Rental Damage Protection (RDP)

Full Terms & Conditions

Muncie Equipment Rentals
Effective: 7/5/2025

1. Program Overview

Rental Damage Protection (RDP) is a protection plan automatically applied to all rentals from Muncie Equipment Rentals (MER) unless waived with appropriate proof of insurance. RDP is not insurance but provides renters with up to $2,500 in accidental damage protection for eligible damage incurred during normal use of any equipment in MER's rental fleet.

2. Eligibility & Cost

  • RDP is required for all rentals unless the renter provides a Certificate of Insurance with Inland Marine coverage.

  • RDP costs 5% of the total rental amount, excluding delivery, taxes, and non-rental services.

  • No deductible applies.

  • No security deposit is required when RDP is active.

3. Coverage Inclusions

RDP covers up to $2,500 in repair or replacement costs related to accidental damage from normal use during the rental period. Coverage applies to all equipment types in MER’s fleet, including but not limited to:

  • Skid steers

  • Dump trailers

  • Zero-turn mowers

  • Attachments (buckets, forks, brush cutters, etc.)

  • Excavators and compact equipment

  • Aerial lifts & scissor lifts

  • Wood chippers, stump grinders & plate compactors

Covered Incidents Include:

  • Flat tires, damaged rims, or worn rubber tracks

  • Leaking hydraulic hoses or minor cylinder repairs

  • Broken lights, wiring issues, or battery failures

  • Cracked glass, damaged seats, or cab controls

  • Damaged or bent accessories or attachments during operation

  • Minor operational wear that results in non-negligent damage

4. Coverage Exclusions

RDP does not cover any of the following:

  • Theft, loss, or vandalism of equipment

  • Improper fuel usage (e.g., adding gasoline to a diesel machine)

  • Damage caused by gross negligence, abuse, or willful misuse

  • Unauthorized transportation, towing, or overloading

  • Powertrain, engine, or transmission failure

  • Structural damage (bent frames, broken welds, lift arms)

  • Unauthorized modifications (welding, drilling, cutting)

  • Failure to maintain/grease equipment as instructed

  • Excessive contamination (e.g., dried concrete or asphalt)

  • GPS tampering or removal of VIN/serial numbers

  • Use of equipment for illegal or prohibited activities

MER reserves the right to determine what constitutes normal use, negligence, or misuse.

5. Claims & Damage Review Process

  • All equipment is inspected upon return.

  • If eligible damage is found, MER will initiate repairs and bill no more than $2,500 to the RDP fund.

  • If damage exceeds $2,500 or is excluded from coverage, the renter will be responsible for the remaining cost.

  • MER will provide an itemized invoice and photographs of damage upon request.

6. Waiving RDP

RDP may be waived only if the renter:

  • Provides a valid Certificate of Insurance with Inland Marine or equivalent rented equipment coverage.

  • Signs a Rental Damage Waiver, accepting full financial liability for any and all damage, theft, or loss.

RDP cannot be reinstated after a waiver has been signed unless authorized by MER prior to equipment release.

7. Limitation of Liability

RDP is a protection plan offered by Muncie Equipment Rentals. It is not an insurance policy, nor does it replace or supersede any state-mandated insurance requirements. MER retains the right to revoke RDP eligibility for any renter found in violation of rental terms, misuse policies, or local/state laws.