Europcar South Africa Policies
Europcar only provides the newest, cleanest cars for your rentals. At Europcar we take pride in our fleet and the variety and quality of vehicles that we offer our customers. We ensure the best in quality and safety through the constant renewal of our fleet. The average age of our vehicles is between four and eight months. Each vehicle is inspected and cleaned at the end of every rental whilst regular servicing follows manufacturer recommendations.
The above ensures the quality of our vehicles and the safety of our clients. To further ensure safe rentals, Europcar abides by the following policies and regulations, in accordance with safe driving principles and South African law.
Please take note of the following policies and regulations. All clients need to comply with these policies and regulations, to qualify for a Europcar vehicle hire. Vehicles are rented subject to Europcar's standard terms and conditions as reflected on the Europcar Rental Agreement and Passport and are subject to change without notice.
FLEET
1. Europcar reserves the right to offer more than one vehicle model within each vehicle category.
2. Europcar reserves the right to change the vehicle models within each vehicle category for another vehicle model with similar specifications without notice.
3. Europcar cannot guarantee a specific vehicle brand however will accommodate any requests based on availability.
RENTER’S OBLIGATIONS
1. The renter must read and accept the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement.
2. When receiving and returning the rental vehicle, the renter must agree with the vehicle condition as noted on the respective vehicle inspection record and sign acceptance. The onus is on the renter to sign off the Pre and Post Rental Inspection Record.
3. If for any reason the renter is not satisfied with the vehicle supplied, he/she must inform Europcar staff within the first 2 hours of receipt of the vehicle. Failure to do so may negate any claim for compensation.
4. It is recommended that the renter retain his copy of the Rental Agreement and Passport for reference on return of the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary delays in the processing of any claim.
5. The renter will be required to supply the following –
5.1 Booking Voucher – you will receive this into your email just after your online reservation (no voucher, no car!)
5.2 Valid Credit Card
5.3 Name, address, telephone number and e-mail address
5.4 Local contact details
5.5 Valid unendorsed driver’s licence
5.6 Passport or ID (South African Residents)
6. A valid voucher and credit card must be produced at point of rental. Accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard and Diners. An additional credit card may be requested at the discretion of the company. No Debit Cards, including Maestro and Electron are accepted.
7. If the renter wishes to extend the rental beyond the original return date as specified on the Rental Agreement, authorisation must be obtained from Europcar. Failure to do so will result in Europcar reporting the car stolen and immediately negates cover. Penalties may be incurred.
8. Should a vehicle be returned with excessive dirt, it will be valeted and a minimum charge of R450 will be billed directly to the renter’s credit card.
9. Should the renter disobey a traffic regulation which results in a fine such amount will be debited to the client’s credit card. A handling fee of R175 per traffic fine will be levied. Traffic fines can take up to three years to receive and charge.
AGE REQUIREMENT FOR RENTERS
• Vehicles are only rented to drivers over the age of 23
• Where a young driver (under the age of 23) wishes to rent a vehicle, or where a young driver will be driving the rented vehicle, that driver will be required to produce proof that he/she has been in possession of a valid, unendorsed driver's license for a minimum of two years. South African residents must be a minimum of 23 years of age in such a case.
• Where a young driver rents a vehicle, there will be a daily young driver's surcharge of R120 per young driver per day.
• There is no maximum age
DRIVER'S LICENSE AND DRIVER'S AGE
• The renter must be in possession of a valid, unendorsed driver's license. Whilst driving the renter is required to have a valid unendorsed driver’s licence in their possession at all times.
• The renter's type of driver's license must match the type of vehicle rented. A driver qualified to drive automatic vehicles only, will not qualify to rent a vehicle with manual transmission.
• The renter's driver's license must be valid. Expired driver's licenses will not be accepted.
• Driver's licenses with endorsements will not be accepted. Europcar is obliged to ensure the safety of its vehicles by only accepting rentals from drivers whose licenses have not been endorsed with penalty points.
• Drivers under the age of 23 must be able to prove that they have been in possession of a valid, unendorsed driver's license for a minimum of two years. South African residents must be a minimum of 23 years of age in such a case.
• International driver's licenses must be in English.
RENTER IDENTIFICATION
• All renters will be required to produce a valid form of identification. Local clients will be asked to produce their Identification Document (ID). International clients will be asked to produce their Passports.
• All forms of identification produced must be legal and valid. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted.
• Europcar staff are obliged, and reserve the right, to check/ question identification documents that appear inauthentic, fraudulent or suspicious in any way.
PAYMENT VERIFICATION
Europcar is obliged, and reserves the right, to verify all methods of payment, and to ensure payment by renters. Prior to rental, the renter must give authorization that he/ she is liable for the following costs:
• excess, should the car be damaged
• all rental costs
• fuel used
FUEL
Fuel is not included in the rates
Each Europcar vehicle leaves with a full tank and the renter is obliged to return the vehicle with a full tank or pay for refuelling.
As a courtesy to the next renter, each vehicle is refuelled on termination regardless of whether the fuel guage reflects a full tank, a fuel attendant has claimed the tank is full or a Europcar staff member indicates agreement of a full tank.
Charges for fuel are at Government specified fuel prices. It is illegal for Europcar to profiteer from sale of fuel.
Fuel may not be purchased by credit card at petrol stations.
CREDIT CARDS
• The signature on the renter's contract must match the signature on the reverse of the renter's credit card.
• The renter must supply Europcar with his/ her CVC number. This number will be captured in brackets next to the abovementioned authorization code.
• Credit card imprints must be clear.
• Credit card imprints must appear clearly on both the original Rental Agreement, and any copies issued.
• Handwritten credit card details will not be accepted.
• Credit cards must be valid. Where a renter's card is due to expire during the rental period, he/ she must produce his/ her new credit card.
The Credit Card holder must be present during time of rental.
CHARGES
• Daily rental charges are calculated on a 24 hour cycle, from time of pick up to time of drop off.
• The renter will be billed directly for additional rental days at extension rates should the vehicle be returned late. Extension rates will be charged based on an additional 25% added to the 1 - 13 days rate.
• Should a renter extend his/ her rental period without permission, waivers will no longer apply.
• Fuel is not included in the rental fee. Renters will receive a vehicle with a full tank of fuel. Thereafter, the renter is liable for the cost of all refills.
• Airport surcharges are included in our Classic Plus Cover
• The tourism levy is is a government levy and the funds are used towards increasing tourism to South Africa. This levy is included in our Classic Plus Cover
• The contract fee for the Renter's Agreement is charged at R35. This will be charged directly to the client at point of rental
FUEL DEPOSIT
A R 1000 refundable fuel rental deposit is required at the start of the rental.
NO SHOW FEE
A No Show Fee of 1 day's rental will apply based on the extension rates.
CANCELLATION FEE
A cancellation fee will apply when the customer returns the vehicle earlier than stipulated on the voucher.
ADDITIONAL DRIVER
ZAR 130 per driver, per rental
CLAIM HANDLING FEE
R450 per claim.
The Claim Handling Fee applies to all damage excluded from waivers, ie water and under carriage damage, tyres, rim damage, hubcaps and windscreens
WAIVERS
Europcar does not cover water and under carriage damage.
Damage and Theft waivers are included in the rates. Please refer to rate grids for details of exactly what is included and excluded. Waivers must not be regarded as insurance. When waivers are purchased Europcar’s right to recover the total damage or loss amount is waived.
CROSS BORDER EXCESSES
Responsibilities/Excesses of the country in which the accident/theft occurs will apply regardless of the country in which the rental commenced. An excess of R 6500 (which will be reserved as a refundable deposit on your credit card) is applicable to cross border into Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
1. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is included in the rates.
2. All occupants in the rental vehicle are collectively covered for death and disability up to a maximum of ZAR 25 000 and medical expenses up to ZAR 2 500 per incident.
THIRD PARTY INSURANCE
1. When an accident occurs and a third party is involved (regardless of fault) the following information is required. If this information is not accurate or detailed, all cover may be negated –
1.1 either a Passport or ID Card (South African residents)
1.2 contact telephone number (land line and mobile, where available)
1.3 physical address
1.4 e-mail address (if possible)
1.5 the location of the police station where the accident was reported, including the telephone number
1.6 Police Case Number
1.7 if insured, the name of the underwriter and the policy number (if possible)
1.8 full and accurate description of the accident with an explanatory sketch
1.9 copy of the renter’s driver’s license
If for any reason it is found the details provided are not truthful or fraudulent cover will be negated and the renter will be liable for all damages and associated costs.
2. Third Party costs may be billed up to three years after the incident and can take up to five years to recover.
3. If an excess is applicable this will be billed to the renter regardless of fault. This excess will only be refunded if Europcar’s claim against the third party is successfully recovered and payment has been received in our bank account.
FACTORS THAT COULD NEGATE COVER (IMPORTANT!)
Principle circumstances that could result in the renter being liable for the full cost of loss or damage, regardless of waivers are –
1. not reporting damage or theft to Europcar and the South African Police services immediately and within the stipulated time limited
2. allowing an unauthorised driver (not specified on the Rental Agreement) to drive the rental vehicle
3. not adhering to local traffic rules and regulations, ie exceeding the speed limit. On gravel roads/unsurfaced roads, the speed limit of 50 KPH must not be exceeded
4. not driving on the left-hand side of the road
5. driving under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances
6. no other vehicle involved in accident, unless exceptional circumstances apply
7. negligence
8. not reporting accurate details of damage or theft on the Europcar Damage Report
9. in case of theft, not reporting the exact location of the vehicle prior to loss
10. in case of theft, not being able to produce the keys (unless exceptional circumstances apply)
11. towing or repairing the vehicle
12. taking the vehicle across any national border without a letter of authority from Europcar
13. not returning the vehicle at the agreed time and date written on the Rental Agreement, unless a reference/authority number from Europcar is obtained and recorded
14. driving on a surface or in conditions which would damage the vehicle
15. tyre damage, other than normal wear and tear. Europcar will be obliged to replace damaged tyres and charge you accordingly (unless otherwise specified) even if the tyre has been repaired
16. failing to provide a copy of the renter’s driver’s licence to Europcar
If Europcar deems the renter has driven or acted negligently the renter shall be liable for the full value of any damage, towing or storage.
EXCEPTIONS LIABILITY
Where damage to a vehicle is caused by the renter and no other vehicle is involved, exceptions liability will apply.
If Europcar deems the renter has driven or acted negligently the renter shall be liable for the full value of any damage, towing or storage.
The renter shall be liable for any costs relating to undercarriage and water damage as neither item is covered under the damage and loss waivers.
EXEMPTION
Europcar shall not be liable for any damage or loss, whether direct or indirect, arising out of any defect in or mechanical failure or the safety of the Vehicle or the driving or use thereof or caused by any fault of ours, our agents or our servants, nor for any indirect loss, consequential damages, loss of profits or special damages arising out of any of the aforegoing. No warranties as to the condition, state of repair, performance capabilities, year of manufacture, odometer reading or anything else concerning the vehicle are given by Europcar.
CROSS-BORDER TRAVELLING (IMPORTANT!)
A letter of authorisation must be requested at the time of reservation for all cross border travelling. Specific cross border information may be obtained from Europcar’s Central Reservations Office.
Europcar will not be held responsible if a renter is refused entry into another country.
All vehicles entering Namibia will have to pay a Cross Border charge. A Cross Border Certificate will be issued by the Namibian authorities. All Cross Border documentation is to be left in the glove compartment or handed to a Europcar representative. A penalty/fee of up to ZAR 5 000 may be levied if the documentation is not produced/found.
From South Africa vehicles are allowed into Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and Mozambique. Vehicles are not allowed into Angola or Zimbabwe. The following exceptions do apply –
South Africa to Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia – No restriction on vehicle groups.
South Africa to Mozambique and Zambia – Only car groups J, A, T, B, C, D & F are allowed. International passport holders are permitted across with groups W, V, S & E.
A non-refundable fee of ZAR 1 000 will be levied for all vehicles crossing into Mozambique and Zambia. For Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho a ZAR 450 cross border charge will be levied.
Responsibilities/Excesses of the country in which the accident/theft occurs will apply regardless of the country in which the rental commenced. An excess of R 6500 (which will be
reserved as a refundable deposit on your credit card) is applicable to
cross border into Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Additional Excess (limited liability) applies on all rentals (regardless of which rate applies to the rental) where the accident occurs in Mozambique or Zambia.
DELIVERY AND COLLECTION FEES
OFFICE HOURS
25 kilometres or less, R150
26 kilometres or more, R5 per kilometre
AFTER HOURS, WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
25 kilometres or less, R280
26 kilometres or more, R5 per kilometre
On delivery the vehicle shall be deemed to be in good order, condition and repair unless the renter notifies Europcar within 2 hours of delivery.
The renter shall be liable for all fuel used to deliver and collect a vehicle.
Toll Fees or Game Park Entrance Fees will be billed in addition to the delivery or collection charge.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Baby Seats R 150 per rental
Second Spare Wheel R 600 per rental
Optional Equipment is ON REQUEST and must be requested at the time of reservation.
ONE WAY RENTALS
One way rentals incur the following surcharges.
DOMESTIC
Please refer to the schedule annexed to the rate grid
Cross border
Please refer to the schedule annexed to the rate grid
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
Driving
Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
Seat Belts
It is compulsory to wear seat belts at all times.
Speed Limits
Urban Areas (residential and town) - 60 km/h
Rural Areas - 100 km/h
Highways - 120 km/h
The recommended speed limit for travelling on gravel roads is 50 km/h
ROADSIDE SUPPORT
Contact Europcar on the emergency toll free number 0800 011 344 (South Africa only). Please refer to the Europcar Travellers Companion for further contact details. If the client has not taken advantage of our Free Mobile Phone Rental Offer, emergency SOS telephones are conveniently located on most major highways (South Africa only). Client is not to replace or repair any vehicle parts unless authorised by Europcar in writing.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTS AND OR THEFT
In the event or accident or theft the renter must –
1. contact Europcar immediately on 0800 011 344
2. make a full report at the nearest Police Station within 24 hours where an accident has occurred and within 6 hours in case of theft. A Police Case Number must be obtained
Renters are not permitted to replace or repair any vehicle parts unless authorised by Europcar, in writing.
In the event of loss or damage Europcar reserves the right to bill the rent for such loss or damage regardless of whether or not the renter has signed the post inspection or claim form.
THE EUROPCAR PASSPORT
A comprehensive handbook containing all documents and information required during your rental with Europcar in South Africa or Namibia. The Passport includes a pre and post rental inspection document for the client’s protection and convenience, which should be kept in the vehicle’s glove compartment. A Travellers Companion is provided free of charge and contains detailed road and city maps.
GENERAL INFO
Service Providers
Europcar cannot be held accountable for any Service Providers service failures.
Frequent Flyer
Clients do not qualify for Frequent Flyer miles on Tour Operator rates.
GOVERNMENT TAX
Government taxes are included in the rates but may be subject to change in accordance with Government legislation, in which case rates will be adjusted accordingly.
FUEL
At petrol stations fuel may not be paid for by Credit Card
TOLL ROADS – South Africa
Toll Costs range from ZAR 2 to ZAR 100. Renter must ensure that they have South African currency available as toll roads are found on most of the major routes. Only some tolls are payable by credit card.
Should you agree to hire a vehicle from Europcar, this indicates compliance with the above policies and regulations. Our policies have been compiled in accordance with South African laws, and with the principles of safe driving in mind. We trust that you will have a safe, pleasant travel experience with Europcar.
