A visiting British family recently learned why smart travellers always purchase additional collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage on a rental car.
Wayne and Abigail Barron, together with their two daughters Milly and Erin, arrived in Christchurch from Singapore and were planning to drive to Picton the next day to attend a wedding. After collecting their rental, the family checked-in at a downtown hotel and used the hotel’s valet parking service before retiring for the night. Fatigue from their flight caused the Barrons to leave two large suitcases in the car, which was parked in an adjacent public lot.
The next morning, the family learned that the car had been broken into and the two suitcases they left in the car had been stolen.
“We were literally left in the clothes we stood in, just an overnight bag with us at the time,” said Abigail Barron, as quoted by Stuff. “It’s the first time we’ve come to New Zealand and we’ve heard it’s such a safe country. Then within 12 hours of being here we have all our belongings stolen.”
What’s more, the family’s insurance company declined their claim for theft. Since the Barrons did not purchase additional CDW and LDW coverage on their rental, they were forced to pay an in-excess cost of $3,500 for the damage to the vehicle.
Police have reviewed CCTV footage of the parking lot, but the break-in was unfortunately not caught on camera.
“I just want people to be aware if they’re parking their car in Christchurch, or anywhere really, they need to be careful,” said Wayne Barron.
