf Coast through car hire at Tampa TPA, the same principle applies. The question is not “Is there a deductible?”, it is “How many times can it be charged during my rental?”
How a “claim” is defined, and why it matters
Most rental documents treat a claim as one event that results in damage or loss. However, the boundaries can be unclear in real life. These are the situations that most often create confusion:
Multiple damage points from one accident. If you hit a kerb and damage a wheel and bumper in one moment, that is typically one incident, so one claim. But it can still involve different repair categories and administrative fees.
Separate incidents on different dates. A scratch on one day and a cracked mirror later is usually two incidents, therefore two claims and potentially two deductibles.
Unattended damage. If you return to the car and find new damage, it may be treated as its own claim, even if you suspect it happened earlier. This is one reason why documenting the vehicle at pick-up and during the rental is so important.
Weather events. Hail damage or flood-related damage can be treated as a separate loss event. Florida weather can be unpredictable, so ask how these scenarios are handled under the waiver you accept.
If your trip takes you through Miami, you might collect a larger vehicle to fit passengers and luggage, for example from van rental in Miami. With bigger vehicles, minor scrapes in parking structures can be more common, so understanding per-claim deductibles becomes even more relevant.
Typical outcomes: examples without the paperwork headaches
Imagine your Florida car hire agreement lists a deductible of $500 under LDW. What could happen?
Scenario A, one incident. You reverse into a low post and dent the rear bumper. The supplier treats it as one claim. You could be charged up to $500 plus any permitted administrative fees, depending on the contract.
Scenario B, two incidents. You have the bumper incident, then later a stone chip cracks the windscreen and windscreens are covered but subject to the same deductible. That can mean up to $500 for the first claim and up to $500 for the second claim.
Scenario C, exclusions apply. Your agreement excludes tyres and underbody. You damage a tyre and wheel. Even if you have LDW, that part might not be covered, so your cost could exceed the stated deductible. This is why “deductible per claim” is only half the story, the other half is what is actually covered.
CDW vs LDW, and what the letters do not tell you
In Florida, CDW often refers to damage from collision, while LDW may include theft as well as collision damage. But naming conventions vary by supplier. The deductible amount and claim rules depend on the contract wording, not the label.
Also, third-party liability is usually separate from CDW/LDW. If you are comparing cover options, keep liability, damage waiver, theft protection, and personal accident cover as distinct items. Confusing these is an easy way to think you have protection you do not.
What to confirm before you accept cover at the counter
To answer the title question for Florida car hire properly, you need to confirm whether the deductible is charged per claim or per rental, and then confirm what counts as a claim. Use these practical checks:
1) “Is the deductible applied per incident, and can it be charged more than once?” Ask for the answer to be shown on the agreement or the supplier’s terms. If the staff member uses the phrase “per occurrence” or “per loss”, that usually means per claim.
2) “How do you define a separate incident?” Specifically ask about unattended damage, multiple damage points discovered on return, and whether damage discovered at drop-off can be split into separate claims.
3) “What items are excluded from the waiver?” Windscreen, glass, tyres, wheels, roof, underbody, interior, keys, and towing are common problem areas. Exclusions can turn a small mishap into a large bill regardless of deductibles.
4) “Are there additional fees beyond the deductible?” Some contracts allow administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, towing, impound fees, or diminished value. The deductible might not be your full exposure.
5) “What is the procedure if damage happens?” If you must file a police report or contact the supplier immediately, failing to do so can affect cover. Understanding the steps can prevent a denial later.
These checks apply whether you are using a mainstream brand location such as Thrifty car hire in Fort Lauderdale or another supplier. The terms can vary, so do not rely on assumptions from a previous rental.
How to reduce the chance of multiple deductibles in one trip
You cannot control every risk, but you can reduce the odds of separate claims during a Florida car hire:
Document condition at pick-up. Take clear photos and short video of all panels, wheels, glass, interior, and the fuel level. Do it in good light before leaving the lot.
Re-check the vehicle during the rental. If you notice new damage, photograph it immediately and report it according to the agreement. Early reporting can help keep the facts clear.
Park defensively. Choose well-lit areas, avoid tight spots, and be cautious in multi-storey car parks where pillars and kerbs cause frequent scrapes.
Understand driver rules. Unauthorised drivers, driving on unpaved roads, or violating use restrictions can void waivers, making the deductible discussion irrelevant.
Keep paperwork accessible. If an incident occurs, you may need the contract number, emergency line, and instructions quickly.
Deductibles and third-party “excess reimbursement” style policies
Some travellers use a separate product that reimburses the deductible after the rental company charges it. If you do that, the “per claim” question still matters because you may have to pay multiple deductibles upfront if multiple incidents occur.
Also check whether the reimbursement policy has its own limits per claim and per rental, plus exclusions that differ from the rental company’s list. A mismatch can leave gaps, for example if tyres are excluded by one policy but covered by another, or if administration fees are not reimbursed.
What to do if you are told “it’s just once”
If a counter agent says the deductible is “just once”, ask them to show you where the contract caps it per rental. If it is not written, assume the deductible can apply per claim. Staff can be helpful, but the signed agreement governs what you owe.
If you are comparing options across Florida locations, keep your focus on three numbers: the deductible amount, whether it is per claim, and what is excluded. Once you have those, you can judge cover options more accurately than by label alone.
FAQ
Is the CDW/LDW deductible usually charged per claim or per rental in Florida? It is usually charged per claim, meaning each separate incident can trigger a new deductible, unless the written terms clearly cap it per rental.
If I have two scratches from the same parking mishap, is that one claim? Often yes, if the damage comes from one event, it is typically treated as one claim. The supplier’s assessment and contract wording decide how it is recorded.
Can I be charged a deductible even if the damage is small? Yes. If repairs are needed and the damage is covered under the waiver, you can be charged up to the deductible for that claim, plus any permitted fees.
Do windscreen, tyres, and underbody damage follow the same deductible rules? Sometimes, but these items are frequently excluded or treated differently. Always confirm whether they are covered and whether a separate excess applies.
What should I check on the agreement before I drive away? Confirm the deductible amount, whether it applies per incident, the list of exclusions, and the required steps after an accident or theft, then keep a copy for reference.
