You will be required to apply for an International Drivers license (in English) if your Drivers License is not in English. Alternatively you can also get an English translation from your Traffic Department in your home country (on the Traffic Department's official letterhead / stamped / certified by your Traffic Department) if your drivers license is not in English. All other requirements and terms and conditions remain the same. Please take your Original Drivers License together with your International Drivers license OR your Original Drivers License together with the Official English translation from your local Traffic Department to South Africa.
If your drivers license is in English you do not have to apply for an International Drivers license or translation.
FIRST CAR RENTAL SOUTH AFRICA TERMS & CONDITIONS
For security reasons, when renting car groups D, E, F, G, I, Z, K, Y, Q, we may require additional methods of identification or conduct a security check to the Branch Manager's satisfaction before the special vehicle type is released to the Renter.
The VEHICLE shall be at the sole risk of the Renter for the RENTAL PERIOD.
1. The Renter shall not:
1.1 hire or lend the VEHICLE to anyone;
1.2 permit the VEHICLE to be in the possession or control of anyone other than the additional driver;
1.3 cause or permit the VEHICLE to be driven unlawfully or illegally or to be used for any unlawful purpose or for a purpose for which it was not designed or in such a way as to increase the risk of it being damaged or lost, or to be overloaded;
1.4 cause or permit the VEHICLE to carry any passenger or goods for reward or for racing; or
1.5 cause or permit the VEHICLE to be exposed to the risk of damage in or by any civil or public disturbance or unrest.
2. The Renter shall take all precautions to protect the VEHICLE from theft and damage and shall lock and immobilise the VEHICLE and activate the burglar alarm when the VEHICLE is not in use.
3. The renter must read and accept the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement.
CAR GROUPS
First Car Rental reserves the right to offer more than one vehicle model within each vehicle group.
First Car Rental cannot guarantee a specific vehicle brand within a group however will accommodate any requests based on availability.
I) GENERAL
i) VAT or TAX is subject to change in accordance with Government Legislation in which case rates will be adjusted accordingly.
ii) Vehicles are rented subject to First Car Rental's standard terms and conditions (click here to view) as reflected on the reverse of the rental agreement and is subject to change without notice.
iii) Please refer to your rate schedule for inclusions and exclusions and the waiver responsibility. (more info here)
iv) The renter is required to present a voucher at time of rental. Failure to do so, will result in the renter being billed directly at the daily extension rate. You will receive this voucher into your email immediately after online reservation.
v) Daily rates are calculated strictly in cycles of 24 hours, from time of pick up to time of drop off. The renter will be billed directly for additional rentals days, should the vehicle be returned late.
vi) Should a vehicle be returned with excessive dirt, the valet charges will be billed directly to the renters credit card.
vii) The renter is liable for Windscreen Breakage-, Glass-, Mirrors-, Windows-, Water-, Undercarriage-, Water Damage-, Tyre-, Rim-, Hubcap Damage to the vehicle
4. The following items are not covered by any of the waiver options
4.1. Damage to glass, mirrors, windscreens, windows, tyres, hubcaps and rims
4.2. Towing costs and charges for Roadside Assistance (unless there was mechanical breakdown)
4.3. Damage to the undercarriage and/or damage caused by water
4.4. Damage due to driver negligence or where the vehicle was driven by an unauthorised driver
4.5. Single vehicle accidents, i.e.. Where no other vehicle, person, animal or object was involved
4.6. Damage caused through disobeying any traffic law
4.7. Damage or loss where incidents/accidents happened outside South African borders (unless authorised by ourselves)
4.8. Damage or loss where the incidents/accidents are not properly reported (refer to clause 14 of the Standard Terms & Conditions of Rental)
4.9. Damage or loss where the vehicle has been used/driven in a way that harms our rights (refer to clauses 4 & 7 of the Standard Terms & Conditions of Rental)
4.10. Damage or loss where the driver's license was invalid or endorsed
4.11. Damage or loss where the rental agreement was not properly extended (refer to clause 1.9 of the Standard Terms & Conditions of Rental)
4.12. Damage or loss where the vehicle is driven on unsuitable roads for the type of vehicle
4.13. NB: All damage occurring whilst the vehicle is driven on a gravel road will be for your own cost
4.14. Damage or loss where the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication which causes drowsiness
4.15. Damage or loss where the vehicle's lubricants (oil & water, etc.) have not been topped up
4.16. Damage to and loss of trailers and their contents
4.17. Any act of negligence
4.18. Any breach of the Standard Terms & Conditions of Rental
II) FACTORS THAT NEGATE WAIVERS - GROSS NEGLIGENCE
Speeding is the major cause of accidents in Southern Africa. The relevant waiver will not cover any damage if any of the Gross Negilegence Factors (see below) were not adhered to - in other words, the renter will become liable for the full value of the vehicle should any of the Gross Negiligence factors apply to their accident.
- Gross negligence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances
- Unauthorised persons driving the vehicle
- Unauthorised cross border rentals
- Not adhering to traffic, road and driving regulations
- Unsuitable driving or road conditions i.e. gravel roads
- No other vehicles involved in the collision unless exceptional circumstances apply
- Not reporting the collision to First Car Rental and the nearest Police Station
- Failure to obtain authorisation from First Car Rental to extend the pre- booked rental period
- Failure in reporting the loss to First Car Rental within 3 hours in the event of theft.
- Failure to produce the vehicle keys in case of theft unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- Not reporting the exact details of the last known location of the vehicle prior to theft.
i) Government Legislation requires that whilst driving, the driver/s are required to have a valid unendorsed drivers license in their possession (contact us if your license has minor endorsements and we will assist)
ii) Driver/s must have legally driven in their home country for at least three years prior to renting a vehicle.
iii) An International Drivers license is not required, provided the original license is in English.
iv) Valid Credit Card in the Driver's Name who will be present during collection and return of the vehicle. The credit card must be embossed (have raised number digits on the card)
IV) BREAKDOWNS
What to do in the event of a breakdown
i) Contact First Car Rental on the emergency Roadside Assistance toll free number
0860 888 911 (South Africa only, please use the international dialing prefix if phoning from a roaming mobile phone)
ii) The Renter will be assisted with the following:
Flat Tyre Assistance
If the vehicle’s spare tyre is inflated and serviceable, it will be installed to replace a flat tyre. When a serviceable spare tyre is not available, towing will be provided, at the renters expense.
Battery Jump-Start
If the vehicle’s battery is dead, the service provider will jump-start the vehicle.
Vehicle Lockout Service
In the event of keys been locked in the vehicle a locksmith will be appointed to unlock the vehicle, at the renters expense.
Emergency Fuel Delivery
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, a limited supply will be delivered, to enable you to reach the nearest service station. (Cost of fuel for your account).
Extrication/Winching Service
If a vehicle becomes stuck, it will be extricated or winched as long as it is adjacent to a passable, established road or thoroughfare and can be safely reached from the hard road surface, at the renters expense.
Towing Service
Sometimes a breakdown will occur at inconvenient locations. If the vehicle breaks down and requires towing First Car Rental will appoint a towing operator to tow the vehicle to the nearest repairer, at the renters expense.
Message Relay Service
First Car Rental will relay a message to a family member, friend or colleague in the RSA in the event of a breakdown or accident.
iii) Renters are requested not to replace or repair any vehicle parts unless authorised by First Car Rental. Renters who fail to get prior authorisation from First Car Rental will not be reimbursed for expenses incurred.
V) ACCIDENTS/THEFT
What to do in the event of an accident or theft:
i) Renter is required to contact First Car Rental immediately.
ii) A full report must be made to the nearest Police Station within 24 hours where an accident has occurred and immediately in the case of theft.
iii) A Case Reference number must be obtained from the Police Station.
iv) An Accident & Theft report must be completed within 24hrs of incident occurring, these are obtainable from any First Car Rental branch.
v) Personal belongings stolen or lost during an accident are not covered. It would be advisable for Renters to obtain personal belonging insurance prior to their trip.
vi) A Claim handling fee will be levied for all incidents
Also see more info at the First Car Rental's standard terms and conditions (click here to view)
VI) TRAFFIC FINES
i) Should the renter disobey the traffic regulation which results in a fine, such amounts will be debited to the clients credit card including an additional traffic fine handling fee
VII) COLLISION DAMAGE/THEFT WAIVERS
i) The renter is responsible for the excess amount i.e.
EXECUTIVE = Zero
SUPER = R 4000
STANDARD = R 7000
Please note that a renter is responsible for the full value of the relevant vehicle, should theft/accident be caused due to negligence (see "II" for detailed list of factors that negate the waivers) or should theft/accident be caused due to any of the points mentioned in points '4.1 - 4.18' above
ii) Top up Cover is available but cannot be pre-paid. Prices are available at the counter at time of rental. This will be billed to the renter directly.
iii) A claim handling fee will be applied and charged to the renters credit card, in the event of damage/theft of the vehicle (for executive cover, super cover and standard cover). Collision damage waiver only covers damage to the First Car Rental Vehicle, does not cover the claim handling fee.
VIII) CROSS BORDER EXCESS
i) The applicable excess amount will double, should the accident/theft occur outside the borders of South Africa (i.e. Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland & Lesotho)
NB! Exception to the rule: Executive Waiver - eg. SA Executive Waiver taken, the relevant vehicle's Super Waiver Excess applies which is R 7000
Cross border excess definitions will appear on the renters copy of Letter of Authority for Crossing SA Borders
IX) PERSONAL ACCIDENT BENEFIT
i) Should Personal Accident Benefit be purchased at the counter - All the occupants in the vehicle are collectively covered for death,disability and medical expenses up to a maximum of R 20 000 (Twenty thousand South African Rands only).
International Visitors are advised to buy full International Medical Travel Insurance from their own Insurance Company for all Drivers and Passengers before their arrival in South Africa.
X) THIRD PARTY CLAIMS
i) Should the renter be involved in an accident where the cause was not that of the renters, the renter is still responsible for the non-waiverable excess until such time as Third party Recovery has been paid in full to First Car Rental, First Car Rental will then re-imburse the renter. The amount re-imbursed will be subject to the Third Party Recovery amount.
XI) CROSS BORDER TRAVELING
PLEASE CONTACT CAPE SPIRIT BEFORE MAKING YOUR BOOKING IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA AS ONLY CERTAIN CAR GROUPS ARE ALLOWED TO CROSS CERTAIN BORDERS
The following vehicle groups are not permitted to cross any borders: E, F, G, I, Z, K, Y, Q
(Except Swaziland and Lesotho)
A Refundable Cross Border Excess Deposit of R 7 000 will apply on Executive Cover, an R 8 000 Cross Border Excess will apply on Super Cover, a R 14 000 Cross Border Excess will apply on Standard Cover (please book all Cross Border rentals on Executive Cover to ensure a R7 000 Cross Border Excess)
Please note the following terms and conditions for Cross Border traveling:
i) A letter of authorisation must be requested at the time of reservation for all cross border traveling.
4 Days advance notification is required for Zimbabwe as authorities now require the original registration documents for all vehicles crossing the border.
ii) First Car Rental will not be held responsible if a renter is refused entry into another country.
iii) Vehicles are permitted into Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique.
iv) Vehicles are NOT permitted into Angola and Zambia.
v) A non-refundable fee of R1000 (incl VAT) will be levied for vehicles crossing into Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This is charged for each country you cross into. The cross border fee for Mozambique is R1500 (incl VAT). The cross border fee for Lesotho and Swaziland is less - R400 (incl VAT) for Lesotho and R200 (incl VAT) for Swaziland.
vi) A penalty fee of up to ZAR5000 may be levied if the documentation is not produced.
vii) The following vehicle groups are not permitted to cross any borders: E, F, G, I, Z, K, Y, Q (Except Swaziland and Lesotho)
viii) First Car Rental will not be held accountable for the lack of fuel availability in any country the Driver enters.
ix) Should a vehicle need replacing, the renter may have to move the vehicle to the nearest SA border post. This cost is for the renter's own account. Delivery of a replacement vehicle is subject to time and distance constraints and an extra fee. First Car Rental is not responsible for any costs that may be incurred at the South African border post or by local Governments. These include commercial vehicle guarantee, permits, visas, import permits and toll fees.
REFUNDABLE CROSS BORDER EXCESS DEPOSIT REQUIRED (IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELLING OVER SA BORDERS)
i) Executive Waiver - R 7 000 Cross Border Excess (please book all Cross Border rentals on Executive Cover to ensure a R7 000 Cross Border Excess)
ii) Super Cover - R 8 000 Cross Border Excess
iii) Standard Cover - R 14 000 Cross Border Excess
CROSS BORDER NOTICE FOR MOZAMBIQUE
All vehicles entering Mozambique are required to have a reflective vest and two emergency triangles. Once in Mozambique, it is law for drivers to wear a reflective vest at any undesignated stop points. Failure to do so may result in a traffic fine. Traffic authorities specifically look for these items when conducting vehicle inspections – it is advisable to place the vest on the dashboard / front console, visible to all passers-by, so as to prevent any unnecessary delays or encounters with the local law enforcers. Only when parked in demarcated parking bays/areas, are you not required to wear the vest. Reflective vests are available at every First Car Rental location at no extra charge.
XII) ONE WAY RENTALS
i) Additional one way fees, if applicable, will display during online reservation.
ii) One way rentals to Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are not permitted
XIII) DELIVERY & COLLECTION
Cars cannot be delivered to private or any other addresses anymore. Please note that all car rentals must be collected from a First Car Rental branch. Cars can be collected at the end of the rental from private addresses and a collection fee applies. Please contact Cape Spirit for more info.
# PLEASE NOTE: ANY TOLL FEES OR GAME PARK ENTRANCE FEES WILL BE BILLED IN ADDITION TO THE COLLECTION CHARGE
XIV) EQUIPMENT
i) Available on request at time of reservation and will be charged directly to the renter at time of rental
ii) Please contact Cape Spirit™ for more info.
XV) YOUNG DRIVER/ADDITIONAL DRIVER
i) Young Driver Fee Applies to renters under the age of 23, provided that they have been in possession of a valid, unendorsed driver's license for a minimum of three years.
ii) Please contact Cape Spirit™ for more info.
Any person other than the actual renter, who will drive the vehicle during the course of a rental will be subject to an additional driver fee
XVI) CONTRACT FEE
i) A contract fee of R 45 per rental (not per day) will be charged directly to the Renter at the time of rental
XVII) NO SHOW CHARGE
i) A no show fee of R500 will be charged if a reservation is not cancelled before rental is supposed to take place
XVIII) DEPOSITS- EXCESS AND FUEL
i) A deposit for the applicable excess/liability and fuel is required on initiation of the rental. The renter (Main Driver) must be in possession of a credit card (the name of the Main Driver must be displayed on the credit card) irrespective of product selection.
ii) For security reasons, when renting car groups D, E, F, G, I, Z, K, Y, Q we may require additional methods of identification or conduct a security check to the Branch Manager's satisfaction before the special vehicle type is released to the Renter - please contact Cape Spirit™ for assistance, if you are unsure.
XIX) FUEL
i) Credit Cards are normally not accepted at petrol stations in Southern Africa. Fuel can normally only be purchased with cash
First Car Rental refuels each vehicle upon termination, regardless of the fuel gauge indicator, with all costs charged to the renter
XX) EXTENSION OF RENTAL
i) If the renter wishes to extend the rental beyond the original return date, authorisation must be obtained from First Car Rental. Failure to do so will result in First Car Rental reporting the car stolen and it immediately negates all waivers
ii) Additional days will be charged directly to the renters credit card.
XXI) RENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND PAYMENT
i) A valid voucher and credit card in the Driver's name (for additional charges) must be produced at time of rental.
ii) Accepted credit cards are Visa, Master, Diners and American Express. (NO debitcards or cash!). The credit card must be embossed (i.e. have raised number digits on the card). The credit card must be in the Main Driver's name.
iii) Name, address and telephone number
iv) Local contact details
v) Valid Drivers License and Passport / ID
vi) The Main driver must be present during collection and return of the vehicle
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT BREACH OF ANY OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RENTAL (AND NEGLIGENCE) WILL NEGATE THE WAIVERS, AND THE RENTER WILL BECOME LIABLE FOR DAMAGES AND 3RD PARTY DAMAGES. THE RENTER MUST FAMILIARISE HIMSELF / HERSELF WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND MUST BE ESPECIALLY AWARE OF THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE WAIVERS. OVERSEAS RENTERS MUST ENSURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF THE ROAD IN SOUTH AFRICA AS A VIOLATION OF BASIC RULES OF THE ROAD ARE DEEMED TO BE NEGLIGENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA. FURTHERMORE, PLEASE NOTE THAT TRAVELING IN GRAVEL ROADS ARE NOT ALLOWED WITH FIRST CAR RENTAL.
If you plan to hire more than one car, more than one rental: Please note that the excess authorisation hold / deposit on your credit card (for standard and super cover) may usually take 4 - 14 working days to be released back onto your credit card after the end of the rental (for the funds to show as available again) - this timeframe depends on your Bank / Credit Card company. (The car hire company release / reverse the deposit hold / block immediately when you return the car, but there may be delays with your Bank to process the cancellation of the hold from your credit card) If you hire more than one car at different locations after each other, please ensure that you have enough funds available on your credit card for the second rental's deposit authorisation to be processed, while awaiting the first deposit authorisation to be released back onto your credit card by your Bank (funds to show as available again on your credit card) as each rental branch act independently from one other. Please also contact your Bank / Credit Card company immediately after the release of the first authorisation hold by the Car hire company (when returning the first car) to release / cancel the hold from your credit card immediately to avoid any delays. Please note that we cannot take responsibility if your Bank / Credit Card company delays the release of the authorisation hold onto your credit card, as this is totally out of our control. Alternatively please choose our executive cover option for all your rentals where the deposit is much lower. Please contact Cape Spirit if you are unsure.
Also read through the important information at the following pages:
1. Important Car Hire Information
2. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
3. Terms and Conditions to Sign at Counter Level
* All Terms & Conditions are subject to change without prior notice
Booking a Car through Cape Spirit™
The relationship between the renter and Cape Spirit™ Travel is for reserving the car at the requested destination and rental supplier. Cape Spirit's responsibility is limited to issuing the reservation voucher properly, in order to make a connection between the renter and the rental supplier at the competitive quoted rate. Should the renter not receive the booking voucher within 2 minutes after making the reservation, the renter has to contact Cape Spirit™ immediately. Cape Spirit™ will assist the renter with any booking enquiries before, during and after the reservation.Upon collection of the car, the renter will sign a new contract with the rental supplier. Cape Spirit™ Travel will do its utmost to assist and provide a solution in case of any problem the renter encounters with the rental supplier.
Any claim against the rental supplier should be forwarded to the rental supplier directly. The jurisdiction location for claims against the rental supplier will be the country where the rental took place.
The rental supplier has the right to deny a car from anyone who does not comply with the above terms and conditions.
The renter should request a copy of the final rental agreement when returning the car, and keep it for future queries.
Accepting the voucher and applying it states your agreement to the above terms and conditions.
Important: The guidelines above should be read together with the Terms and Conditions that will be presented to you for signature at the Car Rental Counter - click to view here
Read full Cape Spirit Website terms of use here
