Quick Summary:
- CDW/LDW usually excludes towing, lost keys, and lockout charges.
- Roadside Assistance plans commonly cover towing and lockout service fees.
- Key replacement costs may need a dedicated key, lock, or roadside add-on.
- Read the rental agreement, exclusions, and fee schedule before collecting.
CDW and LDW are two of the most misunderstood parts of US car hire, especially when something minor but stressful happens, like locking the keys inside the vehicle, losing the key fob, or needing a tow. Many travellers assume “damage waiver” means “anything that goes wrong with the car”, but that is not how most rental agreements in the United Estates are written.
This guide explains what CDW/LDW typically does cover, what it normally excludes, and which add-ons can help with towing, lost keys, and lockouts. The exact wording differs by supplier, state, and vehicle category, so treat this as a practical checklist for what to look for on your paperwork.
What CDW/LDW is meant to cover on US car hire
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) are not insurance in the traditional sense, they are waivers offered by the rental company. When you accept them, the rental company agrees to waive some or all of its right to charge you for certain types of damage or loss to the rental vehicle.
In plain terms, CDW/LDW is usually aimed at accident-type losses: collision damage, vandalism, and theft of the vehicle. Some versions reduce your financial responsibility to a set excess, others reduce it to zero, but the waiver still comes with exclusions and conditions.
To compare waiver options and typical inclusions across suppliers, it helps to start from a general US car hire overview such as car hire United States, then move to the specific terms shown for your chosen supplier and vehicle.
Why towing, keys and lockouts are often excluded
Towing, keys, and lockouts are commonly treated as “service” costs, not “damage” costs. Even when there is no collision, the rental company may still incur expenses for a tow truck, roadside call-out, locksmith, replacement fob programming, or transporting a spare key. Because these events are frequent and sometimes preventable, many rental companies keep them outside standard waivers.
Another reason is that towing can occur for reasons CDW/LDW does not intend to cover, for example, running out of fuel, getting stuck due to driver error, or driving on an unpaved road where the contract forbids it. So instead of bundling towing into CDW/LDW, suppliers often address it via separate Roadside Assistance.
Does CDW/LDW cover towing?
Usually not. In many US car hire contracts, towing and recovery are excluded from CDW/LDW unless the tow is directly required as a result of a covered collision or covered theft, and even then there may be conditions. If the car becomes undriveable after an accident, some suppliers arrange towing as part of accident handling, but you should not assume it is automatically free.
Where towing charges commonly land on the renter includes:
Getting stuck in sand, mud, or snow, when recovery is not linked to a collision. Running out of fuel, using the wrong fuel, or draining the battery because lights were left on. Driving off authorised roads, or into areas excluded by the agreement. Ignoring warning lights and causing a breakdown that the supplier treats as misuse.
If you want towing covered for the broadest range of scenarios, look for an add-on typically called Roadside Assistance, Roadside Plus, Emergency Roadside Service, or similar. The key is to check whether it includes towing to the nearest approved repair facility and whether there is a mileage limit, such as a certain number of miles free, then a per-mile charge after that.
Vehicle type can matter too. Larger vehicles can be more expensive to tow. If you are hiring something bigger, such as an SUV or minivan, it is worth double-checking any towing limits and call-out fees. For background on common vehicle classes, see SUV hire United States and minivan hire United States.
Does CDW/LDW cover lost keys or stolen keys?
In most cases, no. Lost keys are usually treated as an administrative and replacement cost rather than damage from a collision. Many rental companies charge for:
Replacement key or fob cost. Programming fees for modern transponder keys. Towing or roadside call-out to bring a spare key. Time out of service, sometimes listed as “loss of use”. Locksmith charges, if needed.
If the keys are stolen as part of a broader theft (for example, a bag containing the keys is stolen), CDW/LDW still may not cover the key replacement itself. Some suppliers only waive vehicle theft loss, not accessories, keys, or personal items. If stolen keys lead to theft of the vehicle, the waiver might apply to the vehicle loss, but you could still be charged for key replacement and related fees depending on the terms.
To reduce surprises, look for a specific inclusion like “key replacement”, “lost key cover”, or a Roadside Assistance plan that explicitly includes replacement key delivery and programming. If the product wording only says “lockout service”, that may help you get back into the vehicle, but it may not cover replacing a missing key.
Does CDW/LDW cover lockouts?
Generally, no. Lockouts are usually treated as a convenience service, not a collision loss. If you lock the keys inside the car, you can often face a service charge, either from the supplier’s roadside provider or from a locksmith. Even if you have CDW/LDW with zero excess, that normally does not remove lockout call-out fees.
That said, lockout support is one of the most common features of Roadside Assistance add-ons. The important details are whether the plan covers unlimited lockout call-outs, whether there is a per-incident fee, and whether it covers after-hours service.
Which add-ons can cover towing, keys and lockouts?
Names vary by supplier, but these are the categories to look for when arranging US car hire:
Roadside Assistance (or similar), often the best match for towing and lockouts. It may include jump starts, flat tyre service, fuel delivery, and towing, but read the list carefully. Some plans only cover mechanical breakdown towing, not getting stuck.
Key and lock coverage, sometimes bundled into a premium roadside plan. This is most relevant for modern vehicles with expensive fobs. Check whether it covers the full cost of a new key and programming, or just delivery of a spare.
Tyre and windscreen protection, not directly related to keys or lockouts, but often purchased alongside roadside. If a tyre is damaged and needs replacement, roadside may tow you, while tyre protection may cover the tyre cost. Without both, you could pay for either the tow or the tyre, or both.
Supplier “full protection” bundles, sometimes marketed as a single package. These can reduce hassles, but you still need to confirm that key replacement and towing are explicitly included, not implied.
Supplier policies differ, so it can be useful to check typical approaches by brand pages when comparing like-for-like. For example, see Budget car rental United States and Thrifty car rental United States for general supplier context, then rely on your exact rental agreement for the definitive list of covered events and exclusions.
Common exclusions and “gotchas” to watch for
Even when you add Roadside Assistance, there can be limits. Here are common areas where renters in the United Estates get caught out:
Unauthorised roads or off-road use. If you drive somewhere prohibited, towing and damage costs can become your responsibility regardless of waivers.
Negligence or misuse. Leaving the vehicle running unattended, losing the key, or ignoring warning lights can trigger exclusions.
Distance limits. Some plans cap towing mileage. Past the cap, you pay per mile or per kilometre.
Administrative fees. Even if an item is “covered”, there may be processing fees. The contract may also charge “loss of use” or “diminution of value” unless specifically waived.
After-hours charges. If the call-out is outside normal operating hours, there may be an additional fee, particularly in remote areas.
What to check in the rental agreement before you drive away
If you only do one thing, find the section titled “Damage Waiver”, “Loss Damage Waiver”, “Roadside Assistance”, and “Prohibited Uses”. Then check these points:
Whether keys are listed under exclusions, along with a stated replacement cost. Whether lockout service is included, and if it is limited per incident. Whether towing is included, and under what circumstances. Whether there are mileage limits, and where the vehicle can be towed. Whether you must call a specific roadside number first, and whether using your own provider voids cover.
Also ask how charges are applied. Some suppliers charge your card immediately, others add costs when the vehicle is returned, and others place a higher authorisation hold at pick-up if you decline certain add-ons.
What to do if you lose keys or need a tow
Steps matter because using the wrong provider can create avoidable charges.
For lost keys, call the supplier first and follow their process. They may send a spare key, direct you to a branch, or arrange towing. Ask for the estimated total, including key, programming, delivery, and any downtime fees, so you can make an informed choice.
For lockouts, use the roadside number provided by the supplier or the assistance plan. If you call a local locksmith without approval, you may have to pay out of pocket and still be billed by the supplier.
For towing, confirm the authorised towing provider and destination. Towing to the “nearest garage” may not be acceptable if the rental company requires an approved location.
Keep receipts, note times and call reference numbers, and take photos if there is any damage or roadside incident involved. Clear documentation can help if there is a billing dispute later.
Putting it all together for US car hire
So, does CDW/LDW cover towing, lost keys, and lockouts on US car hire? Most of the time, no, not in the broad, everyday sense travellers expect. CDW/LDW is primarily about collision or theft-related loss to the vehicle, while keys, lockouts, and towing are usually handled as separate service items.
The practical solution is to read the waiver exclusions and decide whether a Roadside Assistance add-on, a key replacement feature, or a bundled protection package matches your trip. If you are driving long distances, travelling through remote areas, or hiring vehicles with expensive fobs, spending a few minutes on the towing and key clauses can prevent a very costly surprise.
FAQ
Is CDW the same as Roadside Assistance on US car hire? No. CDW/LDW usually relates to damage or loss of the vehicle, while Roadside Assistance covers services like towing, jump starts, and lockout help.
If I have LDW with zero excess, will I still pay for a lockout? Often, yes. Zero excess on vehicle damage does not usually remove service call-out fees for unlocking the car.
Will a roadside plan always cover towing? Not always. Many plans cover towing for mechanical breakdowns, but may exclude recovery from sand, mud, or prohibited roads, and may include mileage limits.
How expensive can lost keys be with a modern key fob? Costs can be high because you may pay for the fob, programming, delivery, and sometimes towing or downtime fees, depending on the supplier’s terms.
What is the safest first step if I need help? Call the number on your rental agreement or the supplier’s roadside line first, and follow their instructions before arranging your own tow or locksmith.
