Before you rent a car

• Prices vary according to the place, season and competition in the area so do shop around. Compare like with like when considering offers. Check costs such as fuel charges, out-of-hours return charge, extra charge for crossing borders etc.

• Be careful when using online car rental comparison and booking sites. Remember that your agreement is with the car rental company itself and not the web agent. The liability of the web agent may be limited to any fee charged by them, so you need to understand the agreement with the car rental company itself.

• Car hire insurance terms can be confusing. It is critical that you understand what you are paying for.
o Third Party Insurance. This covers damage or injury to a third party. This is compulsory and will usually be included in rate quoted.

o Theft Protection. This covers losses arising out of theft of the vehicle. This may include coverage for theft of belongings from the vehicle, but this (belongings coverage) is not universal- check the policy.

o Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is a fee, which you pay the car hire company (also sometimes called the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)) which limits your liability for damage caused to the vehicle. Note that certain damage caused to tyres or windscreens may not be covered. You will also have to pay an ‘Excess’.

o The ‘Excess’ is the first portion of the CDW cost, which you must personally pay in the event of an accident. The ‘Excess’ can also be known as the ‘Non-Waiver’ or ‘Deductible’.

o You sometimes have the option to reduce your personal liability greatly by paying an ‘Excess Waiver’. This can also be known as a ‘Super CDW’.
o Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers the driver for personal injury or fatality