Renting a car: optional services

At a glance

What are the most common optional services offered when renting a car, and how much do they cost?

In the article "Booking a rental car abroad", our blogger Alain Dierckx gave us advice to keep in mind when renting a car, and in particular points to watch out for when booking, picking up and returning the rental car.
In this article, he gives us more information on some optional services.

What optional services can I choose when renting a car?

The range naturally varies from one car rental company to another. Here's a list of the most common services and their approximate rates:

Extended insurance (see paragraph below)\
Child seat (€6 to €7 per day)\
Additional driver (approx. €5 per day)\
Unlimited mileage (free)\
Breakdown assistance* (approx. €6 per day)\
Navigation module (approx. €6 to €10 per day)\
Fuel surcharge (no need to refuel when returning the vehicle)\
Snow chains (approx. €4 to €6 per day)\
Concierge service (€6 to €7 per day)

The rates above naturally vary depending on the rental company, the country and the season.

*Note: breakdown cover offered for car breakdowns is generally very limited, usually only covering the vehicle and not providing assistance to passengers.

What insurance is always included when renting a vehicle?

When you rent a vehicle, basic insurance is always included. This includes third-party liability insurance and cover for damage or theft (Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW). However, the deductible is always very high and can exceed a thousand euros per claim. Damage to windows, tyres and the underside of the vehicle is generally not covered under this cover. Insurance linked to your credit card, or through a bank or broker, probably doesn't cover all the costs, or doesn't cover them at all. CDW cover can sometimes be extended. Redion's annual VIP plan includes CDW cover up to a maximum of €2,000 per year.

Watch out! With some providers, the costs for damage or theft can reach the vehicle's catalogue value, plus administrative fees.

How can you properly insure a rental vehicle?

Car rental companies offer supplementary insurance for an additional fee. This will reduce or even remove your deductible. The names of these optional insurance products and the cover they offer vary depending on the provider and the country where you're renting the vehicle. Options can include, among others, cover for windows and tyres, and compensation for medical costs in case of an accident. Ask about this when picking up the keys.

Read the article "Renting a car: the optional cover options" here to find out about the different types of supplementary insurance.

What should you do in the event of an accident with a rental vehicle?

If you're involved in a road accident, contact the car rental company immediately and explain the situation. Also fill in (in Europe) the European accident statement form. It's best to find witnesses to the accident and call the police to draw up an official report, to avoid any dispute later on.
Also read the article "A car accident abroad".

Check the terms of your contract's general conditions regarding damage caused by an accident. In the event of an accident with injuries, separate travel insurance with medical cover is the best solution.

What costs can a rental company charge after renting out a vehicle?

Depending on your type of rental contract, the following costs (non-exhaustive list) may be charged to your credit card after the end of the rental period:

Traffic fines\
Damage to the vehicle\
Fuel\
Cleaning the car\
Return fees

These costs must always be backed up by appropriate documentation and must comply with the terms of the rental contract you signed.

How can you dispute an amount wrongly charged by a car rental company?

If you believe an amount has been wrongly deducted from your credit card, you can dispute the transaction. You will of course need the necessary evidence and supporting documents. The dispute can be made either: