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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.