What Is Included in Basic CDW?
Every Hermanos Car Rental vehicle comes with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included in the quoted price. CDW is not insurance in the traditional sense. It is a waiver that limits how much you owe if the rental car sustains accidental damage during normal road use. Think of it as a cap on your financial exposure rather than a zero-cost guarantee.
With standard CDW active, if you are involved in a collision or the car is damaged while parked, you pay only up to the agreed excess (deductible) amount and we absorb the rest. The excess varies by vehicle class, typically $500 for economy cars and up to $1,000 for larger SUVs and 4x4s. This is a significant saving compared to paying the full market repair cost out of pocket, which can run into several thousand dollars for bodywork damage.
Standard CDW Covers:
- Accidental body damage on paved public roads
- Windscreen and glass damage (with Super CDW upgrade)
- Single-vehicle incidents on approved roads
- Third-party property damage up to policy limits
What CDW Does NOT Cover
This is where many renters are caught off guard. CDW has explicit exclusions that are standard across the industry, and some that are especially relevant in Aruba's unique landscape.
- Theft of the vehicle or its contents
- Damage to tyres, wheels, and undercarriage
- Off-road damage (dirt tracks, beaches, riverbeds)
- Damage caused by driving under the influence
- Personal belongings left in the car
- Damage to other vehicles or personal injury to third parties (separate liability cover required)
- Damage caused by a driver not listed on the rental agreement
Optional Full Coverage (Super CDW)
For complete peace of mind, we offer a Super CDW upgrade that reduces your excess to zero and extends your protection significantly. This is the option we recommend for first-time visitors to Aruba, families travelling with children, and anyone planning to explore the island beyond the main highways.
Full coverage adds theft protection for the vehicle, covers windscreen and glass damage, and includes tyre and wheel protection. It does not cover personal belongings. For that you would need your own travel insurance policy. The Super CDW upgrade is priced per day and can be added at the time of booking or at vehicle pickup.
Super CDW typically adds $15–$25 per day depending on vehicle category. For a 7-day rental, that is roughly $105–$175 for total peace of mind. Compare that to a single tyre replacement ($150+) or a windscreen repair ($300+) and the math becomes obvious.
Aruba-Specific Risks to Know
Aruba is a small island but it has some terrain that catches visitors completely off guard. The northern and eastern coasts feature rugged volcanic rock, unpaved access roads to natural pools (Conchi / Natural Pool), and sandy beach tracks. These are among the most spectacular spots on the island, but reaching them requires a capable 4x4 and the right insurance.
Standard CDW explicitly excludes any damage that occurs on unpaved surfaces. This means if you attempt to drive a standard sedan down the dirt road to Dos Playa or Boca Prins and crack your axle or puncture both rear tyres, you are personally liable for every cent of the repair bill. We have seen damage claims exceed $2,000 for exactly this scenario.
If your itinerary includes the Natural Pool, Arikok National Park backcountry, or any northern coastal access roads, you need two things: a Jeep Wrangler or equivalent 4x4, and the off-road protection add-on. Please ask our team about this before you set off. We want you to have an amazing adventure, safely covered.
Using Your Credit Card Insurance
Many travellers assume their credit card automatically covers rental car damage anywhere in the world. The reality is more nuanced. Here are the key points to verify with your card issuer before you decide to rely on this coverage:
Primary vs Secondary
Most cards offer secondary coverage, meaning your personal auto insurance pays first. If you have no personal auto insurance (common for non-US residents), the credit card may act as primary.
Vehicle Exclusions
Many cards exclude trucks, vans, luxury vehicles, and off-road vehicles. Always check whether your chosen category qualifies.
Duration Limits
Coverage typically caps at 15–31 consecutive rental days. Long-term renters should purchase separate coverage.
The Waiver Requirement
To activate credit card coverage you usually must decline the rental company's own CDW. If you accept CDW, the card benefit may not apply.
Insurance FAQ
Is CDW the same as full insurance?
No. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your liability for damage to the rental car body but does not cover theft, personal belongings, third-party liability, or damage to the undercarriage and tyres. Full coverage adds those protections.
Does my credit card cover rental car insurance in Aruba?
Some premium credit cards (Visa Signature, Mastercard World Elite) provide secondary rental car coverage. Always call your card issuer before you travel to confirm coverage applies internationally and in Aruba specifically. You still need to decline CDW at the counter for the credit card benefit to activate, and many cards exclude SUVs and 4x4 vehicles.
What happens if I drive off-road without the upgrade?
Damage sustained on unpaved roads, beaches, or off-road terrain is explicitly excluded from standard CDW. Aruba has many tempting dirt tracks leading to natural pools and secluded bays. If you plan to explore these areas, the off-road protection upgrade is essential. Otherwise you bear the full repair cost.
Am I covered if someone else drives the car?
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered. Adding an additional driver takes just a few minutes at pickup and carries a small daily fee. Never let an unlisted driver take the wheel. Any damage that occurs will not be covered.
What is the excess/deductible amount?
With standard CDW the excess is typically $500–$1,000 depending on the vehicle category. Our Super CDW (full coverage upgrade) reduces the excess to $0. Ask our team for the exact figure for your chosen vehicle when you book.
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