Renting a car can be a very practical solution in some situations, such as on a business trip, if the car is stolen or under maintenance. However, it is always good to be aware of the rental rules to avoid unpleasant surprises or unnecessary charges.

Who can rent a car?

Many car rental companies require the driver to be at least 21 years old and have a permanent drivers license for at least two years of driving experience. In addition, it is necessary to have a credit card, whose limit can cover the insurance deductible cost in case of accidents.

The driver’s license must be valid and equivalent to the category of the rented vehicle.

Still about the driver, the recommendation is that everyone who intends to drive the car be registered at the time of rental. This is because in the event of an accident, the insurance will not cover any damage if the driver is not registered.

The contract

Before signing the contract, pay attention to all the services that are described and will be charged. The rental company can only charge what it is described in the Car Rental Rules. Clarify all doubts before signing.

Rental by mileage or by day?

There are usually two options. In the first situation, there is a limit of kilometers that the customer can travel. If the customer exceeds this limit, he will have to pay extra fee for it. As for rental per day, the customer will pay for the days used.

Fuel supply

This topic will be described in the contract. The rental companies usually deliver the car with the full tank and the customer must return it in the same way. If the customer returns the car with an empty tank, a fee established in the contract will be charged.

Warning

Be aware of all the clauses of the contract, mainly about the total hours of a daily rate, fees in case of late return, types of coverage and what measures to take in case of accident, theft or robbery.

Insurance

The insurance is not sold by car rental companies, but exclusively by insurance company and brokers. In car rental contracts, there is no sale of insurance policy, but protection clauses that may be inserted to increase the protection by paying more. The main goal is to release drivers from the obligation to indemnify the rental company in case of accidents during the rental period. The additional cost will depend on the situations covered by the contract clauses. Generally, basic protection covers thefts, robberies and accidents. Rental companies may charge different protection prices, depending on what the customer requests.

Car categories

Car rental companies generally classify the cars by category, from basic to luxury. When the driver picks up the vehicle, they can offer one similar to the one chosen, if the booked model is not available. Obviously, the car offered must be in the same category, that is, it must have the same comfort, size and characteristics as the one previously booked.

What if there is theft, robbery or accident?

Procedures may vary depending on each rental company. Generally, the client is instructed to contact immediately in the event of an accident, theft or robbery, so he can receive the appropriate guidance. The signed contract will contain the responsibilities and possible charges that may applied.

Optional services

If you need a GPS, child seat or any other extra services, you will have to bear for it.

Inspection

Before taking the vehicle, it is important for the driver to follow the inspection of the car together with the rental professional. All the existing damages in the car should be identified   at this moment: scratches on the car bodywork, upholstery, tires, headlights, spare tire, jack, full tank. Check everything carefully. If a new damage appears at the time of return, you will be charged for it.

Fines

The driver will be responsible for fines. If the driver commits a traffic violation, he will have to pay for it. Do not forget to take a note the pick-up and drop-off times to make sure that the traffic violation was committed by yourself.

Car Registration Document

It is not recommended to leave the car registration document in the rented car. In many contracts it is stipulated that in case of robbery, if the car registration document was left in the car, the customer will be responsible for the car registration document and will have to pay for the new car registration. This measure adopted by the rental companies aims to prevent the stolen car, when stopped by the police, be released because the driver of the stolen car has the car registration document in hand.

Car return

You are usually allowed to return the car at other places different from where you picked it up, but this must be in the contract. Check if an additional fee will be charged in this case. Please also be aware that there may be an additional fee if you return the car extremely dirty or with an empty tank.

On International Travel

The suggestion in this case is to rent the car at some rental company which has a representative office here in Brazil. This is because if there is a problem, the customer will be able to negotiate more easily with the company.

Regarding being able to use your local driver’s license abroad, check the country legislation. There are some destinations that require an international driver’s license, the so-called IDP (International Driving Permit), which is issued directly at local Motor Vehicle.

WTB works with several rental companies and will certainly select the best option for your trip. Count on us.