What’s the best insurance for my rental car in Curaçao?

You're going to rent a car in Curaçao and don't want any nasty surprises. So, it is useful to insure your rental car properly. Unfortunately, rental companies have made this very difficult, by using unclear wording in their terms and conditions. Partly because of this, many people think that choosing the right insurance is the most difficult part of renting a car.

It helps if you understand what all those abbreviations and terms mean as well as what to pay attention to. It is possible to insure your rental car with certainty and without hassle. This is called all-risk insurance and we tell you how it works. Furthermore, we give you a clear overview of the separate insurance options.

Insuring a rental car full coverage on Curaçao

Full coverage (all-risk) insurance is used by many rental companies but does not always offer the same coverage everywhere. This is important to know but is not always clearly communicated! For things excluded from a policy, separate insurances can be taken out on the spot.

Before you accept the all-risk option, please read the terms and conditions carefully to know what is excluded and when you might be financially responsible for something.

All-risk or all-inclusive

Both the terms "all-risk" and "all-inclusive" are used in the car rental industry, but they do not mean the same thing.

All-risk insurance, also known as super CDW, is a type of insurance where you have no deductible. Please note the exclusions; usually, the roof, windows, tires, and the underside of the car are not covered by this insurance.

An all-inclusive package is offered by a rental company. In addition to all-risk insurance, it often includes an additional driver and unlimited mileage. Check with the rental company to see if damage to these areas is also included.

Use our rental car comparison platform to see which companies offer all-risk insurance. If it is available at your destination, you can select this option using the filters.

Insurances for rental cars on Curaçao

Maybe you don't want to insure the car all-risk but choose specific individual options that fit your needs. What individual insurance options are there for rental cars in Curaçao?

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)

This damage insurance limits the maximum amount for which you are liable for in case of damage to the car. The damage to the vehicle may be caused by collisions and accidents. However, there remains an excess that can lie between €700 ($850) and €2500 ($3,500). With Super CDW the excess will be forfeited.

LDW (Loss Damage Waiver)

This is the CDW supplemented with coverage for damage caused by theft and/or vandalism. However, depending on the situation, you could still owe money, despite having insurance.

TI (Third Party Insurance)

This insurance, which is also required in Curaçao, covers civil liability (WA). The coverage of this insurance is not always high enough and, in that case, you can take out additional insurance (ALI). For this insurance, there is a deductible that usually amounts to around €1000 ($1200).

ALI (Additional Liability Insurance)

If the TI does not provide sufficient coverage, this extra insurance can be taken out. However, depending on the situation, you could still owe money, despite having insurance.

TP (Theft Protection), also called THW (Theft waiver)

An insurance to cover damage caused by theft. However, depending on the situation, you could still owe money, despite having insurance. Top Cover TP has no or very low deductibles.

PAI (Personal Accident Insurance)

This is a passenger insurance that pays out in the event of injury or death. Tip: check the driver's standard third-party liability insurance. Often the compensation is better than the PAI and you don't have to purchase it. The PAI is especially useful when the third-party insurance decides not to pay out, for example when the driver is to blame for the accident.

GT (Tires and windows coverage)

This insurance provides protection against damage to tires and windows.

Above are the most common insurances and designations. With all these insurances, certain damages can be excluded and an extra cost might apply. Rental companies offer you the possibility to insure yourself for this as well.

Always read the rental and insurance policy terms and conditions that you plan to purchase. In them, you can read what exclusions there are. There are even insurances that do not pay for the damage after a traffic violation. All damage that is excluded must be paid for by you. That would put a damper on your vacation.