Car Rentals FAQ  
 

Rental Pricing

What is estimated rental price?
Are there special taxes for car rentals in countries outside of the US?
Are taxes and insurance included in the quoted rate?
What is the difference between base rental rate and total charges?
What are CDW, PAI, TPI, VAT, VLF and airport taxes? Do I have to pay them?

Reservation Process

Will the car company that confirms my reservation be the same one that provides my car?
Will I need a credit card in my name to rent a car?
How old do I have to be to rent a car?
Do I need a foreign drivers License?
Are car accessories available?
Can I modify/change an existing reservation?
Is there a shuttle service to my rental car?
Will I receive the make/model of car I have reserved?

Miscellaneous

Are there separate rules for local renters?
What type of customer service is offered?

Rental Pricing

What is estimated rental price?
The Estimated Rental Price includes the total of all known rates, taxes, fees, surcharges and applicable drop-off charges that you must pay either by law or by local policy for the length of a particular car rental request. This price does not include optional services — such as insurance waivers, special equipment, mileage charges, or gasoline etc. It also does not include extra day or hour charges that can result from a late return of the rental car. This price is provided so you can better estimate the total price you may pay to the rental car company for your car, but is not a guarantee of your total charges. [top of page]

Are there special taxes for car rentals in countries outside of the US?
Yes, there can be some mandatory taxes that are only applied in certain countries. Check with the car company when you are picking up your car. [top of page]

Are taxes and insurance included in the quoted rate?
No, taxes and insurance are not included in the quoted rate. [top of page]

What is the difference between base rental rate and total charges?
The base rate is the amount of the rental before any taxes, service fees or mandatory insurance charges are included. Total charges would include all additional fees. [top of page]

What are CDW, PAI, TPI, VAT, VLF and airport taxes? Do I have to pay them?
CDW is Collision Damage Waiver, PAI is Personal Accident Insurance, TPI is Theft Protection Insurance, VAT is Value Added Tax, and VLF is Vehicle License Fee. Airport taxes are the fees that the airports charge to car companies for the use of their terminals, railroads, and roads; plus other service charges mandated by the airport. Yes, some of these various taxes and charges are mandatory and you will be advised of them at the time of car pick up. [top of page]

Reservation Process

Will the car company that confirms my reservation be the same one that provides my car?
Not always. Some car companies have affiliates they use. [top of page]

Will I need a credit card in my name to rent a car?
Yes, the driver will need to present a valid credit card in the driver's name. Debit cards are not accepted. [top of page]

How old do I have to be to rent a car?
Most major car rental companies require renters to be a minimum of 25 years of age. Some car rental companies do allow renters at the minimum age of 18 but there is an increase in the rate of the rental and a deposit is required. [top of page]

Do I need a foreign drivers license?
Car rental companies in most Western European nations will accept a drivers license from your native country as sufficient proof of driver status. (Check with your car rental agency prior to pick-up to verify their policy.) However, to ensure the smoothest possible treatment in all situations (including dealing with the police in the event of a traffic violation or accident), we highly recommend that you acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is valid in 130 countries. Available at all AAA offices, the cost for an IDP is $10. Two passport photos are needed, and you must be 18 years or older with a valid driver's license to receive an IDP. [top of page]

Are car accessories available?
Many rental agencies offer car accessories such as child seats, ski racks, tape/CD players, etc. You can request these at the time of reservation in the "Special Requests or Information" section of the TravelNow Secure Car Reservation form when making your car rental reservation. Extra charges may apply for these items and they are based on availability. [top of page]

Can I modify/change an existing reservation?
Yes; however, modifications may cause rate changes. Car rates can change daily, or even hourly, so changes you make to your reservation after confirmation can affect the original rate. [top of page]

Is there a shuttle service to my rental car?
Many rental agencies offer shuttle service to the car pick up location from the airport. You will need to ask about this service prior to your arrival or check at the airport. [top of page]

Will I receive the make/model of car I have reserved?
Receiving the requested make or model of car depends upon availability at the time of your arrival to pick up the vehicle. We cannot guarantee the make or model you will receive. [top of page]

Miscellaneous

Are there separate rules for local renters?
Many rental agencies do have additional rules and regulations for local renters or individuals not traveling by plane to their rental destination. Unlimited mileage and additional fees may vary. Contact your rental agency directly when you receive your confirmation number for further details specific to your reservation. [top of page]

What type of customer service is offered?
After submitting your reservation request, you will be provided with an email address to use to make inquires about your request. Our qualified and friendly agents are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (including holidays) to answer your questions. All you have to do is ask. [top of page]

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