Aruba Car Rental Insurance, Deposits and Credit Card Cover Explained

Liability insurance comes with every Real Deal rental, but damage to the rental vehicle is a separate, optional waiver.

Liability insurance is included in the standard rate. If an accident happens and you are at fault, an accident fee of $250 applies. Only the renter and the extra drivers listed in the rental agreement may drive the vehicle. If someone else drives and has an accident, the insurance becomes void and the renter is fully responsible for the damage.

That is why an extra driver is worth adding when you plan to share the driving: it costs $4.99 a day, and it keeps the cover valid.

Source: Real Deal rental terms in the booking system, read 9 Oct 2026.

CDW+ is the collision damage waiver. It is optional and shown as its own line at $24.99 a day. If you accept it, the deductible for damage to a Jeep is $3,500. If you decline it, you are fully responsible for damage, loss and towing.

The waiver has limits. Know them before you drive.

• One-way accidents

  Not covered.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  Not covered.

• Speeding

  Not covered.

• Off-road driving where it is prohibited

  Not covered.

• White sand, dunes, mud, ocean water, rainwater or deep puddles

  Not covered. The rental terms prohibit driving there.

• Damage to third parties above $85,000

  The part above $85,000 is the renter's cost.

You also need a valid police or ForenSys report of the accident. Without one the waiver is void, and all damage has to be paid within 24 hours.

Source: Real Deal rental terms in the booking system, read 9 Oct 2026. The deductible stated there is for Jeeps; ask the team for other vehicles when you book.

• Credit card only.

  A credit card is required at pickup. Debit cards and cash are not accepted for the deposit.

• $500 for cars, SUVs, vans and Jeeps.

  The Honda Talon UTV is $1,000.

• It is held, then released.

  The bank releases the deposit automatically. It can take 14 to 21 business days to reflect.

• Damage and fees can be charged to the card.

  By signing, the renter lets Real Deal charge the card for damage, towing and other charges, which must be paid before leaving the island.

Source: Real Deal rental terms in the booking system and the booking system's rate card, read 9 Oct 2026. See also what is included in an Aruba car rental price.

Real Deal's terms are clear on one point: any cover from American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or Diners is solely between you and the card issuer. Real Deal does not decide what your card covers, and it cannot confirm it for you.

Ask your card issuer these four questions before you rely on it.

• Does it cover rentals in Aruba?

  Cover can depend on the country.

• Which vehicles?

  Ask specifically about Jeeps, SUVs and vans.

• Is it primary or secondary?

  That decides who pays first.

• What does it exclude?

  Compare the exclusions with the waiver list above, such as off-road driving and white sand.

You will need a credit card for the deposit either way. Whether you also lean on its insurance, or add CDW+, is your decision.

• Call ForenSys on 165.

  A report is needed for the waiver to apply.

• Call the Real Deal office on +297 741 2601.

  The office line is answered 8 AM to 6 PM.

• Do not let anyone else drive.

  Only the renter and the listed extra drivers are insured.

Source: Real Deal rental terms in the booking system, read 9 Oct 2026. For driving rules and routes, see driving in Aruba.