Terms/FAQs

Car Rental Terms & Conditions :: Explanation of Common Terms and Terminology used in Car Hire Contracts

Car hire terms and conditions can differ from country to country, car rental agent to car rental agent and vehicle to vehicle, always consult the specific rental conditions relating to your rental quotation. On the quotation page (Step 2) of our booking process you can find the rental conditions by clicking the icon located to the right of the car type. You can also find them on the third and final step of the booking process (Step 3) - at the bottom of the confirmation page.

To find the rental conditions for your rental:

* Step 1- Search online for a quote
* Step 2- Select your vehicle
* Step 3- Go to rental conditions



Rental Terms Explained In Plain English

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
This means your liability for damage caused to the rental vehicle is relinquished if it is involved in a collision. The waiver is limited to a certain amount and often excludes glass (windows etc.), tyres and any towing. The waiver usually carries an excess/deductible of a certain amount; this means that the renter will be liable for a certain amount e.g. In France the amount for some vehicles is €450.

Vehicle Theft Waiver
This removes or reduces the renter’s liability for the attempted theft or theft of the rented vehicle. The waiver may carry an excess/deductible amount, which means that the renter will be liable for a certain amount of the value of the vehicle damaged or stolen, for example up to first £2,000 of the damage.

SAFETY TIP: PriceCarHire recommends that you remove the identifying tag that is usually on the key ring of the vehicle and store it safely elsewhere.

If the vehicle is stolen and the renter cannot return the key i.e. the renter was negligent and left the key in a prominent and vulnerable location, the renter may be liable for the full cost of the vehicle.

Liability Insurance
Every country has a minimum amount of insurance needed for someone to be permitted to drive. This covers the renter’s liability for any damage caused to other people and⁄or other people’s property. It is usually limited to a maximum of €1,000,000. The insurance is limited and there may be excess i.e. you may be liable for any amount over and above the value of the insurance.

Premium Location/Airport Fee
These are fees charged at some locations to cover the costs of services in the location.

VAT Local Tax
This is a tax applied by the government on car rental and the percentage (%) varies from country to country.

Road Fund Tax / VLF
This is a charge applied by rental companies to cover the cost of vehicle licensing.

Unlimited Mileage
Unlimited mileage is included in our rates. Many other companies charge this for accelerated vehicle depreciation.

Break Down Assist
All car rental agents have national assistance should the renter require it. Please ask at your local desk for the number and contact details at the time of rental.

Cancellation Procedure Explained
Partpaid Rentals (when the booking deposit has been paid online and the balance is due on arrival at the rental desk):
If the booking is cancelled within 7 days of the car rental booking date and at least 48 hours before pick up time, all funds will be reimbursed.
If the booking is cancelled outside 7 days of the car rental booking date and at least 48 hours before the pickup time, all funds except a cancellation fee of EUR 25.00 and the card processing fee (where applicable), will be reimbursed.
If the booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the pickup time, no funds will be reimbursed.

Prepaid Rentals (when the entire rental amount has been prepaid):
If the booking is cancelled within 7 days of the car rental booking date and at least 48 hours before pick up time, all funds will be reimbursed.
If the booking is cancelled outside 7 days of the car rental booking date and at least 48 hours before the pickup time, all funds except a cancellation fee of EUR 25.00 and the card processing fee (where applicable), will be reimbursed.
If the booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the pickup time, we will retain 3 days rental and the card processing fee (where applicable).

Postpaid Rentals (when the entire rental amount is due on arrival at the rental desk): There is no cancellation fee.

It is the responsibility of the consumer to personally cancel any other ancillary product that they may have purchased in conjunction (side by side) with their vehicle reservation, i.e. LOSS DAMAGE WAIVER EXCESS REIMBURSEMENT INSURANCE through third parties like insurance4carhire. In the event that you cancel or amend a credit/debit card booking CarTrawler will not be liable for any monetary losses suffered by you as a result of a change in monetary exchange rates between the time of your original booking and its subsequent cancellation or amendment (as applicable).