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How To Evaluate Car Rental Quotations

When you are looking at car hire in Cape Town, or in fact any other province, it can be difficult to sift through the quotes you will receive from the numerous car rental companies available in South Africa.

Unfortunately, many car hire quotes provide minimal details, so you need to check what the price includes. You might find some quotes that offer unlimited kilometres, a Theft and Loss Waiver and a Collision Damage Waiver. It is also important to ensure that the quotes include VAT (Value Added Tax).

However, you should also look at what the car rental quotes do not include. Below we discuss how you can effectively evaluate car hire quotes to choose what best suits your needs.

What Damage Coverage Is Included?

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Car hire tyre damage and windscreen damage are the most common issues that occur. These are common issues. Ensure that you obtain cover for this as most quotes exclude this. Depending on the vehicle you have hired, this can cost you money that you have not budgeted for. Having this coverage can help you avoid any liability for accidental damages caused to the glass or tyres of the rental car.

Car hire windscreen damage covers the windscreen. The vehicle’s tyres are also covered, which help in any emergency situations. Windscreen damage cover is generally excluded from cover unless specifically included.

How Much Is The Waiver?

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Often, people discover too late that in case of an accident, the waiver can be as high as R10, 000 and higher, in some instances. This is a difficult figure to obtain from some companies, especially if you are comparing automated car rental quotes. 

The car hire waiver will differ from company to company. While most offer full insurance, especially to inbound travellers, it is important to keep in mind that this full insurance only means that the highest waiver is offered. 

There are exclusions you should check, such as an accident not being caused by you physically hitting something, any undercarriage damage that might be caused by your journey, or even negligence from the driver.

What Is The Third Party Damage Coverage?

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Third party damage covers you for damages and personal injury to a third party. It is included in most car rental quotes, but it is difficult to gain a clear picture when booking online. This can lead to a significant financial shock should you be involved in an accident while driving the rental car.

You must be sure to ask the car rental company for a full list of what is covered to be financially prepared. For example, you might find yourself in an accident where you have hit another car from behind, but due to the exclusions in your contract with the car rental company, you are liable for the damage to the rental vehicle and the other vehicle.

How Old Are The Car Rental Models?

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This is important to consider, especially if you will be driving longer distances. You will need a newer car model rather than an older one for this type of journey. Many car rental companies in South Africa have models that are no older than six to nine months old, with only 50000 kilometers driven.

Make sure that you ask for the age of the vehicles on offer, as some companies may not disclose this online. A two-year-old rental car, for example, might have a high mileage on it, which could also lead to wear and tear on the vehicle.  However, from November onwards, many car rental companies will re-fleet, which means that many of the cars are brand new.

What Deposit Will I Pay?

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It is vital to find out, before you arrive for your South African adventure, how much you will pay for your deposit. Ask exactly how much you require on your credit card before taking delivery, so that you are not caught unawares. Some car rental quotes will only show the deposit at the end of the quote, which can cause issues with budgeting for a trip.

Your deposit will be refunded when you have returned the car refuelled, and it has been fully checked by the car rental company. This Is provided that you have not incurred any charges or caused any damage to the vehicle during your trip.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

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Another vital aspect to consider when looking at car hire quotes is what the cancellation policy is. For Star Car Rental’s standard vehicles, provided that the vehicle is cancelled by email at least 24 hours before your arrival, there is no cancellation fee.

Some cancellation policies need at least 24 to 48 hours of notice, so that there is no loss of revenue on their side. You might find that luxury vehicle rental is a bit stricter, needing up to one week of notice to avoid cancellation fees. Always read the fine print and make sure you have left yourself enough time to cancel plans so that you and the car rental company are not left with financial difficulties.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right car rental company for your needs should never be an instant decision. Look at what is included in the quotations you receive to make the right call. The damage coverage, waiver, and the third-party damage coverage are all vital components to consider. 

Also look at the age of the vehicles on offer, the deposit you will pay and the cancellation policy. If you would like to rent a car for an exciting adventure around South Africa, speak to Star Car Rental today for our offers.

Chapmans peak drive with ocean and mountain view in Cape Town.

The Best Day Trip Locations In South Africa

Exploring our beautiful country is something that everyone should try once in a while. We have an abundance of stunning scenery to enjoy and some unique locations that have something for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether you are interested in day trip locations in Cape Town, or exciting day trips around Durban or Johannesburg, there are plenty of stops to choose from. And, if you opt for car hire in Cape Town to drive from province to province, you will save money and wear and tear on your own car. 

Now that we are able to travel between provinces again, you can explore some unique road trip locations in South Africa. Below we give just a few ideas of fun day trips for the whole family.

Kruger National Park

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The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most well-known national parks, among visitors and locals alike. It covers an enormous area of land of almost 19,485 square kilometres. If you are based in Johannesburg, it is an easy drive to this nature-lover’s paradise.  

Here you can experience the true wilderness of South Africa and see the Big Five game animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards, as well as African wild dogs and even ground hornbills.

Sterkfontein Caves

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The Sterkfontein Caves can be found nearby the Maropeng Visitor Centre, and can easily be visited during a day trip from Johannesburg. These ancient caves are part of a broader Cradle Of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Inside the Sterkfontein Caves, many profound archaeological and historical discoveries have been made, including some of the earliest human remains. If you or anyone in your family is a history buff, this is sure to be a truly exciting journey.

Bo Kaap

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The Bo Kaap is one of the most popular day trip locations in Cape Town, and if you opt for a budget car hire package, you can explore the surrounding areas and immerse yourself in the Cape Malay culture. In the Bo Kaap, you will find stunning, rainbow-coloured heritage houses, making for a very Instagrammable day out. 

You can spend the day on a Bo Kaap walking tour, learning more about the various heritage sites in the area, or even attend a Cape Malay cooking class. If you are new to Cape Town, a day trip to the Bo Kaap should be at the top of your to-do list to learn more about this colourful province.

Hermanus

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Hermanus has some of the most breathtaking beach scenery in the Western Cape Province, and is ideal for those who enjoy whale and dolphin watching. The coast of Hermanus is untouched, and it is one of the more popular road trip locations in South Africa. 

You can look into car hire in Cape Town to make the journey to hermanus easier, and be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy after a day’s worth of exploring and driving. You can choose from a whale-watching boat tour or sit on the shore and look out into the azure blue of the see to spot a while or dolphin.

Franschhoek

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Prefer the slower, more laid-back road trip locations in South Africa? Book a budget car hire in Cape Town and spend the day driving to and around Franschhoek. The drive to this quaint Winelands town is, in itself, full of gorgeous scenery and the town is picture-perfect. 

Here you can taste delicious French cheeses and handmade chocolates, as well as purchase  a sumptuous selection of local wines. There is also a regular Saturday market and a diverse range of cafes to choose from for breakfast or lunch. Franschhoek is great for families and friends alike who want a more relaxed and indulge day trip.

The Drakensberg Region

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If you are looking for day trips from Durban, driving to the Drakensberg region to explore the mountain range is a perfect choice. The area has some of the most incredible vistas in the province, including waterfalls, rock pools, caves, and grasslands. 

You could drive to a few stop off points on this day trip, ranging from unique cafes to short hiking trails. Be sure to choose the warmer months for this day trip, as during winter it can become extremely cold. Summer months make for stunning sunrises and sunsets for memorable day trips.

Become A Tourist In Your Own Country

South Africa has some of the most truly beautiful destinations in the world, and with a budget car rental, you can explore those closest to you on a fun and exciting day trip. From mysterious caves to untouched beaches, you are sure to find road trip locations in South Africa to meet the needs of even the most discerning of travelers. 

If you would like to start planning your next day trip, speak to Star Car Rental about our affordable car hire in Cape Town options.

Or Similar Car rental

What does “or similar” mean in Car Rental?

A common problem that arises daily during the Car Rental process are the words “or similar” when booking a specific group of vehicle. This is a bugbear for many travellers if they were unaware of this Car Hire practice when they fetch their car and were expecting a specific make and model.

Related: 8 things you should know when booking a car in South Africa

An example of the or similar car rental practice:

A client books a Group B, which is often advertised as a Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatchback. The client believes they booked that exact vehicle, but when they arrive at the airport a totally different make of vehicle has been allocated, and suddenly we have an unhappy client who believes they were lied to, or that the car rental company is inefficient and made a mistake. However there is a very specific reason for this practice.

Why do Car Rentals use “Or Similar”?

A short explanation is that all car rental companies purchase significant quantities of different vehicles from different manufacturers and often will have several different makes in the same grouping. All fall within the same or similar specifications common to that group.

The car rental industry is a very fluid type of operation with large numbers of vehicles being booked out and returned on any one day and as vehicles become available at the depot they are allocated to the next customer in line. It is therefore extremely difficult to allocate a specific vehicle make to a specific client at a specific time and date. Whilst you can request a specific make and model, the car rental companies will do their best to do accommodate you but it is not always possible and can never be guaranteed.

What happens if I have specific needs?

It sometimes happens that some customers are very tall or have special needs. If that is the case you should let the car rental company know beforehand in order for them to advise you of the best group of vehicle to select. This ensures the company is well aware of any particular needs you may have and that they have to allocate the right vehicle for you.

If you hire a car in South Africa you should be aware of 3 real life lessons about car rental insurance to protect yourself when choosing car rental insurance cover.

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South African Car Rental Fuel Policy

A common complaint from South African car rental customers is that they are charged for fuel top ups after having just filled the vehicle on return. The most common reason for this car rental fuel policy is the following:

1. There is a difference between a garage full tank and a car rental full tank:

Gas stations or petrol garages traditionally fill to what is known as the first click when the nozzle automatically switches off. Car rental companies on the other hand always fill the vehicles to brimful when the fuel can physically be seen in the pipe. The reason for this is to avoid any disputes as to what is “full” The difference between first click and brimful can be quite a few litres depending on the vehicle. When filling yourself always let the garage attendant fill to brim or just as it overflows to be certain. 

2. If your car is fetched from you, your car will need to be filled up again.

Fuel and mileage are measured depot to depot. This means that if your car is collected from you at any other place then it is topped up when it gets back to the depot and the kilometer reading is taken at that point.

3. A full Gauge does not always mean a full tank

Another common misconception is that if the fuel gauge shows full it means the tank is full. The gauge is very misleading and visually while showing full could well in reality need several litres to top up the tank.

For more car rental FAQ’s please visit our Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions section.

Car Rental Insurance

3 Real Life Lessons About Car Rental Insurance You Need To Know

You obtain a great cheap quotation that includes full car rental insurance. The quote is far better than other quotes you have received so you are feeling more than confident and you go ahead and book your rental car.

During your trip you accidentally collide with the rear of a top range Mercedes but happily breathe a sigh of relief that not only are there no injuries, and that you have full car rental insurance cover.

You report the accident to the Rental Company and then you find out about the harsh realities about Car Rental Insurance…

FULL COVER CAR RENTAL INSURANCE DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN FULL COVER.

The rental company explains that you agreed to the terms and conditions of the contract, that in the event of your hitting another vehicle from behind, you are not covered. It is there in black and white and you signed it! Suddenly you are liable not only for the damages to the rental vehicle, but to the owner of the Mercedes you collided with.

That could land you with a liability that could easily run into a couple of hundred thousand Rands. Within a short few moments your trip went from idyllic holiday to real-life nightmare and you have no idea how you will ever repay this huge debt.

Car Rental Insurance

 

HERE ARE A FEW REAL LIFE LESSONS:

1.

A beauty therapist hired a rental vehicle taking the highest possible insurance. Her first ordeal was swerving to avoid an animal in the road and she swerved off the road crashing into a rock face. Her second was realising that despite taking the highest accident and loss waiver available, she was not covered for the damage.

Unfortunately the exclusions she had agreed to kicked in and because her accident had not been caused by her physically hitting something she had no protection. She now owes some R300 000 for a written off rental car and some R50 000 for legal fees.

Ironically had she hit the animal she would have been fully covered.

– Sunday Times on 27.9.2015 by Megan Power

2.

An unnamed holiday maker was involved in an accident and caused damage amounting to some R150 000 and the insurers wrote the car off. The car was valued at R225 000. Again they took full cover insurance but were informed that their third party cover was limited to a maximum of R50 000. That meant that they were liable for the balance of some R175 000.

The small print of this particular rental company clearly showed that cover is limited, but like 90% of the average renter, few ever read the small print at the back of the rental contract.

3.

Another unnamed holiday maker hired a sedan vehicle and on the spur of the moment and decided to travel to a game farm where one often encounters some terrible farm roads which result in severe damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle.

On returning the vehicle they found that they were liable for the total damages caused of some R30 000. Again because of the exclusions they agreed to, their contract clearly showed that any undercarriage damage was excluded.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

People hate contracts and hate small print even more, so it is a known fact that maybe one in every hundred people ever take the time and trouble to read them. When something goes wrong then all hell breaks loose.

We all tend to look at the price and opt for the lowest possible one. The old saying is “you get what you pay for” and it is generally very true whether you are building a house, booking a holiday or renting a car.

Remember that rental companies rent similar vehicles, pay the same prices for the vehicles and have much the same operating costs so when a price is cheap there is a reason.

Car Rental Insurance

HOW DO WE PREVENT THIS?

1. Keep in mind that car rental companies are not insurance companies and are not permitted to sell insurance in any event;

2. Each car rental company is different and while most will offer full insurance to inbound travelers, keep in mind that full insurance generally only means the highest waiver offered in terms of the rental car but there are always exclusions which you must check;

3. Find out most importantly what the extent of third party cover is. This means damages caused to other vehicles or property by your actions.  It varies between zero and unlimited in my research.

4. Check what damages are excluded from the car rental insurance cover? Water damage; undercarriage, non-accident damage; negligence; accidents involving no other vehicles; damage resulting from driving on unsuitable roads and the list goes on…

5. Very important to note is a common clause which gives the rental company in its sole discretion, the right to entertain a third party claim. If there are any breaches to the terms and conditions contained in the rental contract, the renter may well find himself fully liable for all the third party claims.

OUR ADVICE IS SIMPLE:

 

  • Opt for the best possible Car Rental Insurance cover that is available even if it does cost more.

  • Never take the lowest price without comparing the proverbial apples with apples.

  • Insist on your quotation containing all the information you want and never be hesitant to ask.

  • NEVER EVER, allow anybody else to drive the vehicle who is not registered as an additional driver.

  • Drive carefully, never recklessly, keep to the speed limits, stay sober and adhere to the terms and conditions of the car rental contract carefully to keep your risk as low as possible.

 

Star Car rental wishes you happy and safe motoring in South Africa.