The prices of rental cars are constantly changing. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the best time to rent a car and how to save on your next car rental.
Despite popular belief, there isn’t a “best part of the day” or “best day of the week” to book a rental car.
Naturally, this does not mean that timing is not important. In fact, it does play a crucial factor in dictating the rates of rental cars.
Booking in advance is the key to finding a great deal for your next car rental. Of course, this brings up a crucial question.
How far in advance should you rent a car for the best price?
Simply put, it’s best to book at least 4-6 months in advance to get the best deal. However, there are some exceptions to this general rule of thumb.
Is booking a rental car in advance a good idea during the ongoing pandemic? Continue reading to find out.
Booking in advance during the COVID-19 pandemic
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, major car rental companies around the globe introduced new policies to attract travelers. Afterall, the last thing they want is to lose customers.
Car rental suppliers such as Avis or Enterprise waived any existing cancellation and rebooking fees. If your trip cannot be completed due to travel restrictions, you may rebook to a later date or cancel it completely at no extra cost.
Rentalmoose insider tip: You can learn more about how COVID-19 affected car rentals in this blog post.
When booking your rental car via Rentalmoose, you can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the booking period begins.
Why do prices change so much?
The prices of rental cars are generally dictated by three main factors:
Supply and demand
Current trends on the market
Currency conversion rates
Supply and demand
It goes without saying that the goal of any rental company is to rent out as many of their cars as possible.
If a rental company has an excessive number of overstocked cars, they may periodically reduce the prices to boost the bookings. On the other hand, if the supplier is running short on inventory, the rates are likely to skyrocket.
Back in the Spring of 2020, the daily rates for rental cars would drop following nationwide lockdowns and travel restrictions. Avis saw a 60%* drop in reservations in March 2020, followed by an uptrend in the following part of the year.
When people began traveling once again during the summer, the prices would surge back up. The rates for rental cars peaked around August when tourists flocked to travel by private cars as opposed to flying or using public transportation.
Market trends directly affect supply and demand. While rental cars don’t revolve around different times of the year as much as flights or all-inclusive holiday deals, the current trends remain a contributing factor.
The daily rates for rental cars are likely to skyrocket during the summer holidays, when the rental company expects to rent out more vehicles every single day.
Currency conversion rates
Lastly, don’t forget that the bill for your rental car has to be paid in the local currency. The conversion rates constantly fluctuate and can end up slightly affecting the final price tag.
Do the prices of additional extras change?
Any additional equipment will be added to your bill directly at the rental desk. As the price will be charged in the local currency, it may fluctuate slightly depending on the conversion rate. Apart from that, the price does not change.
Note that the pricing for additional equipment can vary depending on the region. Refer to the supplier’s T&Cs before booking for details.
The tricks to saving on rental cars
We’ve prepared a few tips to help you find the best deal the next time you book a rental car.
Search for the best offer
It’s always best to compare different offers before pulling the trigger. Simply search for your desired location using Rentalmoose, and you’ll see a list of rental cars available for the selected dates.
Try to test different dates to see if you can score a cheaper rental, if possible. Don’t forget that the rates are likely to be higher during peak season.
Book early
Now you know that the best time to rent a car is as early as possible, ideally 4-6 months before your journey. Keep that in mind when searching for a rental car.
Don’t wait around for a last-minute rental car deal. Even if you book online just hours before your arrival, you are bound to get a better deal than arriving in person.
Learn about the hidden fees
Your rental car quote can quickly become a lot higher than you expected, all due to hidden car rental fees.
You can check out this article where we highlight the most common car rental fees, and how you can avoid them.
Skip the airport (if possible)
One of the hidden fees that travelers often forget about is the airport surcharge. Sure, picking up the rental car directly from the airport terminal is a great comfort. However, this comfort often comes at a hefty price tag.
The airport surcharge, sometimes referred to as the premium location charge, can total over 10% of the final rental bill!
It’s best to avoid airport pick-up and drop-off whenever possible.
Now that you’re all set, it’s time to book your rental car!
Use Rentalmoose for your next rental car booking. You’ll find offers from major suppliers spread across over 15 000 different locations worldwide.
You can head over to our blog for more insightful rental car know-how and curated travel guides.
You’ve decided to rent a car, that’s great! We’ve prepared a detailed car rental checklist of all the important things to keep in mind during your rental period. That way, you can focus on making the most of your trip!
For maximum convenience, consider saving the infographic below.
This car rental checklist is divided into four sections:
Let’s dive into our insightful car rental checklist!
Before you collect your rental car
Booking your rental car may be overwhelming. Afterall, there are thousands of different rental stations to choose from, various suppliers, and types of rental cars.
You can learn more about the booking process in this blog post.
This section of our car rental checklist is useful prior to making your booking.
Make sure you meet the driving requirements
First, double-check that you meet all of the driving requirements. They are specified by the rental company.
These requirements vary depending on the company and the rental location. Make sure you check the ones relevant to the country you’re visiting.
Most rental companies require the renter (as well as any additional authorized drivers) to have a driving license that’s held for at least 1 year. Drivers younger than 21 may not be able to rent a car at all.
The requirements can be found in the rental company’s terms and conditions.
Check the local traffic laws
Double-check the speed limits and other traffic regulations in the country you’re going to. If you are a young driver, make sure you are eligible to drive at your destination.
Make sure you know who has the right of way at a junction, for example. Save the phone numbers for local emergency services.
Don’t forget to check which side of the road you’ll be driving on. Otherwise, you might get surprised at pick-up.
Review the rental company’s terms and conditions
I cannot stress this enough, it is crucial to read through the rental company’s terms and conditions before even finalizing your booking.
Pay extra attention to the fine print. The T&Cs are lengthy and boring to read through, though you will find important details regarding your rental car booking within this document.
Still not convinced? Check out this blog post to see why you should always read the terms and conditions when renting a car.
Don’t forget your International Driving Permit (if necessary)
Whether or not you need an International Driving Permit depends on the country’s regulation, as well as the rental company itself.
If an IDP is necessary, you will have to obtain it before leaving your country of residence. Click here to learn all you need to know about IDPs.
Some companies can require an International Driving Permit, even if it is not obligatory in that country.
Make sure to check the terms and conditions before leaving on your trip.
Valid credit card with enough funds for the security deposit
When picking up your rental car, you will be asked for a valid credit card in the name of the renter.
If you booked a car via Rentalmoose, remember that you have only paid a fee to reserve the vehicle and will have to cover the rest at the rental desk.
Keep in mind that you will need enough funds for the security deposit as well. The amount varies depending on the company, refer to their T&Cs for more details.
Additional drivers
Don’t forget that only you can drive the rental car. Unless you have additional drivers noted in the rental agreement, don’t let anyone drive your rental car. Doing so is a serious breach of the rental agreement.
Every additional driver has to be mentioned in the agreement and approved by the car rental company.
Rentalmoose tip: Additional drivers are subject to a daily additional driver fee.
Note: Additional drivers have to meet the same driving requirements as the renter. Don’t forget to get an IDP if necessary. Make sure you have enough driving experience to be eligible to drive a rental car.
A rental car that’s driven by an unauthorized driver is considered a serious breach of the rental agreement. In effect, all of your insurance will become invalid in case of any damage. You will be responsible for covering 100% of the damage costs.
Insurance
Make sure you know what kind of protection package is included in your car rental booking.
If you want to opt for additional coverage, you can do so before setting off on your trip. You can also purchase insurance from a third-party company.
Remember that adding insurance at the rental desk will be more expensive than purchasing the same package in advance. Refer to the rental company’s T&Cs for more details.
Remember that rental cars in the US and Canada often don’t come with a Collision Damage Waiver!
Learn all you need to know about rental car insurance in this blog post.
Prepare your voucher
Lastly, get the voucher for your rental car ready.
If you’ve booked your rental car with Rentalmoose, you can find the voucher in your inbox together with the booking confirmation, or under the My Account section on our website (click at the top right corner to log in).
Download the voucher on your phone (make sure you can access it when offline), or print it out.
You will be asked to present it at the rental desk during pick-up.
It looks like you’re ready to go! Save your car rental checklist and get to your destination 🙂
At pick-up
Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time to head to the rental desk and pick up your rental car!
You can check out this blog post to learn more about the pick-up process.
This section of our car rental checklist is useful during pick-up.
Arrive on time
Are you running late?
Be sure to contact the rental desk and let them know if you can’t make it on time.
If you don’t notify the car rental company in advance, you risk being charged a no-show fee and losing your booking.
Note that a surcharge may be applied for late pick-up. If the delay will extend to the out-of-office hours, another charge may be added to your bill.
Present all the necessary documents
During the pick-up process, you will be asked to present all of the necessary documents.
Make sure you have your:
driver’s license
credit card
photo ID/passport
voucher
IDP (if necessary)
Once again, ensure that you have enough funds on your credit card to cover the security deposit.
Additional Extras?
Right before receiving your rental agreement along with the keys to your shiny rental car, you have the chance to add any additional services.
Some of the extras, depending on the rental company, can include:
premium coverage of elements of the car that are not covered by the basic insurance
ski racks
child seats
additional driver added to your booking
Keep in mind that all these services and items are subject to availability, it is best to book them in advance.
Planning to cross country borders?
Don’t forget to inform the rental company.
Otherwise, your insurance may become invalid. A cross-border feemay be applied.
Roadside assistance
Ask the rental desk staff what kind of roadside assistance (if any) is included in your rental package.
You may want to add roadside assistance, as breakdowns can happen and they are often impossible to predict.
The last thing you want is to be stranded on your holiday.
Write down the contact number to call in case of a breakdown, too.
Read the rental agreement & terms and conditions
If you haven’t already, be sure to thoroughly read through both the rental agreement, as well as the terms and conditions.
Don’t feel rushed and take your time to make sure you don’t miss any details.
If you’ve read the documents already, have another look as a recap.
Make sure that the rental quote matches the offer you saw online.
Point out any mishaps immediately.
Inspect the condition of the rental car
Checking the condition of the rental car before driving off is an absolute must.
Rentalmoose strongly recommends taking check-in photos of the condition of the car both inside and out. If you booked your car with Rentalmoose, you will receive a reminder to take check-in photos.
Rentalmoose insider tip: It’s best to take check-in photos with your smartphone. They are tagged with the current time, date, and location and can serve as evidence in case of unfair damage charges.
Pay attention to any existing damage and make sure it is noted in the check-out form. Don’t forget to check the tire wear, too. Photograph the car’s current odometer reading to avoid disputes over mileage.
Any damage found at drop-off that’s not documented on the check-out form will be considered to be inflicted during the rental period. In this case, the renter is subject to pay for the repair costs, as well as an administrative fee to the rental company.
Check if the car’s safety and comfort features work
Get familiar with the rental car and its features.
Make sure that all of the lights are in order, check if the A/C works, the powered mirrors, and all of the gauges.
Make sure that there aren’t any warning lights when the engine is on.
Check the fuel gauge, the rental car should come with a full tank of gas. Double-check if your car is powered by diesel or gasoline.
Contact the rental desk staff if anything is out of the ordinary before you leave.
Once you’re sure that everything is in order, you can begin your adventure. Have fun!
Before drop-off
As your rental agreement is coming to an end, get ready to return your rental car at the desired location.
This section of our car rental checklist is useful right before dropping off your car.
Ensure the rental car is clean
Most car rental companies will allow reasonable wear and tear during the rental period.
However, it is rarely specified what that means.
Imagine the rental car was lent to you by a friend and ask yourself whether you’d give it back in its current condition. If not, you may want to visit a car wash before drop-off.
If the car is too dirty at drop-off, you may be charged a cleaning fee. Note that there will be a service fee added on top of the charge. It’s going to be cheaper if you clean the car yourself prior to drop-off.
You can add a paid cleaning service at pick-up, that way you can return the car dirty. Generally, the upfront cleaning service is cheaper than the cleaning fee.
Check the rental desk’s opening hours
If you’re returning the car outside of the rental company’s business hours, you may be subject to an additional fee.
Fill up the gas tank
Your rental car will come with a full-to-full gas tank policy unless you’ve pre-purchased another package that allows you to return the car with less gas.
Try to find the time to fill up the tank before drop-off.
Take the receipt with you, just in case.
If you return a car with less fuel, the rental company will refuel it and charge you for it.
A service fee will be added to your bill on top of the refueling fee. Once again, it’s cheaper to do it yourself.
If you know you won’t have the time to refuel the car before returning it, consider purchasing a full tank of fuel at pick-up. That way, you won’t have to worry about the fuel level when dropping off the rental car.
Check the return procedure (self-service return)
If you’ve chosen a self-service drop-off, make sure you are aware where to drop the keys off.
Where will you leave the car? Is it a safe environment (look below for details)? If you’ve added optional equipment, where should you drop it off?
Your rental agreement will have details for the self-service return process.
At drop-off
Arrive on time
Check the rental agreement to see the drop-off time. Make sure you arrive on time, similarly to the pick-up.
Inform the car rental company if you’re running late, or if you want to extend the rental period for another day or two.
Generally, car rental companies offer a grace period for late drop-off. It is up to the company how long it lasts, and it is mentioned in the T&Cs.
The grace period for late drop-off is usually 29 minutes.
Document the rental car’s condition
Once the car is returned, take another set of photos documenting the condition of the rental car inside and out.
Take a picture of the mileage, too.
If you’ve booked your rental car via Rentalmoose, you will receive a reminder to take check-out photos of the car’s condition. The check-in and check-out pictures will be stored with us in case of any disputes.
If there are any disputes regarding the damage, you can use the check-in and check-out photos as evidence, along with the check-in and check-out forms with any existing damage written down.
Check the car for your belongings
Once you’re ready to leave, check the rental car thoroughly for any belongings that you may have forgotten to take. Have a look inside of the glovebox, in the center console, under the seats, in the trunk, and in any other compartment in the car.
If you rented any additional equipment, such as a GPS satnav, return it to the rental desk.
If you’ve selected self-service drop-off, enquire about the return process for additional equipment in advance.
Consult your rental agreement for details.
Ensure the rental car is left in a safe environment
This is crucial if you’re dropping the car off outside of the desk’s business hours. In the terms and conditions, it is stated that the renter is responsible for the rental car until it is inspected by the staff the next business day.
In practice, this means that you have to leave the rental car in a safe environment (ideally a car park monitored by CCTV cameras) when dropping it off outside of business hours.
It is your responsibility as the renter.
Return the car keys and check the final bill
Lastly, don’t forget to drop off the key(s) to the rental car along with any additional equipment.
In some countries, you may be asked to return the car’s documents too, while in others the documents should be left in the glove compartment. Consult the rental agreement for details.
When receiving the final bill or invoice, make sure that the price matches the one you were quoted.
Consider that additional charges may be added to your final bill, click here to find out about the most common extra fees when renting a car. Inform the rental desk staff if there are any mishaps.
It may seem like a lot of points to remember, though I can assure you that the rental process will be smooth and simple if you follow the steps listed in our car rental checklist.
Don’t forget to get your next rental car from Rentalmoose, and check out our blog section for curated travel guides to explore your destination.
Terms and conditions for rental cars often seem overwhelming: they can be extremely lengthy and confusing to read through. Afterall, we are used to agreeing to terms and conditions of all sorts without ever going through them.
You should always carefully read through the terms and conditions before signing your rental agreement. In fact, it’s best to take a look at them before you even finalize your booking. Otherwise, you could end up having your trip ruined by unexpected fees mentioned deep in the fine print.
Below you will find the main reasons to always study the rental car terms and conditions, as well as the important information that can be found within the document.
1. Terms and conditions vary depending on the location
On top of the general terms and conditions that remain the same for all rental stations, every rental company has a separate set of location-specific terms and conditions. These terms vary by different countries.
To avoid any misunderstandings during your rental period, Rentalmoose recommends reading through both general and region-specific terms and conditions before booking your car.
For example, when picking up a Europcar rental car in Australia, the driver is required to notify the company if planning to travel between states. Click here to check out the full terms and conditions for Europcar Australia, or here to see our curated travel guides and road trip itineraries in Australia.
What’s more, location-specific terms and conditions can also affect any extra fees associated with the rental, the minimum age of the driver, cross-border fees and policies, or whether the renter needs an International Driving Permit to rent a car.
Make sure to take a look at the regional terms and conditions before booking your rental car.
2. Check the cost of extra services
Rental car companies have various additional fees that can be added on top of your bill, even long after the rental period is over. To ensure you avoid any unnecessary fees, it’s best to take a detailed look at the terms and conditions.
All of the extra car rental fees are mentioned in the rental company’s terms and conditions. Once again, be sure to take a look at the region-specific T&Cs as well, as the tariffs can vary depending on the country.
Some of the extra fees listed within the T&Cs can include:
no-show fee if you don’t pick the rental car up at all.
Don’t forget to return the car with a full tank of gas, or you will be charged with a refueling fee!
Make sure to check out our blog post where you can learn all about the most common extra rental car fees and how you can avoid them.
3. See the tax rates and potential additional charges
Extra services aren’t the only additional charges mentioned in the terms and conditions of the rental company. Suppliers list their tariffs for regional tax rates and additional charges specific to particular rental stations, such as airports.
Rentalmoose insider tip:A surcharge for pick-up or drop-off at an airport or another premium location is often referred to as a premium location surcharge, or PLS in short, in the terms and conditions.
It’s important to have a look at those rates, especially if your rental car quote doesn’t include taxes already.
For example, Europcar rental cars booked in Australia are subject to GST, while the fleet in Europe is subject to VAT. Keep in mind that the pricing shown by Europcar is inclusive of tax unless stated otherwise.
4. See the driver requirements
If you’re younger than 25, booking a rental car can turn out to be slightly more difficult. Most rental car companies won’t sign an agreement with a driver younger than 21.
If you’ve had your driving license for less than a year, you won’t be able to rent a car either. In this case, the driver’s age does not matter.
If the driver is between 21 and 25 years old, they may not have access to the entire fleet, and can expect an additional “young driver fee” on top of their bill.
The driver requirements are often regulated in the location-specific T&Cs. For example, an 18-year-old can rent a car in the state of New York via Alamo, though they will have to pay an extra $64.50 per day. Click here to see Alamo’s age requirements in the US.
The driver requirement policies vary depending on the rental car company and the rental location, you can find them in the T&Cs. Be sure to read through them to find out all the details for your destination.
Rentalmoose insider tip: On top of the supplier’s driver requirements, the rental company will have a list of collection requirements necessary to pick up the rental car. Continue reading to find out about them.
5. Double-check the collection conditions
Even if the renter meets all of the supplier’s driver requirements, there can still be unpleasant surprises at the rental desk.
Some car rental companies can require an International Driving Permit when picking up the car, even if it is not legally required in the country you’re going to.
Remember that an IDP is only valid alongside your original driving license, as it only serves as a translation of the document.
Be sure to double-check the collection conditions, as an International Driving Permit can only be obtained in your home country.
6. Check the payment options and deposit rates
The rental company’s collection conditions include the available payment options and the tariffs of the security deposit.
The deposit is usually around 200-250EUR on top of the total rental estimate. Once again, the amount varies depending on the car category, rental location, and the car rental company.
The period of time until the money is returned to you is stated within the company’s T&Cs, too. Usually, the deposit is released within a month of the end of the rental period.
Make sure to check out this blog post to learn all you need to know about security deposits when renting a car.
The available payment options are also listed in the T&Cs. Keep in mind that some companies will only accept credit cards, whilst others might require a credit/debit card from a major credit card company. Check the terms and conditions before booking for more details.
What’s more, the security deposit might increase if you choose to pay by debit card rather than a credit card. For example, Europcar Australia will increase your deposit by an additional 300AUD if you choose to use a debit card.
Have you booked with a low tier car rental company? If you have your own insurance, the security deposit might skyrocket to over 3000EUR.
7. Learn about the insurance
Rental car insurance is still a confusing topic for many renters. Similarly to the rental car age requirements, the insurance policies vary depending on the supplier and the rental destination.
In general, the company’s T&Cs will mention what the mandatory policy insurance covers. For example, Europcar’s general T&Cs state that every Europcar rental car is insured against bodily injury and/or property damage that the renter can inflict on third parties. Similar policies apply to essentially all car rental companies.
The conditions regarding every type of cover supplied by the rental company are thoroughly explained within the T&Cs, too. For example, a Collision Damage Waiver won’t cover damage made to the tires or windshield. What’s more, you can learn about the extra protection offered by the supplier.
Rentalmoose insider tip: Rental car companies will void any and all protection in case of a serious breach of the rental agreement, as mentioned in the T&Cs. What classifies as a serious breach? Serious offenses, such as driving under the influence, are considered serious breaches.
8. Find out your responsibilities during the rental period
The rental company supplies the renters with an array of responsibilities that they need to follow during the entire rental period. The responsibilities can vary slightly depending on the supplier, that’s why it’s best to read through the T&Cs before finalizing your booking.
Most of the responsibilities listed in the T&Cs are rather obvious. Europcar, for example, mentions the requirement to take reasonable care of the vehicle during the rental period. It is also stated that the renter mustn’t leave the vehicle unlocked, or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, there are some renter responsibilities listed in the terms and conditions that can easily be forgotten about. Don’t forget that it is your responsibility to ensure that the car is parked in a safe space.
If you fail to provide evidence that the rental car was parked in a safe environment, your coverage may become invalid in case of theft or an accident.
In some scenarios, the renter is responsible for the rental car even after dropping off the keys. Here’s how.
If you drop your rental car off outside of the office hours, you are still responsible for it until it is inspected by the supplier the next morning. Once again, the renter must ensure that the rental car is left in a safe environment.
Ideally, drop the car off at a car park monitored by CCTV cameras, just in case.
9. Check the grace period
Let’s say your rental period is coming to an end, but you’re stuck in rush-hour traffic on the way to the rental station. Good news, as the rental company won’t necessarily charge an extra fee straight away!
Car rental companies provide the renter with a grace period when dropping the rental car off. Although it usually lasts 30 minutes from the drop-off time stated in the rental agreement, the grace period can vary depending on the company.
For example, Enterprise offers a 29-minute grace period when dropping the car off. If you pass the grace period, you will be charged in accordance with the tariff found in your rental agreement.
10. Avoid fees after the rental period is over
When dropping off the rental car, you can be charged a refueling fee if the car’s gas tank isn’t full, or a surcharge for damage spotted during the inspection of the vehicle. Once again, the tariffs and rates vary from company to company and are stated in the T&Cs.
On some occasions, you can still be charged by the car rental company long after you’ve returned from your vacation. If you’ve been caught speeding by a traffic camera, you will be charged for the offense along with an administrative fee.
The same goes for unpaid parking tickets or any traffic offenses that have happened during your rental period. The fees are listed in the T&Cs.
Find out more about common car rental fees in this blog post.
These are just some of the reasons why it’s always worth to take a look at the rental car terms and conditions before booking your next rental car. What are you waiting for? Book your next rental car via Rentalmoose!
We plant a tree for every rental car booked with us, as a way of contributing towards a better tomorrow. Find out more about us here.
Picking the right insurance for your rental car can be stressful, especially if you haven’t rented a car in the past. While discovering your destination by rental car is extremely convenient, your experience may get unnecessarily confusing when it comes to selecting insurance.
You’ll be happy to hear that rental car insurance is quite straightforward, as long as you know the types of coverage and their limitations. Below, you will find your ultimate know-how guide to rental car insurance. This blog post will cover:
CDW
TP & LDW
TPL
Rental car insurance in EU VS US & Canada
Additional types of insurance
Third-party insurance
Which type of insurance should you get?
Breach of the rental agreement
Roadside assistance
However, the car rental company may attempt to sell you their premium insurance at the rental desk right before you pick up the car. Keep in mind that you will be charged a fee that’s higher than standard if you decide to add insurance from the supplier at the very last minute.
If you’re on the go, check out this helpful infographic. Feel free to save it on your phone for future reference!
Standard types of insurance
First of all, it’s important to note that the insurance on your rental car is a bit different than the one you have for your private vehicle. Rental cars practically anywhere across the world will come with these types of coverage as standard.
CDW- Collision Damage Waiver
The car’s basic insurance against damage is referred to as the Collision Damage Waiver or CDW in short. Keep in mind that the Collision Damage Waiver only covers some parts of the vehicle. Typically, the CDW coverage does not include elements such as the roof, windshield, tires, or anything within the interior.
In case of any damage to the rental car, the renter is liable to pay a part of the repair costs. The highest possible amount to be paid is referred to as the excess or deductible.
The excess can range anywhere between $0 to thousands of dollars. Rental car companies offer excess reduction, but more on that in a moment.
Rentalmoose insider tip: More often than not, rental car deals that appear very inexpensive at first sight can come with a ridiculously high excess. Make sure you double-check before finalizing the booking.
Be sure to check the rental company’s T&Cs to make sure what is covered by the CDW before picking up the rental car.
While the CDW usually comes as standard for rental cars in Europe, Asia, and Australia, it is not as common in North America. Take a look below for more details.
You are responsible for your rental car during the rental period, so make sure you know what type of coverage is included in the offer.
Theft Protection or Loss Damage Waiver
Protection against theft of the rental car is generally included in the price of your rental, too. Similarly to the CDW mentioned above, basic Theft Protection comes with an excess.
The amount of the excess varies depending on the car type, region, and the rental company itself. You can expect it to be at least $500 without any additional protection packages.
Keep in mind that the theft protection will only cover the rental car and not any personal belongings left inside.
Sometimes, the Theft Protection and Collision Damage Waiver are classified as one type of protection by the rental company. In that case, it is called the Loss Damage Waiver.
Third-Party Liability
The third type of protection that typically comes as standard with a rental car is Third-Party Liability or TPL in short. If you end up in an accident in which you will hurt anyone or make any damages to property, the TPL will cover it.
Keep in mind that there is a maximum payout limit of the Third-Party Liability, get in touch with your rental company for more details.
TPL does not cover the rental car itself at all.
Note- rental car insurance in the US and Canada
As mentioned above, the CDW and Theft Protection do not come as standard with every rental car in the US and Canada. If you’re a resident of the United States or Canada, rental car insurance may be included in your credit card plan.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check directly with your credit card company. Note that the same card must be used to book the rental car.
For the same reason, European drivers visiting North America should keep this in mind when booking their rental cars. Make sure not to choose a basic protection plan in the US, unless you are covered by a third-party company.
Although the basic protection plan in the US and Canada may not include CDW or TP, all rental cars will still be equipped with Third-Party Liability protection. However, Rentalmoose strongly recommends adding more cover just in case.
Additional types of insurance
As a renter, you can opt for additional insurance on top of the basic coverage provided by the car rental company. Note that although extra insurance is not mandatory, it can come in handy in the event of any unpleasant surprises.
Accidents can happen even to the best drivers on the planet. Rentalmoose recommends adding additional protection when renting a car. It may slightly raise the cost of your trip, but it can save you lots of your hard-earned money in case of damage.
There are three ways you can purchase optional insurance or coverage for your rental car:
When you book your rental car via Rentalmoose.com, you will find what type of coverage is included in your booking details.
Extra coverage by the rental car company can reduce your excess or add protection to parts of the vehicle that aren’t covered by the basic insurance, such as the windshield or even your personal insurance. The tariffs vary depending on the company and rental location.
Please note that adding optional coverage during the online booking process will be cheaper than purchasing it at pick-up.
At the rental desk when you pick the rental car up
During the pick-up of your rental car, the staff will offer you additional protection if you haven’t purchased it online. The protection plans will be similar to the ones offered when booking your car, such as reducing the excess or theft protection of your personal belongings.
Keep in mind that the rates can be higher than when purchasing the same plans online.
Through a third-party company
You can decline the coverage offered by the rental company in favor of external insurance purchased from a third-party company. In general, the companies that offer standalone rental car insurance vary depending on the country you’re renting the car in.
And many more! Remember the double-check the company’s legitimacy before purchasing any additional protection.
Note: Third-party rental car insurance packages will require the renter to cover the repair cost to the rental company. Then, the insurance company will refund the renter. You will still need to pay upfront for the damages and then claim your money back via the insurance company.
Which type of insurance should you get?
There isn’t a single definite answer regarding which rental car coverage is best.
Breach of the rental agreement
Make sure to drive safely when renting a car anywhere in the world. If the supplier spots a serious breach of the rental agreement (i.e. driving under the influence, driving to another country not permitted in the agreement, etc) any and all protection will become invalid.
In that case, you will be responsible for covering 100% of the damages.
Extra tip: Roadside assistance
The last thing you want during your holiday is to be left in the middle of nowhere with a rental car that’s broken down.
Although the technical condition of the car can be perfect at pick-up, a breakdown could happen during the rental period. Similarly to collisions, car breakdowns are often impossible to predict.
Before you set off on your journey, double-check whether or not breakdown assistance is included in your car rental offer. Some companies, such as Hertz, provide 24-hour roadside assistance if your car breaks down anytime during the rental period.
If you’ve ever browsed rental cars online, you have probably seen the “or similar” phrase right after the model of the car. In this blog post, you will learn what or similar means when booking a rental car online, what the ACRISS system is, and more.
Let’s say you’ve booked a rental car online. You saw that the car will be an Opel Astra “or similar”. When you pick the keys up from the rental desk, you’re surprised to see that you received a Ford Focus instead.
Has the rental company made a mistake with your reservation? Not exactly, here’s why.
You reserve a car category, not a particular model
When selecting your rental car, don’t be mistaken by the car model that you see. Rental car companies will offer you a car from a certain class that you’ve booked, and not a particular model itself. Hence the or similar phrase.
In practice, this means that the Volkswagen Golf that you see when booking your car online can turn out to be any other car of the same category. That’s why you could get the keys to a Golf, an Opel Astra, a Ford Focus, or any other vehicle that’s within the same class.
Are you aware how many different categories there are? Do they vary depending on the rental company? Keep on reading to find out.
What is ACRISS?
Most car rental companies around the globe used ACRISS, a unified system that groups every car within a certain category. The rental cars are sorted by 4-character long codes, and you can find out the car’s type, category, transmission, and fuel type based on the code.
You can check out ACRISS’ official website to learn more.
How many rental car categories are there?
The ACRISS system is made up of 18 different categories. On top of that, each rental car falls within one of 22 different types, 6 different transmission categories, and one of 18 fuel/air conditioning categories.
The 18 car categories that make up the ACRISS system are:
Every ACRISS member will list the rental car using a 4-character code, for example, CCMN. That way, it’s easy to decode the car’s category, type of vehicle, fuel type, and whether or not it is air-conditioned.
You can also see what category to look for based on a particular model of car that you like.
The first character in the code refers to the rental car’s category (one of the 18 listed above). Using the list above we can see that our example, CCMN, is a Compact car.
The second character in the code refers to the car type. There are 22 different types (i.e. convertible, roadster, or coupe) within this category. Using the data provided by ACRISS we can then see that CCMN is a Compact 2/4 Door.
The third character in the code refers to the type of transmission and drivetrain that the car is equipped with. This is especially crucial if you have strong preferences between manual or an automatic gearbox. CCMN is a Compact 2/4 Door Manual.
Lastly, the fourth character defines the car’s fuel type and whether or not it comes with A/C. CCMN is a Compact 2/4 Door Manual Without A/C.
Why do car rental companies use ACRISS?
Though the number of different types and categories that make up ACRISS might seem overwhelming at first, a unified system actually makes picking a rental car a lot simpler. You know exactly what kind of car you’re going to get.
You might be wondering why rental companies don’t provide reservations for specific models rather than categories. Afterall, that would seem more logical at first sight.
However, it is pretty difficult for car rental companies to keep track of their fleet which varies depending on the type of location as well as the region.
On top of that, rental cars have to be cleaned, maintained or sent for servicing at different times. It simply makes more sense to sort cars by categories rather than by its make and model.
That’s why car rental companies have decided to reserve car categories instead of car models, along with creating a unified car code system to make it easier for the renter to pick their ideal car category no matter where they travel.
ACRISS is used by most of the major car rental companies worldwide, such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, or Alamo. You can find ACRISS car codes assigned to rental cars across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The network is expanding to cover other regions around the globe, too.
Can you book a particular vehicle?
It can be tricky to get the exact make and model you’re after when selecting a rental car, especially if you’ve chosen a vehicle that’s in high demand. Below you will find a few tips to help you score precisely the car you’re after. End up with the vehicle you want and not the or similar.
Check the region
Rental car companies adjust the cars in their fleets based on the country. While a rental station in Germany might have a selection of Volkswagen Golfs waiting at the lot, a branch of the same company in Ireland could have a lot more Vauxhall Astras instead.
This could mean that the make and model you see when booking your rental car online may not be available at that rental station at all.
High demand rental cars are more likely to be unavailable
If you’ve booked a category that’s in very high demand, such as a budget-friendly automatic compact with air conditioning, you may be out of luck in getting a particular vehicle. Remember that you are guaranteed a similar vehicle within the same category, and keep in mind that large suppliers will have bigger fleets.
Book ahead
Simply put, booking earlier can raise the chance of getting the car you want.
Prepare to pay extra
If you’re willing to pay extra, your selected rental company may be able to hold the specific rental car model you’re after. It’s best to get in touch directly with the car rental company and ask for details before finalizing your booking.
You can also contact the rental desk after booking and enquire about the cars available in the category you’ve selected. That way, you’ll know what kind of cars you can expect to pick up.
Don’t forget to book your next rental car through Rentalmoose. Our platform offers thousands of rental cars from trusted suppliers all across the world. Browse from over 15 000 different locations and find your ideal car today.
We plant a tree for every rental car booked with us, as a way of contributing towards a better tomorrow. Find out more about us here.
A security deposit is required by car rental companies whenever you book a rental car (look below for exceptions).
Generally, the rental company will freeze a certain amount of money from your credit card at pick-up and return it to you after the rental period is over.
It is a safety precaution taken by the suppliers to ensure that they are covered in case of any additional fees, such as a cleaning fee or a parking violation that happened during your rental period.
If the rental car is damaged, the cost of repair will be deducted from your deposit, too.
The security deposit will usually be the equivalent of your total rental price, plus a few hundred euros on top.
In some cases, the amount may surpass thousands of euros, whilst in others, there may not be any deposit at all.
Can you rent a car without a security deposit?
Security deposit policies vary depending on the rental car company, the country you’re in, and the type of car you’re after.
Some rental car companies offer an extra protection package that reduces the security deposit, along with the reduction of excess.
Keep in mind that the security deposit will raise together with the value of the rental car.
If you’re booking a convertible, for example, expect the deposit to be higher.
Rentalmoose insider tip: Car rental deals with extremely low daily rates that seem too good to be true often have a big catch. In most cases, both the excess and the security deposit are enormous.
Always double-check the excess and deposit before finalizing the booking to avoid unpleasant surprises at the rental desk.
How and when will you pay the security deposit?
The security deposit for your rental car will be paid at the rental counter right before you pick the car up.
The vast majority of rental companies will require a credit card in the renter’s name for the deposit, ensure that your card limit doesn’t surpass the security deposit.
Some car rental companies will allow the renter to pay the deposit by debit card, though it is not common.
If you’re unsure whether or not you can pay by debit card, it’s best to check with the rental company before the pick-up date.
On rare occasions, you will be able to pay for the security deposit in cash.
Keep in mind that though this may be possible when booking through local rental companies in some holiday destinations, large suppliers do not allow to pay the deposit in cash.
Double-check your credit card limit to ensure that you have enough funds to cover the security deposit.
Don’t forget that the credit card has to be in the name of the renter.
When will you get your rental car deposit back?
The security deposit should return to you within 2 weeks, counting from the end of the rental period.
Note that larger suppliers tend to return the deposit quicker than small, local companies. If you’ve rented your car from a company like Hertz or Europcar, you can expect the deposit to come back to your account within a few working days.
Did you rent a car during peak season? Expect delays, even with the larger suppliers.
If it’s been over 15 working days and you haven’t received your deposit, get in touch directly with the rental company and ask for an update.
Can you lose a security deposit?
If you accumulate any traffic offenses or parking violations during your rental period, the rental company will charge you for them (plus any applicable service fee, read the supplier’s T&Cs for details) and deduct the amount from your deposit.
This includes tickets from speed cameras or unpaid parking fees.
If the returned rental car is damaged, the repair cost will be deducted from your deposit, too.
Lastly, any additional fees can be deducted from your deposit. For example, if you’re late when dropping the rental car off, you are subject to a late drop-off fee.
Be sure to check out this blog post to learn how you can protect yourself against unfair damage charges during your rental period.
How much is a rental car deposit?
The security deposit for a rental car is typically around the same as the excess, or deductible, plus a fee for a full tank of gas.
The excess is the largest amount you’d have to pay in the event of damage to the rental car, you can learn more about excess in this blog post.
That said, the cost of a security deposit can vary greatly depending on the company and country, as well as the car class you’re renting.
Remember that different suppliers can have various deposit charges for the same car class. If you have a low credit card limit, be sure to compare offers from different rental companies before booking.
Keep in mind that less popular regions tend to have higher security deposits. For example, when booking a rental car with Europcar in Bolivia, the security deposit equals the total rental estimate plus an additional 1500 USD.
In comparison, if you rent a car through the same supplier in Cyprus, the security deposit will equal the total rental estimate plus 300 EUR.
You can check this chart by Europcar for their car rental deposits in every country.
Don’t forget to book your next rental car through Rentalmoose. Our platform offers thousands of rental cars from trusted suppliers all across the world. Browse from over 15 000 different locations and find your ideal car today.
We plant a tree for every rental car booked with us, as a way of contributing towards a better tomorrow. Find out more about us here.
