Renting a Car in the Dominican Republic (2025): Insurance We Don’t Sell—But Here’s Exactly How to Handle It

If you plan to rent a car in Punta Cana, Samaná, or Santo Domingo, you’ll face a wall of acronyms at the counter. Quick note up front: Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers does not sell rental car insurance. But our clients ask about it all the time, so here’s a clear, practical guide on what to expect at pickup, what coverage you’ll likely need to buy from the rental company, and where your credit card and travel insurance fit.

What’s typically required at pickup

• Third-Party Liability (TPL)
  This protects other people’s injuries or property if you cause an accident. Expect TPL to be mandatory with Dominican rental agencies. Limits can be modest, so ask the agent what’s included and whether higher-limit options exist.

• Collision/Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)
  This addresses damage or theft of the rental car itself. It’s usually optional, but many counters will insist you either buy their CDW/LDW or show proof of equivalent coverage (often via your credit card’s CDW).

Our position: because we don’t sell these products, the rental counter is your source for TPL and (if you choose) CDW/LDW.

Where your credit card helps (and where it doesn’t)

Many premium Visa/Mastercard products offer Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. It typically covers collision/theft of the rental vehicle when you:

1. Pay with the eligible card, and

2. Decline the rental company’s CDW/LDW, and

3. Stay within time limits (often 31 days or less).

Important: Card CDW does not replace TPL. You’ll still need the rental agency’s liability coverage. Also check exclusions (vehicle types, off-road use, countries, etc.) and bring your Guide to Benefits to the counter as proof.

What travel insurance does (and doesn’t) cover

Your travel insurance—the kind we do help you with—can cover medical emergencies, evacuation, trip interruption, baggage, and more. It generally does not cover damage to the rental car or liability to third parties from driving. Think of travel insurance as protection for you and your trip, not for the car.

• Start here for medical/evacuation/trip coverage:
  → Travel Insurance in the Dominican Republic: Complete Guide

If you live here or will own a car

That’s a different conversation—and one we handle. If you’re buying a vehicle or relocating, see:

• → Auto Insurance (for owned vehicles, not rentals)

• → Local Health Insurance in the Dominican Republic: Complete Guide

• → Choosing the Right International Health Insurance Plan in the DR

At-the-counter checklist

• Ask for TPL details: included limit? any deductible? option to increase limits?

• Decide CDW/LDW vs card CDW: if using your card, bring your Guide to Benefits and be ready to decline CDW/LDW in writing.

• Inspect everything: photos/video of exterior, interior, tires, glass, roof, and fuel level.

• Clarify fees: additional driver, young driver, fuel, roadside/towing, one-way, airport surcharges.

• Document incidents: if anything happens, notify the rental company immediately, file police reports if required, and keep all paperwork for any claim (agency or credit card).

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Relying on assumptions: not every credit card has CDW, and terms vary by issuer and country of issuance.

• Declining CDW with no proof: counters may refuse your decline without documentation.

• Ignoring exclusions: off-road driving, unpaved roads, or restricted vehicle classes can void coverage.

• Night driving: even with insurance, risk increases—plan driving during daylight whenever possible.

How we can (and cannot) help

• ✅ We can help you choose travel insurance that fits your medical and trip risks, and advise expats/residents on auto insurance for owned vehicles.

• ❌ We cannot sell or service rental car insurance (TPL, CDW/LDW). Those are handled directly by the rental company or, for CDW alternatives, your credit card issuer.

Suggested external resources

• Check your credit card’s Guide to Benefits (issuer website or mobile app).

• Review your rental agency’s insurance page for current TPL/CDW rules, limits, and fees before booking.

Why Choose Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers?

While we don’t sell rental car insurance, we do make sure your overall risk plan in the Dominican Republic is solid. We help you secure travel medical + evacuation coverage for emergencies, and—if you’re staying longer or buying a vehicle—set up the right local or international policies so there are no gaps between daily life and travel.

Ready to Get a Quote?

Protect your Dominican Republic trip today with affordable travel insurance.

👉 Contact us now:
Phone / WhatsApp: +1 849-514-9838
Email: info@hernandezpeguero.com
Website: www.hernandezpeguero.com

We’ll guide you to the best plan for your trip so you can enjoy your stay with total peace of mind.