Sadly, unfair damage charges can still occur when renting a car. Here is how you can protect yourself against unfair damage charges, and how to dispute them if you happen to be charged with rental car damage you haven’t inflicted.
Firstly, follow these tips to ensure that you have the necessary evidence to dispute unfair damage charges. There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself as soon as you get the keys to your rental car.
Picking up the rental car
There are several things you can do when picking up your rental car to ensure that you won’t receive charges for damage you haven’t caused. Keep reading to find out how you can stay protected against unfair claims by the car rental company. You can also take a look at this blog post which thoroughly explains the pick-up process.
Take photos of the rental car
Taking check-in photos of the condition of the car is a great way to document any damage that was on the rental car before your rental period. Before dropping the car off, Rentalmoose recommends taking check-out photos as well.
Rentalmoose insider tip: When you book a rental car with Rentalmoose, we will remind you to take check-in and check-out photos of the condition of your rental car.
Document any damage on the check-out form
Right after you receive the keys to your rental car, make sure to inspect it thoroughly both inside and out.
Any visible damage should be mentioned in the check-out form, don’t rush and ensure that the check-out form matches the actual condition of the rental car.
Do not drive away until you are fully satisfied with the condition of the car.
If you’ve booked your rental car through Rentalmoose, you will be reminded to take check-in and check-out photos. Additionally, the photos will be stored by us in case of any disputes.
Report any damage to the rental desk
If you’ve found damage anywhere on the car and it is not stated in the check-out form, inform the rental desk staff immediately. Otherwise, it could turn out hard to prove that the damage wasn’t inflicted by you.
Returning the rental car
When dropping off your rental car, make sure to take a thorough look and check for any new damage. Once again, take photos of the condition of the car both inside and out. If you’ve booked a rental car with Rentalmoose, we will remind you to do so.
Drop off the car keys once you’re done. You can be asked to fill out a check-in form of the condition of the car, and the rental car can be inspected for damage by an employee during drop-off. The drop-off process varies slightly between different companies, you can check your rental agreement for details.
Returning the car outside of the office hours
If you’ve selected to drop the car off when the rental desk is closed, it is even more important to document the condition of the car before leaving. Don’t forget to leave the car in a safe spot!
Rentalmoose insider tip:Remember that the renter is responsible for the rental car until it is inspected the next business day. When leaving the rental car, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is parked in a safe environment. You can find out more in this blog post.
Damage inflicted during the rental period
The car rental company will inspect the condition of the rental car during the drop-off, or the next business day if you’re returning the car during out-of-office hours. Any visible damage will be noted in the check-in form. As long as the damage is the same on both forms, you’re good to go!
However, if the check-in form includes more damage than the check-out one, the car rental company will automatically assume that the damage was inflicted by the renter during the rental period.
The worst part? The car rental company can then use your security deposit to cover the repair costs. What’s more, the supplier will charge an additional administrative fee on top of the repair costs. The administrative fee is mentioned in the company’s terms and conditions.
Mistakes do happen, it can be possible that the damage was inflicted either before or after the rental period. In this case, you can dispute the charges and hopefully get your money back.
How to dispute unfair damage charges
Gather the evidence
Here is where the check-in and check-out forms come in handy. Make sure you have both of the forms, as they confirm the condition of the car that you and the company both agreed on.
Don’t forget to attach the photos you took when picking up and dropping off your rental car. It’s even better if you used a phone to take the photos, as they will be tagged with the time and location.
Contact the car rental company
Once you have your evidence ready, get in touch directly with the car rental company. Some large suppliers, such as Europcar, will ask you to contact the branch where the rental took place. You can find the contact details in the contact section of the rental company’s website.
If you’ve booked your car through Rentalmoose, we can get in touch with the car rental company on your behalf. You can contact us here, please ensure to attach evidence to back up your claim.
What can you do if the car rental company decides not to refund you? Keep reading to find out.
Contact your credit card company
If the car rental company refuses to refund you for the unfair damage charges, try getting in touch with your credit card company or your bank. As long as you’ve paid by card, your bank should be able to help get your money back.
The vast majority of credit card companies offer protection for their customers. You can, for example, request a chargeback. The bank/credit card company will investigate the issue and refund you depending on the outcome.
If your bank is unable to help, you can escalate the dispute to consumer right organizations.
Contact consumer right organizations
In the event of unfair damage charges, it is unlikely that both the rental company and your bank will refuse to help you. If that does happen, it’s best to file a complaint to the consumer right organization relevant to the region where the rental took place.
In 2019 alone, the ECC has helped out over 120 000 consumers, so it’s worth a shot.
United Kingdom
If you’ve rented your car in the United Kingdom, get in touch with the BVRLA. Please note that the complaint must be filed within a year of the final decision of the rental company.
United States of America
If you’ve rented your car in the United States of America, notify the state attorney general of the state where the vehicle was rented. You can find the appropriate state attorney general using this website.
Other regions
If your car rental took place outside of the regions listed above, it’s best to check the local laws regarding consumer rights. You may also contact a lawyer to receive help and escalate the dispute to court. Keep in mind that you will have to cover the legal fees.
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.
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.
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What are some of the extra car rental fees I should look out for? How can I avoid unexpected car rental surcharges? Thousands of renters ask these crucial questions every day.
Renting a car during your holiday is a great experience. Forget about the stress of missing the next bus, there is no need to worry about finding enough space for your luggage. Not to mention the freedom to alter your travel plans on the go, the convenience of a rental car is irreplaceable.
Before booking your rental car, it’s best to have a look through the car rental company’s terms and conditions. Otherwise, you might face additional fees that could drain your holiday budget. You could end up overpaying a lot!
For your maximum convenience, we’ve prepared a list of some of the unexpected extra fees that you might face when renting a car. If you’re aware of them, you will be able to avoid them and keep the cost of the car rental to an absolute minimum.
Continue reading to learn all about extra car rental fees and how to avoid them.
Let’s jump into the most common car rental fees, check them out below.
Extra Fees For Additional Equipment
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need to rent a children’s seat. Going skiing up in the mountains? A roof rack might be necessary.
Additional extras such as infant seats, external GPS, roof racks, or snow chains, will all increase the daily price of your rental car. The fees vary depending on the rental company, as well as the location.
For example, Europcar equips all rental cars in Poland with a special winter package (winter tires, winter washing fluid, and an ice scraper) during the winter season. Therefore, every Europcar rental car booked in Poland during the winter has an added fee of 4 EUR per day, without exceeding 60 EUR per rental.
Young (and Senior) Driver Fee
Bad news for young drivers and seniors. The vast majority of car rental companies will add a young driver fee if the driver is under 25 years old. What’s more, young drivers may not have access to the entire fleet. Seniors face similar surcharges, too.
On top of all this, most rental companies require the driver to be at least 21 years old to be able to rent a car at all. If you’ve had your driving license for less than a year, that can be a problem too.
That sweet convertible might have to wait until you’re at least 25 years old.
Fees vary depending on the car rental company. For example, Alamo charges an extra $19 (16 EUR) per day if the driver is between 21 and 24 years old. This applies to all their rental cars in Michigan, United States.
Rentalmoose strongly recommends reading the rental company’s terms and conditions before booking your rental car.
Additional Driver Fee
Are you planning a long road trip with your friends who all want to drive? Perhaps you’re going on a romantic honeymoon and your partner wants to get behind the wheel, too?
Adding an additional driver can be a lifesaver in a number of different scenarios. Keep in mind, however, that adding an extra driver will result in a surcharge of at least 10 EUR per day.
Although there is an extra fee for additional drivers, there are a number of exceptions. If you’re going to California, the state law prevents the car rental company from adding a surcharge for additional drivers.
Remember that any extra driver should be listed in the rental contract, even if there is no extra charge.
Some car rental companies, like Enterprise or Avis, waive the fee if the additional driver is a spouse, domestic partner, or even a business partner.
Policies vary depending on each company and rental location. Check the rental terms and conditions to see the exact rates for your rental.
Airport Pick-Up or Drop-off, Premium Location Surcharge
Sure, picking up your rental car directly at the airport terminal is as convenient as it gets. Sadly, in the world of car rentals you will often find yourself paying more for that extra touch of convenience.
Most rental companies will add a special fee for picking up the rental car at premium locations, such as airports, large train stations, or other transportation hubs. This is usually referred to as the premium location surcharge, airport pick-up fee, etc.
If you want to save a few bucks on your next rental car, you may want to skip the airport and pick your rental car up from the city instead.
Different Drop-Off Location Fee
One-way car rentals are great. You can see the best parts of your destination without the hassle of driving all the way back to your starting point to return the rental car.
Often times, a one-way trip will raise the price of your rental. Car rental companies will add a drop-off surcharge when dropping the car off at another location. The fee varies depending on the car rental company and the distance between pick-up and drop-off points.
For example, if you’re planning to pick your car up at London Gatwick Airport and drop it off at London Heathrow, expect the drop-off fee to be up to 50 pounds (55 EUR).
The fee can be paid when picking up your rental car.
Cross-Border Fee- Taking Your Rental Car Across Country Borders
Did you know that you can rent a car for cross-border road trips? If you’re planning a journey across European nations, from the US to Canada, or between any other countries, make sure to notify the car rental company first!
Otherwise, you breach your rental agreement by driving in another country. As a result, you won’t be covered by insurance and will have to pay for any damage or theft yourself.
Cross-border fees depend on the rental company and destination, check the rental terms and conditions to be sure. If you’re planning to drive from Spain to Portugal, for example, expect to pay up to 90 EUR extra for your rental.
Highway Toll Fees
If you’re unaware of major toll roads in your holiday destination, your affordable rental car might soon turn into a financial nightmare, especially if the tolls can’t be paid directly in cash.
Some toll roads across the world require a contactless transponder. In this case, the rental company will likely charge you an extra fee for the transponder on top of any toll fees during your rental period.
If you drive through a contactless toll booth without a transponder, the bill will be mailed to the rental company and then forwarded to you, along with an extra administrative fee.
Fees for transponders vary depending on the company and destination. It’s best to double-check with the car rental company before finalizing your booking.
Don’t forget that some countries, such as Switzerland, require all cars to have a highway vignette to use the highway. Although vignettes are usually supplied by the rental company, Rentalmoose recommends double-checking when picking up the car.
Getting caught without one will result in a hefty ticket.
No-Show Fee- If You Don’t Pick Your Rental Car Up At All
If you know you’re not going to pick up your rental car, be sure to cancel the booking as early as possible. Rentalmoose bookings canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up will be refunded. If you’re canceling less than 48 hours before pick-up, there won’t be any refund.
Contrary to popular belief, rental cars don’t wait for renters. If you’re running late for pick-up, make sure to notify the rental company.
Each company has a certain “grace period” before presuming you won’t show up at all, usually between 30 and 120 minutes.
If the grace period is over, your rental car could be given to another renter and you will not be refunded for the rental. Once again, make sure to read the rental company’s terms and conditions before finalizing your booking.
Sneaky Car Rental Fees During Drop-Off
Late Drop-Off- What Happens When You Don’t Return Your Rental Car On Time
Similarly to running late for pick-up, it’s in your best interest to return your rental car on time. There is a grace period for late drop-offs, just like late pick-ups, and it typically lasts up to 30 minutes. What happens next varies depending on the car rental company.
Once you pass the grace period, most companies will charge you on an hourly basis for the next hours.
If you don’t return the car until later in the day, you will be charged a full day rate, plus any applicable late fees (check your rental contract).
Planning to extend your rental period? Notify your car rental company. If you decide to return the car after the drop-off without prior notice, you will end up paying a lot more.
The grace period, as well as any late drop-off surcharges, are mentioned in the car rental company’s terms and conditions, and the rental agreement.
Make sure to have a look at the T&C’s before booking your car.
Losing or Damaging The Car Keys or Documents
Losing the keys to a rental car can be a dreadful experience. Some car rental companies offer a roadside assistance package that waives a lost key fee. If you’re forgetful, consider adding the package to your rental.
If your roadside assistance package doesn’t cover lost keys, or you haven’t added the package at all, a lost key will turn out very pricey. Renters can expect to cover the cost of a tow truck that will take the locked car back to the rental location, as well as a hefty fee for the key itself.
If you do happen to lose a key to your rental car, be sure to get in touch with the car rental company.
Surpassing The Mileage Limit
Rental cars with a limited number of kilometers are common in Europe and parts of Asia. In North America, however, nearly every single rental deal comes with unlimited miles included in the price.
If you’re planning to stick to one city, a rental car with limited mileage might be the perfect option for you. The daily cost will be cheaper, and you will be able to drive anywhere between 50km (30 miles) to 400km (250 miles) per day.
Planning a road trip? A rental car with unlimited mileage is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about driving too much, though it can cost extra to book.
If you’ve booked a rental car with a mileage limit and ended up surpassing it by drop-off, you will be charged an extra fee. Rental companies will calculate the fee based on each kilometer over the limit.
Fees vary depending on the car rental company, check the terms and conditions to find the precise fee for your rental.
Fuel Surcharge
The fuel policy for car rentals is typically full-to-full. This means that you receive your rental car with a full tank of fuel, and are expected to return it with a full tank as well.
If you know you won’t have the time to refill before dropping the car off, you can add a full tank of fuel when booking the car. That way, you’ll pay for the refueling in advance.
What happens if you drop the rental car off with less fuel? Given that you haven’t paid for refueling in advance, you will be charged an additional fee by the rental company. You will be charged per liter, as well as a service fee.
The best way to avoid this fee is to fill up the tank completely right before dropping the car off. That way, you don’t risk having to pay an extra fee for refueling after you leave.
Cleaning Fee- Don’t Return A Dirty Rental Car
Car rental companies don’t expect their rental cars to come sparkly clean. However, Rentalmoose highly recommends cleaning your rental car before drop-off if necessary. If the rental car returns dirty, the renter is subject to a cleaning fee.
The fee varies depending on the company and the amount of dirt. A rental car cleaning fee typically starts at around 20 EUR and can build up to over 400 EUR.
How do you know if your rental car is clean enough? In most cases, a quick visit to a carwash before drop-off will be sufficient and a lot cheaper than covering the cleaning fee. If you’ve been to a sandy beach, don’t forget to vacuum the interior, too!
Smoking Fee
Even as a smoker, it’s highly recommended to avoid smoking in rental cars at all.
Most car rental companies have a zero-tolerance policy for smoking in the rental car and will charge you a costly fee if any traces of smoking are found within the car.
Don’t forget that in some countries smoking while driving is forbidden by law. In other countries, drivers who smoke with minors in the vehicle can receive a penalty, too.
In the best case, you will be charged around 50 EUR for a cleaning fee if the car smells like smoke. However, if there is any interior damage you can end up paying hundreds, if not thousands of euros.
To avoid any misunderstandings, it’s best to refrain from smoking in the rental car.
Damaged Rental Car
Car rental companies expect the rental car to come in a less-than-ideal condition. Hertz mentions that their rental cars are “subject to fine wear and tear”, such as minor scratches and chips, dents, and wear on tires and wiper blades. What happens if there is more damage?
Unlucky accidents can happen to anyone, especially when driving in a foreign country. Rental cars worldwide are equipped with three basic insurance coverage plans: a Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection, and Third Party Liability.
Don’t forget that the Collision Damage Waiver doesn’t cover the entire car! It only covers the body of the car. Damage to any other parts has to be paid by the renter, unless you select additional insurance.
In case of an accident, the renter might have to put some money towards the repair cost. The maximum amount you can pay is referred to as the excess. The excess is usually taken from your security deposit.
What’s more, you can purchase additional insurance coverage that will reduce your excess. That way, you will have to pay less in the event of an accident. Some companies even offer “zero excess” packages.
If you do happen to get in an accident with your rental car, be sure to contact the authorities and ensure that everyone is safe. Remember to document precisely what had happened.
Returning The Car At A Different Location
If you’ve had a spontaneous change of plans and would like to return the car at a different location than the one in your rental agreement, be sure to contact the car rental company immediately.
If you decide to drop the car off at a different location without prior authorization from the rental company, you are subject to enormous fees.
Always do your best to return the car at the location which is specified in your rental agreement. If that’s not possible, contact the rental company.
Surprising Car Rental Fees After Returning Home
Traffic Fines
You can be charged by the car rental company even once you’re back home from your holiday. Any traffic fines created during the rental period that are mailed to the rental company, including evidence from speed cameras or unpaid tolls, will then be forwarded to you.
What’s more, you will have to pay an extra administrative fee for any collected fine, on top of the tickets themselves. If you drive safely without breaking traffic laws, you won’t face such fees.
Parking Fines
Similar to traffic offenses, any unsettled parking fines mailed to the car rental company will be forwarded to you. The car rental company will also add an administrative fee on top of the fine itself.
How can you avoid these fees? Your best bet is to park your rental car legally in designated parking spaces.
These are the most common extra fees you can expect when renting a car. Once again, make sure to read through the rental agreement, as well as the rental company’s T&Csbefore finalizing the booking.
Being aware of these fees will make it a lot easier to avoid them.
Are you renting a car in Poland? Check out these useful tips when driving in Poland.
Downtown Warsaw photographed by Rudy and Peter Skitterians.
Poland is the perfect under-the-radar tourist destination in Central Europe, and the ideal place for a road trip. Learn all about the official driving laws in Poland, including regulations, speed limits and the tolling system on highways, as well as insider tips.
Poland has nearly everything you can expect from a road trip destination: scenic roads, dramatic and diverse landscapes, historic cities and modern highway connections to other European nations. Not to mention the affordable eateries of all kinds and budget-friendly accommodation options scattered around the nation.
Before you begin driving in Poland, there are some important tips you should be aware of.
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Poland?
First of all, let’s establish what kind of documents tourists need to obtain in order to legally drive and rent a car in Poland.
The case is very simple for travelers who are holders of EU-issued driver’s licenses or licenses issued in EFTA member states (European Free Trade Association, list of members here), as they can drive in Poland without any limitations. This includes drivers whose driving licenses were issued in countries such as Germany, Italy or Norway.
If your driving license was issued in one of the countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (check the list here), you can drive with your domestic license up to 6 months in Poland, as long as you are over 18 years old. Additionally, Poland recognizes domestic licenses issued in Japan and South Korea.
Tourists who have a domestic driving license issued in a different country will need to obtain an International Driving Permit in their home country prior to leaving.
Check out this blog post to learn more about IDP’s. Remember that an International Driving Permit is only valid alongside your driving license, keep both documents on you at all times. This includes drivers whose driving licenses were issued in countries such as the United States of America or China.
What are the speed limits in Poland?
In the past, I’ve had misinformed friends who believed that highways in Poland don’t have speed limits. The confusion likely comes from the fact that some segments of the Autobahn, highways in Germany, are unrestricted. However, this is not the case in Poland. Polish highways have a speed limit of 140 kilometers per hour (87 mph).
When it comes to urban zones such as cities or small towns, the speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour (31 MPH). On some roads within urban areas, the speed limit is raised to 60 km/h (37 MPH) between 11 PM and 5 AM.
If a road sign informs that you’ve entered an urban zone (the sign shows a city skyline, click here to see it), you can drive up to 60 kilometers per hour between 11 PM and 5 AM, unless other signs state otherwise (i.e. a 50km/h speed limit sign).
Roads close to schools or around city centers have a speed limit decreased all the way to 30km/h (19 MPH) or in some cases even 20 kilometers per hour (12 MPH). On the other hand, some multi-lane roads in large cities will have a speed limit increased up to 70 or 80 km/h (43 or 50 MPH). Pay attention to road signs at all times.
Outside of urban areas, the general speed limits are:
90 km/h (56 MPH)- single-lane roads
100 km/h (62 MPH)- multi-lane roads
100 km/h (62 MPH)- single-lane express roads
120 km/h (75 MPH)- multi-lane express roads
140km/h (87 MPH)- highways
Keep in mind that some areas could have lower speed limits, for example due to construction work or pedestrian crossings. Always pay attention to the road signs to avoid speeding.
Cracow’s Old Town photographed by Konrad Krajewski.
Are roads in Poland good?
Poland is still behind other European countries in terms of road infrastructure. The highway network is a fraction of the Autobahn network in Germany, and some of the backroads are in absolutely terrible condition.
That said, the last decade has seen lots of improvement across the country. Most of the main cities are now conveniently connected by either highways or multi-lane expressways, significantly cutting down travel times.
Backroads, especially around the countryside and less-popular areas, are still narrow and filled with potholes, but they can now be avoided in favor of the recently-built roads. If you do have to drive along the less-than-ideal backroads, be extra cautious. Look out for potholes and do your best to avoid these types of roads at night, as they’re often not illuminated at all.
Are there toll roads in Poland?
Most of the roads in Poland are free to use, except for some segments of the major highways. As of 2020, there are 3 paid highways in Poland.
The first paid highway is the A2, specifically the stretch starting in Łódź and continuing west all the way to the German border. Keep in mind that there are two separate companies that own the toll booths. Check the current fees for the A2 between Świecko (German border) and Konin here. The fees can be paid by cash or card directly at the toll booths.
The A1 highway is paid as well, specifically the sector between Rusocin and Nowa Wieś. The fees can be settled by cash or credit card directly at the booths. You can find the current fees on the official website.
The final paid highway is the A4. Similarly to the A2, there are two different segments operated by two companies. The fees for the first stretch between Kraków and Wrocław can be found here. The fee calculator for the segment between Wrocław and Sośnica can be found on this website, below the A2 fees. Once again, fees can be paid directly at the toll booths using cash or credit cards.
Keep in mind that you can experience long queues at the A1 toll booths near Gdańsk during the summer peak times (July, August), especially on weekends. Expect to wait as long as 2 hours during peak hours.
Can you turn right on red in Poland?
In the United States, drivers are allowed to make right turns at intersections unless there are signs that don’t permit it. In Poland, similarly to the rest of Europe, that is not the case.
Turning right on red is only allowed on one specific condition. First of all, there has to be a green arrow located directly on the right-hand side of the traffic lights. Once the green arrow lights up, drivers are allowed to turn right. Expect traffic coming from both sides and pedestrians or cyclists at the crossings. In Poland, pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way at crossings, be sure to let everyone through before you turn right.
Keep in mind that drivers are required to stop and check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning right whenever the green arrow is lit-up. You can get a ticket if you turn right without stopping to check for traffic. If the green arrow is not illuminated, you may not turn right on a red light.
Are Polish traffic laws strict?
Poland has one of the highest traffic accident rates in all of Europe. Therefore, the government is continuously introducing new, strict traffic laws. This includes penalties for speeding and reckless driving as well as drink-driving. How strict are they exactly?
Penalties for drink-driving in Poland
To start with, there are lots of accidents caused by motorists driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. Drivers will be fined if the alcohol level in their bloodstream exceeds 0.02%. If it’s more than 0.05%, an appearance in court and a prison sentence is quite likely. Don’t drink and drive at all.
Penalties for speeding in Poland
Poland is infamous as the European hotspot for reckless and dangerous driving. While the number of reckless drivers has gone down in the last years, speeding is still a very common occurrence and the government keeps fighting it by introducing strict laws year by year.
On top of hefty tickets that have to be settled on the spot, drivers can lose their license for 3 months if they are caught exceeding the speed limit by 51 km/h and above in urban areas. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Polish citizen or a foreign tourist, your driving license will be taken away on the spot and you won’t be able to drive for three months. Driving licenses issued outside of Poland are then forwarded to relevant authorities in other countries.
If you do happen to lose your driving license in Poland due to speeding, the police will give you a special document that allows you to drive for 24 hours from the moment you have lost your license.
Did you receive a traffic ticket during your trip in Poland?
You have to settle the fine on the spot, unless you are a resident of Poland. From my own experience, I can confirm that the police are following these regulations very strictly and will not hesitate to write a hefty ticket on top of the driving license suspension.
Tatry Mountains photographed by Tadeusz Dziedzina.
What are some of the most common tourist scams in Poland?
Poland is generally safe for tourists, as long as you are aware of the common scams that often target tourists. Here are the most common scams you might fall victim to when driving in Poland:
The Parking “Assistants”
Trying to find a free parking space around the Old Town in Kraków or near the trendy stores at Mokotowska in Warsaw isn’t easy. It can get very frustrating, especially during peak hours and weekends. You might come across people guiding you to a free parking spot. If you park at the spot you were shown (in most cases it’s clearly visible from the street, hence their “help” isn’t exactly useful), the person will then demand payment for their services.
The Fake Police
This scam is thankfully nowhere near as popular as it was a decade ago, though it can still occur in some places around Poland. How does it work? Scammers will pull you over to the side of the road, convince you that you’ve broken some law and demand payment. The more sophisticated scammers can wear uniforms similar to those worn by law enforcement.
What else should you know about driving in Poland?
Your car lights need to be on at all times, during both day and night. Most rental cars come with daytime running lights, such lights are sufficient during the day. If your rental car doesn’t have daytime running lights, you always have to drive with your dipped beams.
When driving on a highway or multi-lane expressway, make sure to stay in the right lane. The left lane is strictly for overtaking. Drivers can get a ticket for driving on the left lane if the right one is free.
Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings and intersections. Pedestrians have the right of way on all pedestrian crossings and the same goes for cyclists at bike crossings.
All cars driving in Poland must have a fire extinguisher and an emergency warning triangle inside of the vehicle. Rental cars come equipped with both of them, but be sure to double-check before you set off, just in case.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants in a vehicle. Children below 150 centimeters tall need to have a child seat to ride in the front seat. Children above 135 centimeters who weigh over 36 kilograms don’t need a child seat when riding in the back seats. Occupants less than 135 centimeters tall need to have a child seat, regardless of which seat they’re riding in.
It is illegal to be on your phone while driving in Poland unless you are using a hands-free Bluetooth kit.
Don’t leave any valuables when you leave your car at public car parks. Poland is safe for tourists, but thefts do happen, just like in any other country. Especially in large cities and touristy areas.
Traffic in Poland is on the right-hand side of the road.
