Renting a Car in Spain

Car Rental Agreements - The Basics!
By Jerry Lyons
Your car rental agreement or car rental contract is more than just bunch of papers that you have to carry around in the glove compartment of your rental car. It’s a binding, legal contract that spells out all the terms and conditions of your car rental. Of course, contracts and their terminology will vary from car rental company to car rental company, but there are some standard items which will be listed and which you need to be familiar with. Always have your car rental contract with you in your rental car. It shows that you are in possession of the vehicle legally.
Look for the following items on your car rental agreement.
Rental Agreement Number
You will need this number if you need to call the location to modify your rental information or extend the length of your rental.
Car Number
This number is the serial number and designates the specific vehicle that is rented on the rental agreement.
Mileage In
This figure on your car rental agreement shows the miles on the vehicle at the time of pickup. The car rental location will record the mileage when you return the vehicle. If you were limited to a certain number of miles per day or per rental, these figures would be used to determine the amount, if any, you would be required to pay for mileage costs.
Fuel in or Gas In
This section will indicated on your rental agreement the level of your gas tank. Whatever it is, you will be expected to return your rental car with the same amount of gas. Make sure to check to see if the Gas In or Fuel in amount is the same as what shows on your actual gas gauge!
Pick up Location,Date,Time
This information shows the date and time of pick up and the rental station where the vehicle was picked up.
Return Location,Date,Time
This information shows the requested return date and time as well as the rental station where you have agreed to return the rental car.
Vehicle Inspection Report (This may be a separate sheet or form on your car rental agreement)
This information will document any dings, scratches and damage to the rental car. The vehicle will be inspected upon return and any new dings, scratches or damages will be attributed to you.
If you have the time, I strongly recommend going over this report to make sure there are no damages that you see on the vehicle that are not listed on the report.
Regulations for the vehicle
There may be a statement that lists the terms and/or conditions of your rental with regard to the vehicle, its cargo, the use of the vehicle and additional drivers. These terms may include stipulations that you are expected to comply with.
Regulations may include:
* not using the vehicle to carry passengers for hire (you can’t use the rental car as a taxi!)
* that the rented vehicle shall not be used to carry passengers other than in the interior of the vehicle (pretty straightforward, I hope!)
* that the rented vehicle shall not be used to carry passengers in excess of the capacity of the vehicle
* not to use the vehicle to push, propel or tow another vehicle, trailer or any other thing without the written permission of the rental company
* not to use the vehicle for any race or competition, use the vehicle for any illegal purpose or use it in a negligent manner
* not to permit the vehicle to be operated by any other person without the written permission of the car rental company (Additional drivers must sign on to your contract at the rental counter)
* not to carry passengers, property or materials in excess of the rated weight-carrying capacity of the vehicle
Additional or Allowable Drivers
This section of your car rental agreement will list all the drivers that are authorized to drive your rental vehicle. There may be an additional fee for extra drivers.
Options
This part of the car rental agreement would list any additional options that were selected. These include, upgrades, personal protection options, LDW/CDW, special equipment, fuel options, etc. (Most car rental companies will allow you the option of filling the car yourself before return, or paying a certain amount to the car rental company for them to refuel the car for you.)
Charges
This section of your car rental agreement will list all the charges associated with the rental. Charges include the base rate of the vehicle, applicable airport fees, taxes, surcharges, other government imposed fees, and charges for any additional options or special equipment that you chose to purchase. It will also include the charges for any fees that the company charges specific to your rental.
Make sure that the charges listed are correct and that the total is what you agreed to when you reserved the car.
You will be given a total or balance due.
Note that whoever uses their credit card to charge the rental at the time of pickup is considered the renter and primary driver, (whether they ever drive it, or not…) anyone else who drives the rental car is considered an additional driver.
Signature(s)
By signing the rental agreement or rental contract you agree to comply with all terms and conditions listed.
Your signature on the rental car agreement allows the car rental company to charge your credit card with any possible extras at the end of the rental, such as late return of the vehicle or damage to the vehicle (if you declined the optional loss damage waiver or collision damage waiver offered by the rental car company).
For more car rental tips, visit best-car-rental-tips.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Lyons












