Daily Vehicle Rental – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vehicle Rental Services (VRS) have collected together the most commonly asked questions from our customers when hiring a vehicle. We hope these frequently asked questions are a help. Please do let us know of any other question you feel might be helpful to add to this list.
FAQs Covered:
What kind of cars can I rent?
VRS Locations offer a wide range of vehicles from a variety of
manufacturers including vehicles from VW, Ford and Volvo (see our "
Rental Vehicles" page). The types of vehicle available change daily depending on which vehicles are on rent to customers. Generally the rental company will not guarantee to supply a specific model but agree to supply a vehicle from the category reserved ( e.g. small car). If they do not have a vehicle available from the category reserved then they normally offer you a free upgrade.
Do I get unlimited mileage included in the rental?
This varies from company to company. Some quotes include unlimited mileage and others have a limited number of miles per day with a surcharge for extra miles travelled. Always check if the rate quoted includes unlimited mileage.
If I have an accident do I have to pay anything?
This varies from company to company. Some companies will provide you with full insurance and nil excess but most companies will provide insurance with an excess of £x. For an extra charge, some companies will offer you Collision Damage Waiver at £x per day which will reduce your excess down, sometimes to nil. Always ensure that you follow the rental company’s procedure in the event of an accident.
What happens if I break down?
If your rental car is new (under 12 months old) then your vehicle is covered by the manufacturer’s breakdown policy. For older vehicles, the rental company normally has an arrangement with one or two breakdown recovery companies to provide assistance in the event of a breakdown. Always ensure you are aware of what to do in the event of a breakdown.
What does the insurance cover me for?
There are lots of different levels of insurance cover offered by rental companies and you must always check what is included and excluded. Normally the insurance provided covers you for damage to your own vehicle with an excess that you have to pay in the event of any damage, howsoever caused. Damage to windscreens and tyres are normally excluded from the insurance but are sometimes included if your purchase personal accident insurance (PAI). Damage to, or loss of, personal items are excluded unless you purchase PAI or Goods in Transit Insurance.
If I damage the car will I be charged?
If there is excess charged in the event of damage, then you will be liable for any damage up to this amount. You can sometimes waive or reduce this excess by purchasing Collision Damage waiver (CDW).
Can I take the car abroad?
You can only take the car abroad if you have the prior permission of the rental company. If you choose to take your vehicle abroad without telling the rental company, you will not be covered for insurance and will be driving illegally so always obtain permission before travelling abroad. The daily hire rate is normally more expensive if you wish to take the vehicle abroad.
Can anyone drive the vehicle?
If you are using the insurance provided by the rental company, you can only drive the vehicle if you have been approved by the rental company to do so and have completed a rental agreement and/or additional driver insurance declaration. All drivers must have shown their driving license to the rental company before being allowed to drive.
When do I have to pay?
(i) Pre-paid car hire
If you book on the web, then you normally pre-pay your hire costs and are given a voucher to present at the point of pick up. You then only pay any extra charges when you return your vehicle. This is normal practice especially for overseas car hire.
(ii) Part pre - paid
Some on line companies will take a 10% deposit in advance and you are then required to pay the balance on arrival.
(iii) Pay on arrival
If you book on the telephone, most UK companies ask you to pay when you pick up your vehicle.
Do I have to leave a deposit when I pick up my vehicle?
When you pick up your vehicle, you will normally be asked to leave a deposit equal to the value of your excess in the event of damage to the vehicle. Always check what deposit will be required when you reserve your vehicle.
What is CDW?
CDW stands for collision damage waiver. Rental companies provide insurance but with an excess and by paying CDW, you can either waive or reduce this excess to reduce your liability in the event of an accident.
What is TPW?
TPW stands for Theft Protection Waiver. Some rental companies provide insurance for theft of the vehicle but with an excess and by paying TPW, you can either waive or reduce this excess to reduce your liability in the event of theft.
What is PAI?
PAI stands for Personal accident Insurance. The insurance provided with the rental covers you for damage to your vehicle and any third party vehicle. However you are not covered for any personal damage to you or your property unless you purchase PAI.
What is GIT?
GIT stands for Goods in Transit Insurance. The insurance provided with the rental covers you for damage to your vehicle and any third party vehicle. If you are transporting commercial goods in the vehicle, you are not insured for damage to or loss of these items unless you purchase GIT.
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