For a weekend, a business trip, or a move, car rental must be covered by car insurance. If the professionals’ offers include basic guarantees, it may be wise to opt for certain options to circulate with peace of mind.
Car rental: minimum coverage included
Entering a car rental agreement is a temporary arrangement but may also mean you are obeying the rule. To be able to circulate, a motor vehicle must, in all circumstances, be covered by car insurance. Good news: the prices displayed by rental companies always include at least the subscription of a civil liability guarantee.
This coverage covers material damage and bodily injury caused to a third party during a responsible accident. It’s as simple as having a sticker with a control copy, and on top of that, the documentation of the insurance document itself is strong enough to be used for proof that it covers the current conditions of the car.
Also, a damage guarantee
Also, rental contracts generally provide minimum damage insurance. Below a certain deductible (which can range from € 10,000 to € 75,000 depending on the model), the cost of repairs to the rented vehicle remains the customer’s responsibility. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is better to carefully read the rental contract’s general conditions.
Car rental: take out additional guarantees
Driving a rented vehicle, the only protection of which is compulsory liability coverage is risky. In the event of a responsible claim, the customer will see the amount of his invoice skyrocket! To remedy this, car rental companies generally offer additional services :
- The “CDW” option (Collision Damage Waiver) considerably reduces the amount of the deductible in the event of a collision, while the “super CDW” removes the deductible in its entirety;
- The “TP” option (Theft Protection) limits the driver’s liability in the event of theft or vandalism of the rented vehicle;
- The “PAI” option (Personal Accident Insurance) protects the persons transported, particularly thanks to a bodily injury cover for the driver.
Paying for a car rental with a “top-of-the-range” bank card (such as Visa Premier or Mastercard) automatically benefits from the total excess deductible guarantee.
Beware of rental scams
However, remain vigilant when renting a car: some car rental companies attract you with extremely low car rental rates, but you have to add auto insurance and gas costs, which quickly add to the bill.
Also, beware of deliberately vague rental contracts on the issue of auto insurance. Must read your contract carefully before leaving.
Only sign if you agree
Do not sign anything if you believe that certain clauses are unfair: when returning the vehicle, the rental company could demand certain things that appear in the contract without you even suspecting it.
The conditions for renting a car
To rent a car in Lahore or any other Pakistan city, you must be over 21 and have had your B license for at least one year. For some vehicles, it is even necessary to be over 25 years old.
When you collect your vehicle, you must present:
- your identity card;
- your driver’s license;
- possibly proof of address.
Some rental companies may also ask you for proof of income. Several people can drive the borrowed vehicle as long as they present the same documents when collecting the vehicle.
The inventory of the rented vehicle
- Upon departure, inspect the rented car well: check its condition and mention on the rental contract any damaged parts of the car: scratches, tires, headlights. If you return the car to the rental agency, the agency would not be allowed to ask you to pay the rental charges for maintenance for no fault or injuries.
- Also, remember to compare the mileage displayed on the dashboard and that mentioned on your contract. The two must match. Otherwise, you will be charged more than the number of kilometers you drove.
- Finally, check that the tank of the vehicle you are renting is full. On your return, you will also have to refuel to return the car in the condition in which the rental company lent it to you. Otherwise, the rental agency will charge you for a full gasoline tank at the price it has decided.
Rental: cases where the insurance does not work
Whatever the guarantees are taken out, there are cases in which the rental car’s renter must pay. These are cases in which auto insurance never comes into play, namely:
- Theft of keys, inability to return them to the lessor;
- Claims related to drunk driving, taking medication, narcotics, etc.
- Damage occurring after the car has already had to be returned;
- In the event of a claim, if false information on the identity of the driver or his driving license has been communicated;
- In the event of damage to the car;
- If the car is used for accompanied driving;
- If the car is used for tests or competitions;
- In the event of attempted suicide or attempted fraud.
Car rental: stay safe while driving!
Be careful on the road. Behind the wheel of a rented car, be extra careful. Behave responsibly and obey the speed limits. As much to avoid any collision or accident, which will increase the invoice with the lessor. When parking, do not leave any personal items visible in the seats or the back seat. You will eliminate all temptation for ill-intentioned people passing by.
How much does renting a car cost?
Renting a car online can save you money on your rental car. You need to enter some information on the sites offering a car rental service, namely the city, date and time you want to borrow a car, and where and when you plan to return it.
Paying a car rental directly on a site will often cost you less than paying with a car rental company. Online payment can indeed give you access to discounts.
Vehicle rental price
The cost of a car rental varies depending on the model you are driving and the time you rent it. For a small model of 3-door vehicle, count between € 30 and € 40 per day based on a week’s rental.
Watch out for tempting packages such as € 20 per day. These formulas can hide an unpleasant surprise: often, administrative fees, car insurance, various taxes are not taken into account in the calculation of the price of a car rental.
Ensuring the rented vehicle: how does it work?
For the most part, car rental contracts include a minimum auto insurance formula: civil liability. This third-party auto insurance covers property damage and bodily injury caused to others for which you would be responsible. Be aware that auto insurance for a rented vehicle is rarely “all-risk” insurance. All the more reason to remain careful behind the wheel.
Self-service coaches
Why self-service cars? Studies show that 50% of city trips do not exceed 3 km. Going to get bread, do some shopping or take the children to school are all mechanical journeys that we are used to in the car. For most of us, we could leave the car in the garage… and thus reduce our gas bill.
Carsharing: a private car available to everyone
Several cities in Switzerland, Germany, or the Netherlands have already tried the car-sharing experience. The principle is simple: farewell the private car, make way for self-service vehicles for all. Note that a self-service vehicle is equivalent to 7 individual cars. Enough to solve traffic jams at peak times. Pollution reduction, saving time and space, reducing your car budget, all the advantages are there.
If you drive less than 10,000 km per year, it is more advantageous to borrow a self-service vehicle than a private car.
Self-service vehicles: how does it work?
Register with the organization in charge of self-service cars. Show your driver’s license, proof of address, and a bank identity statement. Small utility for your move or your shopping, sedan for a weekend with the family, most self-service cars is electric, hybrid, or very fuel-efficient.
The Creative Journal 