We all need to rent a car from time to time. When you arrive at Cape Town’s International airport for business in the mother city, you invariably need your own convenient transport for a few days. But, there are some tips to consider when wanting to secure a car rental.
IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO RENT A CAR?
For those flying in from overseas, who may not know the local scenario, it is not wise to rely on local transport in the large cities of South Africa. Unfortunately, the issue is mainly crime. Getting off and onto buses carrying your laptop or briefcase is not a good idea.
BUT WHAT ABOUT AN UBER OR TAXI?
It all depends on your circumstances. A Mybroadband article in 2017 mentions that a 30-km trip taking 40 minutes, using Uber, will cost you R260 in Johannesburg and R243 in Cape Town. It can get quite costly if you need to go here and there over several days.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A CAR RENTAL?
You should book a car rental as soon as you realize you need one. You may be surprised, but companies do sometimes run out of car rentals.1 Unknown to you, there could be a massive conference or rugby event being held during the very week you plan to fly to Johannesburg.
SELECT A FEW CAR RENTAL WEBSITES AND CHOOSE THE CAR YOU WANT
You need to search several car rental websites to see which cars are available. Do you really need such a big car for just yourself? Look for those websites that offer pictures of their cars.
THE NEXT STEP IS TO ASK FOR A QUOTATION
As you search the various car rental websites, request quotes for several selected cars. This will help you to make a final choice.
HOW DO I MAKE SENSE OF THE VARIOUS QUOTATIONS?
Just make sure what exactly your quotes cover. The standard items are usually unlimited mileage, a theft and loss waiver (TLW), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and perhaps VAT. To discover what else is covered is not so easy.
INSURING FOR WINDSCREEN DAMAGE IS MOST IMPORTANT
Does your quote cover windscreen, tyre and rim damage? Insuring the windscreen is the most important one, because a nasty stone hurtling into your uninsured windscreen on the freeway could cost you several thousand rand.
WHAT IS THE LIABILITY AMOUNT OF A WAIVER?
The liability amount of a waiver is what you have to pay towards the damage of the car in the event of an accident. This can run into many thousands of Rands. It may be difficult to find out, especially from websites, what the actual amount is. The liability amount is usually covered by your credit card before collecting your car rental. Make sure you are also covered for third party damage.
WHAT IF THE CAR RENTAL COMPANY WANTS AN ADVANCE PAYMENT?
It is not recommended for you to make advance payments to secure a car rental, simply because your circumstances may suddenly change. You then sit with the problem of trying to get a refund. Although some rental companies do require an advance payment, there are others who don’t and who won’t penalize you for cancelling. For you to secure a car, some companies may ask for your credit card details, but will only debit your card once you have come to collect your car.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?
Find out from the car rental company what kind of nationwide roadside assistance they offer. You don’t want to break down somewhere, and not know how far away you may be from the closest roadside assistance offered by the company.
TO WHAT EXTENT SHOULD YOU COVER YOUR CAR RENTAL?
Because only 30% of all motorists in South Africa are insured, it is imperative that you get as much comprehensive car insurance as possible.1 Even though it is expensive, it is better to be safe than sorry. Insurance on rental vehicles are arranged with the car rental company.
AFTER MY ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT, HOW DO I COLLECT MY CAR RENTAL?
After your arrival, go to the selected car rental office, where you need to present your South African driver’s licence or an international driver’s licence. Your passport or ID document must also be shown. Only a credit card can be used for all transactions. When signing the contract, make sure the time is also recorded.
MAKE CERTAIN EVERY SCRATCH AND DENT ON THE CAR HAS BEEN RECORDED
The most important part of collecting a car rental is to ensure that every scratch, dent, and chip on the windscreen has been recorded. Take pictures to confirm what has been recorded.
INSPECT THE TYRES
Inspect all the tyres, especially their tread, as well as the spare tyre and accompanying tools.
Remember, you may have to go through the whole inspection process again when you return the car rental.
Never mind covering your rental car – when you get home, make sure your own car is adequately protected with car insurance.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 13, 2017