Insurance and protection at CarPoint: OCA included, CDW optional
A simple, transparent system with no hidden conditions. Below we honestly explain what the basic OCA insurance covers, when it is enough, and when it makes sense to add the optional CDW protection.
OCA insurance
OCA (also known as RCA) is the compulsory third-party liability insurance in Moldova, the local equivalent of MTPL in the EU. Issued for every CarPoint vehicle, valid for the entire rental period.
What this means for you:
- You legally operate the vehicle anywhere in Moldova.
- If you cause damage to another road user, the insurer covers the damage to those third parties.
- No need to buy separate insurance or carry extra paperwork, everything is already in the glove box.
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
CDW means CarPoint waives recovery of damage above the security deposit: whatever happens to the car, you risk at most the deposit amount, and the rest is covered from CarPoint's own indemnity fund. Available on every car in the fleet. The price depends on the rental length, from 10 to 50 EUR/day (the longer the rental, the cheaper the day), and the exact figures are shown on each car's page. CDW is not an insurance contract.
When CDW makes sense:
- A long trip of several hundred or thousand kilometres.
- Unfamiliar roads or driving across the border.
- Difficult conditions: winter, ice, mountain roads.
- A young or less experienced driver behind the wheel.
Why OCA is enough for most clients
Most of our clients complete their trip without a single incident and return the car in the same condition. The reason is simple: people who rent a car for work, travel around the country or short business trips usually drive carefully and follow the traffic rules.
- OCA covers the main financial risk, liability towards other people. This is exactly the largest amount that can arise in a serious accident.
- The security deposit (from 200 EUR) acts as a buffer for minor issues: a small scratch, a lost hubcap, a minor breakdown caused by the client.
- If nothing happens during the rental, the security deposit is returned in full when the car is handed back.
Honest words about the deductible
With CDW your liability does not disappear completely, it is limited to a deductible equal to the security deposit. In case of damage you risk at most this amount, while anything above it is taken on by CarPoint from its own indemnity fund.
To be fully honest: with CDW the deposit is higher, from 400 EUR for Moldova versus 200 EUR without CDW, and the amounts are higher for trips abroad, up to 600 EUR with CDW (details in the Terms and Conditions). In return, the deposit becomes the ceiling of your liability, whereas without CDW the repair is paid at its actual cost. We mention this upfront so there are no surprises when the car is returned.
The deposit amount depends on your route and the CDW option, all scenarios are listed below at a glance.
| Scenario | Deposit = excess |
|---|---|
| Without CDW, Moldova | 200 € |
| Without CDW, Romania | 400 € |
| Without CDW, EU and Turkey | 500 € |
| With CDW, Moldova | 400 € |
| With CDW, Romania, EU and Turkey | 600 € |
- Minivan (Opel Vivaro 8+1): +100 EUR on top of any amount.
- Driver aged 21-23: +100 EUR on top of any amount.
- Transnistria is part of Moldova, no extra charge.
The deposit is paid in cash only, in lei at the NBM rate, and is refunded in full on the spot when the car is returned without damage or outstanding charges. Your card is never blocked, so there is no waiting days for a bank to release a hold. The exact amount is calculated automatically when you book online.
CDW remains valid even for accidents caused by your own fault, but it ceases in a few serious situations proven by official documents or GPS data (alcohol, leaving the accident scene, racing, prohibited territories), the full list is in clause 12.6 of the Terms.
Tyres, rims and glass damaged outside an accident (a stone chip, a puncture) are not part of CDW and are paid separately at actual cost.
The CDW price by rental period is shown on each vehicle's page, and the deposit amounts for each scenario are described in the Terms and Conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What if I cause an accident and do not have CDW?
Damage to other road users is covered by OCA, that is its main purpose. Damage to the rented vehicle in this case is paid by the client. The security deposit is used first; if needed, a report is drawn up and the amount for the specific damage is agreed. We work based on the actual repair cost, with no mark-ups.
What if I just scratch the car in a parking lot?
Small scratches, scuffs and minor chips are a standard situation. If the damage is minor, it is covered by the security deposit or part of it. We do not charge significant extras for normal everyday wear.
What is a deductible and why does it exist?
The deductible is the maximum amount of your liability, and it equals the security deposit. With CDW, any damage above that amount is taken on by CarPoint from its own indemnity fund. The deductible exists to keep CDW affordable and to keep the client motivated to drive carefully. The exact deposit amount depends on the scenario and is described in the Terms and Conditions.
Can I add CDW on the spot when picking up the car?
Yes, CDW is available for every car in the fleet. It is more convenient to add it in advance at the booking stage, but it can also be arranged at the moment of handover.
Does the insurance work outside of Moldova?
OCA is valid within Moldova. For trips to Romania and EU countries, separate documents are required (Green Card and Rovinieta); the client purchases and pays for these on their own, they are not included in the rental price.
What is better: take CDW or go without it?
It depends on the trip and your driving style. For short trips around Moldova, a careful driver usually only needs OCA and the security deposit. For long routes, winter driving or mountain trips, CDW gives noticeable peace of mind. There is no universal answer, and we do not push either option.
Ready to choose a car?
The conditions for each vehicle are shown on its page: what is included, the CDW price by rental period, and the deposit amount. No hidden lines and no surprises at return.
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