for travellers from the UK who want to hire a car in Canada - is there
a difference between collision damage waiver and loss damage waiver or
are they the same thing in canada?  which one is the best to be fully
covered or do you need both? or neither?

Hello Nukey

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) means that in the event that the rental
car being damaged in an accident the renter will not be liable to pay
the cost of the damage regardless of whose fault it is.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) means that in the event that covers the
renter for any losses related directly to the car.

The difference between the two is sometimes referred to as Theft
Waiver (TW).  So in summary:

· CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) concerns damage to the rental vehicle
· TW (Theft Waiver) concerns Theft or Loss of the rental vehicle
· LDW (Loss and Damage Waiver) is a combination of Damage and Theft cover

In Canada and the USA CDW and LDW tend to be interchangeable and so
the small print should be read carefully (as always).

To be fully insured I would try to ensure you have LDW (which should
include CDW).  I would also ensure that your insurance covers your
liability with regard to third party injury and property damage.  This
means you will receive compensation if you are involved in an incident
with a motorist who is not insured/under insured and is the guilty
party.

I would also recommend you read your way through this site which is an
excellent guide to hiring a car in North America from a UK
perspective:
http://freespace.virgin.net/john.cletheroe/usa_can/carhire/index.htm

If you are looking for somewhere cheap to hire your car I would
recommend this site:
http://www.airline-network.co.uk

They only use Dollar.com/Thrifty.com cars, but I have always found
their prices (for the USA) to be very competitive and their Premium
insurance package covers everything you will need.  Note, that just to
confuse matters, they call LDW Physical Damage Waiver (PDW)!
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/carhire/terms/THCANterms.htm

I hope this answers your question but if you still have any further
queries on this subject please ask for clarification and I will do my
best to help as soon as possible.

Useful links:
http://www.cheap-car-hire-finder.co.uk/glossary/
http://www.autorentalhunters.com/rentalcarsfaqs.asp
http://www.europcar.co.uk/tools/faq_insurance.html

finally someone that can give a straight forward answer !! THANKYOU VERY MUCH