2025 International Car Rental Insurance Guide: CDW, SLI, Excess Rules for U.S. Travelers
2025 International Car Rental Insurance Guide: CDW, SLI, Excess, and What U.S. Drivers Must Carry Abroad Meta Description: 2025 guide to international car rental insurance for U.S. travelers. CDW, LDW, SLI, Excess rules, country requirements, and credit card coverage explained. TL;DR Summary CDW/LDW covers the rental vehicle; SLI covers liability to others; Excess determines your out-of-pocket cost. Europe, Japan, Australia, and Thailand all have different mandatory insurance rules U.S. drivers must follow. Premium travel credit cards often provide CDW but rarely offer SLI or zero-excess protection. U.S. drivers abroad must confirm: liability minimums, excess waiver options, and credit-card CDW eligibility. Average overseas rental insurance can range from $10–$45/day depending on country and coverage level. Understanding the Core Insurance Terms Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) CDW is not technically insurance but a waiver that reduces your financial responsibi...