Car Rental Terms | |||
Car Rental Abbreviation | |||
Here are some frequently used terms that you should know before you rent a car Automated Terminals Automated Terminals are a great time save when you need to quickly drop off your rental car. With these kiosks, you can pay your fees and receive a receipt without dealing with a sales representative. However, you may have to be a returning customer to take advantage of this service. Base rental rate The base rate is the amount of the rental before any taxes, service fees or mandatory insurance charges. Express Pickup Express Pickup allows you to pick up your car without checking in with a representative. This service might be convenient if you are a frequent renter. The service costs, on average, about $50 per year. | |||
Express Return The Express Return is usually a drop off box for the car keys, or a representative waiting for you in the parking lot. This convenient service will save you time if you are in a hurry. Estimated Rental Price The Estimated Rental Price includes the total of all known rates, taxes, fees, surcharges and applicable drop off charges that you must pay either by law or by local policy for the length of a particular car rental request. This price does not include optional services such as insurance waivers, special equipment, mileage charges, or gasoline etc. It also does not include extra day or hour charges that can result from a late return of the rental car. Drop off Charges An extra fee is usually charged if a car is returned to a different location than where it was picked up. This fee varies on location so there usually is no general policy regarding this. In some instances there is no charge, at others it can be as very steep if you drop the car far away like a different state or county. Fuel : Gas Option Plans A "Fuel Purchase Option" or "Fuel Service Option" means you purchase an additional tank of gas at the average market price when you pick up the car. This plan is only useful If you forget or do not have the time fill up before returning to the airport since it will allow you to avoid paying the high fuel prices you will be charged to fill the tank up. Drop off Boxes As fore mentioned, some car rental agencies will provide drop off boxes to return keys and rental forms. A receipt is usually mailed the next business day. | |||
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International Driving Permit (IDP) An International Driving Permit is recognized internationally and allows the motorist to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country. An IDP is not a license itself, merely a translation of the license issued in your country of residence. If you are stopped by law enforcement officials abroad, you must present both your IDP and your US license. Personal Profile Most car rental agencies will have a database storing rental user information. Personal Profiles usually include renter information, credit card numbers and car preferences. These databases make renting easier for you when you are reusing the same agency. | |||
Rental Cars by State | |||
Valet Service Valet Service is an alternative to airport shuttles or taxis. This is perfect for you if you are planning to go directly to the airport after dropping off your rental car. Agencies that offer valet service will send an employee who will drive with you from the car rental lot, and then drop you off at the airport. The cost for this service will vary, but it is usually around $5 to $15 each trip. Insurance Options: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) A Collision Damage Waiver can also be referred to as a “loss damage waiver”. It is basically a form of optional insurance that completely releases (some CDW's will have a per incident deductible) all responsibility from you, in the case of damage to the car. Around an extra $15 per day, a CDW can be rather expensive. Liability Coverage Liability Coverage is a form of insurance that protects you and/or the rental agency from lawsuits involving an injured party in an accident. Personal Accident Insurance Personal Accident Insurance is another type of insurance that will protect you against most medical bills. PAI does have a tendency to be more expensive than standard accident insurance. Personal Effects Insurance Personal Effects Insurance will protect you against any damage to your personal property. PEI is normally more expensive than other property insurance, and is normally unnecessary. Theft Loss Insurance This insurance option limits your financial liability for loss or theft of the car rentals vehicle, its parts and accessories, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. | |||
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