Car rental
When renting a car, it is important to understand the agreement and to know what happens if the car is damaged while you are renting it. If possible try to avoid problems in the first place.
Before you book
Always read the terms and conditions before you buy. It’s not unusual that some fees are not charged at the time of booking and are only payable when you pick up the car. However, the total amount you have to pay should be clear. If you are unsure about any charges, particularly insurance charges and deposits, it is best to contact the company for clarification before booking the car.
When you pick up your rental car, read the rental agreement given to you at the desk. Make sure you understand it and ask for clarification before signing.
Insurance & other charges
Car rental agreements usually include third party cover as standard but not personal cover. Rental car insurance can also have a significant excess. You can usually buy additional cover from the rental company, however this can work out quite expensive. You may be able to take out insurance to cover the excess on your car rental agreement from another insurance company at a lower cost. If you buy excess cover from another insurer and you have a claim, the rental company will still deduct the excess from your credit card, and you will have to claim the cost back from your third party insurer.
Other charges to be aware of may include:
- Surcharges for drivers under 25
- Collection charges for the car, for example if you are picking it up at the airport
- Additional driver fees
- Returning the car late or returning the car early
- Fuel fees – find out in advance what the fuel policy is as you may be hit with additional charges if, for example you return the car without a full fuel tank if your agreement stated you must return it full
Picking up the car
To pick up a rental car, you will need:
- Driving license: Many rental companies insist on you having a full licence for at least two years. If you are driving in another country, you may need an international driver’s permit.
- Credit card: In most cases you will also need a credit card to collect the car. While you may be able to make the booking with a debit card, you usually have to give a credit card as well to pay a security deposit at the car rental pick-up desk and the credit card generally has to be in the name of the main driver.
- ID: You may also need to bring a passport and/or utility bill for proof of ID and address.
Check the terms and conditions on the car rental website beforehand to find out exactly what you need to bring so you avoid problems when you go to pick up the car.
Before you drive away
Before you drive away, it’s important to check a few things:
- Always check the car carefully, inside and out, including the spare wheel and tools. The rental company should give you a diagram highlighting any existing damage, so make sure any bumps or scratches are already noted on the diagram.
- Remember to check the interior upholstery for wear and tear, marks, scratches, stains, tears or burns.
- Make sure the rental company notes these before you leave.
- It is a good idea to take photos of both inside and outside the car.
- Check that all lights are working properly and that there are no chips, cracks or other problems with the windscreen.
- If you are not happy that the rental car is as it should be, you should return it immediately and explain what the problem is. This will ensure there is no question that you may have caused the problem.
- Find out what the policy is in relation to toll charges, as this can vary between companies. Are you expected to pay tolls yourself or will they be added on to your ‘bill’?
Returning the car
The rules about returning the car will be outlined in the rental agreement. Make sure that the car is inspected by the rental company and that you both agree, note and sign for any damage on all copies of the damage report.
Car rental companies are supposed to close off your bill in your presence when you return the car. If they’re unable to do this, they should send a detailed report to you on the amount charged, along with information on how you can query the charges.
What happens if I damage the car?
If the car breaks down, call the car rental company, and follow their instructions. Don’t get the car repaired without permission from the rental company. In case of an accident, you should always note down the names and addresses of everyone 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.
If you return the car damaged, the rental company should outline any charges that may apply. For example, in addition to the cost of repairing any damage to the car, they may charge you for lost rent for the time the car is off the road, towing charges or reduced value of the car.
If you have a complaint
No matter where you rent a car, if you have a complaint, you should first contact the rental company in writing. If this doesn’t resolve your issue, you can read more about how to complain.
