What is EDW (Excess Damage Waiver)?
At Salford Van Hire, every car, van and commercial vehicle (up to 7.5T GVW) comes with comprehensive insurance as standard. However, like most rental companies, this insurance includes an excess – the amount you are liable to pay in the event of damage, loss or a third-party claim.
Our Excess Damage Waiver (EDW) gives you extra peace of mind by reducing or even removing the amount you would have to pay if something goes wrong.
How EDW Works
- If your hire vehicle is damaged or involved in an accident, you are normally responsible for the full insurance excess.
- By taking out EDW at the start of your hire, you can:
- Reduce your deposit and excess (the amount you’d be liable for).
- In some cases, be protected from losing your deposit altogether.
For example:
- A standard van deposit may be £500 with a £500 excess.
- With EDW, your deposit could stay the same, but your excess may reduce to £100. Or, you could hire a car that’s normally £1000 deposit and £1000 excess, but with EDW you’ll only need to pay £500 and you’re liable for £500 excess for any damage.
This means less risk and more reassurance during your hire.
Important to Know About EDW
- Eligibility: EDW is only available to drivers who:
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
- Are 25 years of age or older.
- Have a satisfactory driving record.
- Vehicle types covered: Cars, vans, commercials and 7/9 seaters.
- Not available for: Non-UK licence holders (as we cannot check driving endorsements/restrictions) or vehicles over 7.5T GVW.
- Cost: EDW is charged at a small additional daily rate (e.g. £8.33 – £30 per day depending on vehicle type).
- Limitations: EDW does not cover:
- Tyres, wheels, keys, audio equipment, or fuel contamination.
- Theft of contents.
- One incident only: EDW applies to a single accident/incident. If another vehicle is required after an accident/theft, the full deposit will need to be paid again.
Example Deposits, Excess & EDW Options
| Vehicle Type | Age of Driver | Standard Deposit | Standard Excess | With EDW (extra per day) | Reduced Deposit | Reduced Excess |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Groups AA, A, B, C (25+) | 25+ | £500 | £500 | £12.00 | £100 | None |
| Kia Sportage & Toyota Hybrids | 25+ | £750* | £500 | £8.33 | £750* | £200 |
| 9 Seater | 25+ | £500 | £500 | £15.00 | £100 | £100 |
| Vans up to 3.5T GVW (25+) | 25+ | £500 | £500 | £20.00 | £100 | None |
| Vans 7.5T GVW (25+) | 25+ | £500 | £500 | £30.00 | £300 | None |
*Deposits for Sportage & Hybrid Autos are payable by credit card only.
What does EDW not cover?
EDW does not cover:
- Tyres or wheels
- Keys
- Audio equipment
- Fuel contamination
- Theft of contents
EDW also only applies to one single incident/accident. If another vehicle is required after an accident or theft, the full deposit will need to be paid again.
How do I add EDW to my hire?
When you request a quote or reserve online, our system will:
- Automatically check if you’re eligible for EDW based on your age and licence details.
- Show you the correct deposit and excess amounts for your chosen vehicle.
- Offer you the EDW option if you qualify – so you can add peace of mind before you collect your vehicle.
👉 Get your quote online today and see how much you could save with EDW.










