Rental Terms Glossary
This
glossary of terms is set up for the average
renter to understand what is typically required
when renting a car. All of the companies listed
on our network are independently owned and
operated, and terms vary from company to company
and State to State. Review these terms to
determine what some of your particular needs
are, then contact the individual rent-a-car
company to verify their specific rental
policies. Some items are negotiable. We
strongly recommend that you discuss or negotiate
any terms before driving away in the rental car.
Any negotiating power will be lost if you wait
until after you return the car.
Rental Terms Glossary
A
Additional
Drivers—BACK TO TOP
Some
rental companies will charge to have an
additional driver listed on the contract, while
others don't. The additional driver will need to
be present to sign the contract, have an
acceptable driver's license, and typically must
be at least 25 years old.
After-hours
drop-off—BACK TO TOP
In some cases, drivers may
have some flight to catch or meeting that
requires them to return the car after the
companies normal business hours. Most companies
have some sort of after hours drop-off
available, discuss this with the rental company
if you require this feature.
Age Restrictions—BACK
TO TOP
On most
rentals, the minimum age is 25. If a driver is
under 25, additional charges may apply.
Airport
Locations—BACK TO TOP
Rental
companies located in an airport are subject to
airport fees and taxes, and may pass these added
expenses onto consumers. Off-airport locations
may provide better rates, and most companies
will offer to pick up the renter free of charge.
B
Base Rate and
Add-ons—BACK
TO TOP
Many
companies will quote a base rate for car
rentals. The base rate does not include add-ons
fees, such as local, state, and federal taxes,
which are mandatory. Optional add-on fees
include collision damage waiver, fuel charges,
and additional drivers, etc... Be sure to get a
final, out-the-door rate before driving away.
Breakdowns—BACK
TO TOP
In the
unlikely event that a rental car breaks down,
contact the rental company. If you are far from
the city, the car’s manufacturer’s warranty
might cover repairs. Rental companies may have a
predetermined amount of money they will
reimburse you for non-authorized non-warranty
repairs. Be sure to check with the rental
company beforehand.
C
Cancellation—BACK TO TOP
If a car has
been reserved and not picked up or canceled
without adequate notice, rental companies may
charge a cancellation fee.
Cash Rentals—BACK TO TOP
Many
companies do not offer cash rentals because,
unlike with credit cards, there is no way to
check the renter’s credit. If cash rentals are
allowed, there may be restrictions and
additional fees.
CDW—(see
Insurance) — BACK
TO TOP
Child Seats and
Anchors—BACK TO TOP
Today,
all 50 states have laws that require children
under a certain age to be restrained in an
approved safety seat while riding in a passenger
vehicle. If a safety seat is needed, call
the rental company ahead of time to make sure
they are available. Regardless of who provides
the safety seat, make sure that the company has
cars available that are equipped with the proper
anchors or tethers. Many independent car
agencies will accommodate these requests for
little or no charge.
D
DMV Check—BACK
TO TOP
Rental
companies may want to check the renter’s
background through the DMV or require a written
statement guaranteeing that the driver: has a
valid license that is not revoked, suspended, or
expired; has not been convicted of speeding or
reckless driving; has not been convicted of
driving under the influence; or has not
committed other crimes or moving violations.
Driver's License—BACK TO TOP
An
acceptable valid driver's license, issued from
the driver’s country of residence, must be
presented at the time of rental. If the driver's
license is from a foreign country, an
International Driver's Permit is recommended,
and must accompany the driver’s license.
E
F
Fuel Charges—BACK TO TOP
Fuel tanks on
rental cars are typically full prior to the
rental. If the car is not returned with a full
tank, companies often charge for fuel at a
higher rate than at the gas station. It is wise
to check the tank before the rental—if it is
not full, make sure the rental company is aware
so they do not charge you for filling the tank.
G
Grace Period—BACK TO TOP
One day in
rental terms is considered to be 24 hours from
the time the car is rented. Most companies offer
a grace period and will not charge if the car is
returned an hour late. Because the length of the
grace period can vary from company to company,
make sure to ask beforehand how long a
particular company’s grace period is, and what
the rate is after the grace period.
H
I
Insurance—BACK TO TOP
- Additional
Liability Insurance—BACK TO TOP
Renters
may opt to purchase additional liability
insurance, including personal accident
insurance, to provide protection for bodily
injury or death and property damage.
Coverage may include emergency medical
expenses. Not all companies provide these
options.
- Collision
or Loss Damage Waiver—BACK TO TOP
This
is an optional service, different
from insurance, which relieves you of any
responsibility for the loss of or damage to
the rental car resulting from collision,
theft, or vandalism. Cost of collision
damage waiver will vary from company to
company, as will terms including
deductibles, exclusions to coverage, and
loss of use charges. It is usually a good
idea to have this type of coverage.
- Credit Card
Insurance—BACK TO TOP
Collision
damage waivers are offered by many credit
card companies for no extra charge provided
the credit card is used to pay for the
rental. Items such as the length of the
coverage, whether multiple accidents are
covered, amount of deductible, and whether
any vehicles (SUVs, luxury cars) typically
are excluded. Also, the credit card company
may only provide reimbursements for repairs
that have already been paid for either by
the insurance company or the driver. Be
aware, as with all agreements and waivers,
read these terms before opting to use them.
- Personal
Automobile Insurance—BACK TO TOP
Some
personal insurance companies will offer
coverage for rental cars, but some don’t.
This will vary depending on the state in
which it is issued, on the insurance
company, and on the particular terms of the
policy.
- Third Party
or Supplemental Liability Insurance—BACK TO TOP
This
provides coverage for you and other
authorized drivers of your rental car for
third party claims. It is important
because it involves damage to people or
property. Some rental companies provide this
coverage with or without a fee, while others
require that your personal insurance cover
it.
J
K
Keys—BACK TO TOP
It is a
good idea to request an extra set of keys, for
obvious reasons, if the company does provide
them. Most rental agencies have a coding system
if keys are lost.
L
Late Pick-up—BACK TO TOP
If a rental
car has been reserved, most companies will hold
it for a specified number of hours past the
agreed upon pick-up time. Always call the
company ahead of time if a delay is anticipated.
M
Mileage—BACK TO TOP
When
reserving a car, ask whether or not the rate
includes unlimited mileage or limited free
mileage. The amount of limited free mileage may
be negotiable.
N
O
One-Way Rentals—BACK TO TOP
These are
usually not available from independent rental
companies like those listed on
ACarRentalNetwork.com, because these companies
typically have only one location. If one-way
rentals are available, they may be costly.
P
Parking Tickets
and Traffic Violations—BACK TO TOP
These are the
responsibility of the driver.
Q
R
Rates--BACK
TO TOP
- Daily and
Weekly—BACK TO TOP
Most
independent companies will offer a discount
for weekly (or longer) rentals versus daily
rentals. Have the rental company note the
weekly rate on the contract in the event the
car is kept longer than anticipated.
- Weekday and
Weekend Rates—BACK TO TOP
Companies
catering to tourists may have higher rates
on weekends, while companies serving
business travelers may have higher rates
during the week.
S
Supplemental
Liability Insurance (SLI)—(see above)—BACK TO TOP
T
Travel
Restrictions—BACK
TO TOP
Check with
the company to determine if they allow
out-of-state travel or travel on unpaved roads,
if applicable
U
V
W X Y Z
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