15. 5. 2008

Price confusion

Is your final car rental bill higher than what was originally agreed? Has an initial deposit paid been taken into account in the final bill?

Please be aware that advertised basic prices for car rentals may appear to be total prices but generally do not include other costs. These prices may be displayed as 'inclusive' and may include essentials such as insurance, tax, and no distance limits, but often they do not include additional services such as:

• Hiring and returning the car to different places
• Returning outside business hours (not advisable anyway)
• Child seat
• Crossing a border to another country
• Second driver
• Airport charge
• Fuel costs
• Additional kilometres to add to the travel limit, if there is one.

Prices will also vary depending on what type of cover you purchase for damage. There are many different types from 'theft waiver' only to 'super car damage waiver' to 'all damage waiver', so take this into account when comparing prices.


ABC of car rental language

ALI                 Additional Liability Insurance

LIS          Liability Insurance Supplement

LDW      Loss Damage Waiver

CDW      Collision Damage Waiver

PAI         Personal Accident Insurance

PEP         Personal Effects Protection

PEC        Personal Effects Coverage

PERSPRO/CCP                 Carefree Personal Protection

UMP                 Uninsured Motorist Protection



Car Rental Tips

Before hiring

• When looking for the best bargain, bear in mind that very often prices quoted online contain only the basics, so make sure you check what is included in teh final quote and what is not.
• Always check the price of extras that you will need during your rental: child seat; additional driver; extra insurance etc.
• Pay special attention to the fuel policy; make sure it is explained to you clearly before you confirm the booking.
• Check age restrictions
• Make sure you are familiar with the cancellation policy.
• When renting abroad, familiarise yourself with the rules of the road.

Collecting the car

• Make sure you understand what is covered by your insurance and what is left out. It is also very important to know the excess amount that could be charged to your credit card in case of an accident.
• A staff member should check the condition of the car at the time of delivery and mark all damages to the interior and exterior on a diagram. If you are not provided with a special check—list or diagram, make sure you note any damages in writing and have it signed by an employee of the car rental company.
• Always ask about the company policy in case of the car breaking down or in case of an accident.
• Make sure you know what type of fuel you can use in your rental car.

During the rental

• If the car breaks down, call the car rental company and follow the instructions provided. Do not have the vehicle repaired yourself without prior authorisation.
• In case of an accident, you should always note down the names and addresses of everyoen involved. If anybody is injured, or when there is a dispute over who is responsible, you should notify the police. Contact the car rental company immediately.

Returning the car

• Try to return the car during the working hours of the car rental company and have it inpspected by a competent employee. The condition of the vehicle should be confirmed in writing and signed by you and a representative of the company.
• If you are returning the car outside the working hours of the car hire company, you should park it in the designated area. You can take pictures of the vehicle as confirmation that it was returned in good condition.
• Cars returned outside working hours are inspected for damages on the following day and therefore the excess can still be charged to consumers' credit cards.