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Car Rental Guide
Introduction
The car rental service has registered a real boom in recent years.
Up to few years ago, booking a rental car was the prerequisite only of professionals and businessmen away on business.
Today, thanks to the lowering of costs, car hire is within everyone’s means, so you can make use of it to move around freely in whatever city you find yourself in.
Types of car rental companies
Car rental companies are divided into two main categories: the traditional vehicle owners, such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar, and brokers, such as Easy Car and Holiday Autos.
Where can you rent a car?
Normally, rental cars are picked up in places such as airports and railway stations, which are "landing" places for passengers.
But there are various pick-up points in major cities, both in Italy and abroad.
Car hire rates
The rates for hiring a car vary depending on the type of car, the distance travelled, the length of the rental period, and the vehicle accessories required.
How do I pay for car hire?
The essential payment system for renting a car is a credit card in the customer’s name. It is an indispensible requirement because it protects the company leasing the car in case of damage or injuries.
For this reason, rechargeable credit cards are not generally accepted, because limits to available credit restricting their use do not permit compensation for possible damages, fines or accidents.
General terms typical of car rental agencies
Car rental contracts contain certain conditions to safeguard the customer and the company itself. We’ll look at them in detail
Collision Waiver Insurance
This is insurance for oneself, and is almost always included in the price.
Be careful, because it usually includes a deductible, which varies according to the agency.
This deductible (Excess Waiver) can be reduced or lifted (Super CDW) by paying the amount of an extra day’s rental.
In some cases, usually for drivers under a certain age, it cannot be lifted.
Third Party Liability
This is insurance cover for damages caused to third parties, usually included in the price.
Car Theft Insurance
Insurance against the theft of the vehicle is an optional clause.
It is sometimes included in the price, and sometimes not, but it is advisable to have it included, since in the case of theft of the vehicle it will cover the whole value of the car.
Additional Drivers
This authorises people, other than the bearer of the of car rental contract, to drive the vehicle, with corresponding insurance coverage.
The extra can be a once-for all payment or, more often, a fixed daily charge for each additional driver.
Pay close attention to this condition, which is too often overlooked, since in cases of accident the insurance would not cover damage to drivers who have not been declared.
Always remember that, with certain exceptions, the person who rents a car (i.e. the bearer of the credit card) is also the main driver.
Mileage
Normally this is unlimited, but always be careful, because some companies set a mileage limit, beyond which you pay a charge for each additional mile.
Airport or City Centre fees
Some car rental agencies provide the possibility of picking up the car at the airport or in the city centre, adding, however, an extra charge, others include it in the price, and others do not even consider it.
Delivery to a location different from the pick-up point
The possibility of dropping off the car in a different city or location than that of the pick-up point can be allowed for in the contract.
This will also specify whether this option is free of charge or if it requires an extra fee.
Age for car hire
Generally you can rent a car between the ages of 25 and 70 years, but the conditions vary for each company.
In some cases it is merely sufficient to pay an extra charge to rent the car anyway.
Fuel
Rental cars are always given to the driver with a full tank, and the cost of the fuel is charged to the customer, who must return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel, or else pay for what is missing.
We advise you to see to it that you fill the tank yourself before drop-off, because the cost charged by car rental agencies is often higher than the market price.
HELPFUL TIPS BEFORE HIRING A CAR
Always inspect the car together with an employee of the agency (accurately, I recommend).
If any damage is found, have it noted down on the inspection form that the agency provides (paper talks), or photograph the damaged part of the car, in order to avoid possible problems and disputes later on.
Always check very carefully the timetables for drop-off and those for when the car hire counters accept handing in of the keys and the vehicle.
A lack of punctuality on delivery means being charged for additional rental days ... so watch out.
Car rental contracts also provide additional services, obviously for a fee, which condition and alter the rate for hiring a car.
Always ask which services are included in the price and which are extra.
Bear in mind that extra services often include the presence of a satellite navigation system, a car with automatic transmission, drop-off in places other than the pick-up point, child seats, and luggage racks.
Standard equipment in rental cars
- ABS (anti-lock brake system)
- Airbag
- Front electric windows
- Air Conditioning
- Central locking
- Electric steering
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BOOKING A HIRE CAR
Personal Qualification of the driver
Each driver must present a valid driving license for the country of rental, held for a minimum period of time established by law or by local conditions; driving licenses in characters which are not legible in the country of rental must be accompanied by a International Driving Licence.
The driver must also meet the age requirements of that country for the class of vehicle in consideration.
Financial Qualification
Payment of the estimated rental charges and any resulting damage or loss of the rented vehicle must be guaranteed at the time of rental.
Driving license
To rent a vehicle you must have a driving license valid for at least one year.