Rental Protection: CDW and TP
When renting a car in Lithuania,your booking usually includes basic protection. These are not traditional insurance policies but "waivers" that limit your financial liability.
1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
CDW limits your financial responsibility for damage to the car's bodywork.
- How it works: If the vehicle is damaged, you won’t have to pay the full cost of repairs. You are only responsible for a maximum fixed amount, known as the Excess.
- Amounts in the Baltics: For standard vehicles (e.g., VW Polo, Toyota Corolla), the standard excess typically ranges from €600 to €1,200, depending on the car group.
- What is NOT covered: Standard CDW usually excludes tires, wheels, glass, the undercarriage, and the interior.
2. Theft Protection (TP)
TP limits your liability if the rental car is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft.
- How it works: If the car is stolen, you are only liable to pay the Excess amount (which usually matches the CDW excess, €600 – €1,200).
- Requirements: To be covered, you must return the car keys and provide an official police report to the Hertz desk.
Typical Liability and Upgrade Costs
| Vehicle Group | Standard Excess (CDW/TP) | SuperCover (SC) Daily Fee | Liability with SuperCover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy/Compact (A, B, C) | ~€600 – €800 | ~€15 – €25 / day | €0 |
| Medium/SUV (D, F, G) | ~€800 – €1,000 | ~€20 – €30 / day | €0 |
| Premium/Vans (P, L) | ~€1,200+ | ~€35+ / day | €0 |
3. SuperCover (Zero Excess)
For total peace of mind while driving you can purchase SuperCover.
- Price: Usually starts from approximately €15–€20 per day.
- Benefit: It reduces your financial liability to €0.
Important Things to Know :
- Security Deposit: Upon pickup, a deposit will be "blocked" on your credit card. This amount usually covers the Excess + a full tank of fuel (typically ranging from €700 to €1,400).
- Cross-Border Travel: If you plan to drive between Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, please inform the Hertz agent. While your CDW/TP remains valid across all three states, a small cross-border fee (approx. €10 daily) may apply.