✅ RENTAL DAMAGE PROTECTION (RDP)

A. Program Overview

Rental Damage Protection (RDP) is a mandatory protection plan applied to all rentals from Muncie Equipment Rentals (MER). It is not insurance, but it provides limited financial protection for accidental damage that occurs during normal use.

  • A 10% RDP fee is automatically added to the rental subtotal (excluding delivery, taxes, and non-rental services).

  • RDP limits the renter’s financial liability to $500 per rental agreement for eligible accidental damage.

  • Renters are fully responsible for any excluded damage, or any damage caused by misuse, abuse, or neglect.

B. What RDP May Cover

RDP provides protection for accidental damage resulting from normal, responsible use, including:

  • Minor dents, cracks, or accidental impact damage

  • Flat tires or broken lights

  • Mechanical or hydraulic failure caused by normal wear and tear (not by renter misuse)

  • Towing or on-site service due to covered breakdowns

💡 Example:
A renter returns a mini skid steer with a cracked light housing and a hydraulic hose leak. The total repair cost is $680. Since both issues qualify under RDP and occurred during normal use, the renter pays only $500, and MER covers the rest.

🔒 Note: The $500 liability limit applies per rental agreement, not per individual damage or incident.

C. What RDP Does Not Cover

RDP does not apply to the following:

  • Theft, loss, or vandalism

  • Gross negligence, reckless or abusive operation

  • Improper fuel use (e.g., gasoline in a diesel engine)

  • Unauthorized towing, transport, or relocation

  • Overloading or misuse of attachments

  • Failure to perform basic care or maintenance (e.g., greasing, cleaning)

  • GPS tampering or removal of VIN/serial numbers

  • Use of equipment in illegal, unsafe, or unapproved applications

  • Any damage that cannot be inspected due to excessive mud, concrete, or debris

D. RDP Waiver Policy

RDP is required for all rentals unless the renter meets both of the following conditions:

  1. Provides valid proof of insurance, including:

    • General Liability Coverage

    • Inland Marine or equivalent coverage for rented equipment

  2. Signs a Rental Damage Waiver, accepting full financial responsibility for any and all damage, theft, or loss during the rental period

Waivers must be approved by MER in writing before equipment release.
RDP cannot be reinstated after a waiver is signed unless reauthorized by MER.

E. Limitation of Liability

  • RDP is a rental protection plan, not an insurance policy, and does not meet state insurance requirements.

  • For eligible accidental damage occurring during normal use, the renter’s maximum financial liability is $500 per rental contract.

  • MER reserves the right to:

    • Deny RDP coverage for any misuse, abuse, or unauthorized operation

    • Define and interpret normal use, negligence, wear and tear, or misuse

    • Require equipment to be returned in clean condition to allow for proper inspection and damage assessment