Understanding your car rental contract: what to look out for

It's not easy to know what to pay attention to before signing your car rental contract... You're afraid to forget something, not to understand everything, not to be well covered? Follow the guide and take the road in complete serenity!

What information should be included in your car rental contract?

The car rental contract It is a contractual document that defines the general conditions, duration and cost of the rental. It is written in 2 copies: 1 for the rental company and the other for you, to be kept carefully! First of all, take the time to read your car rental agreement carefully. The following information must be included in this document:

• the company name of the rental company and its address,
• your full name, place and date of birth, address and driver's licence number,
• the make, type, registration number and mileage displayed on the meter of the rented vehicle,
• the date, place and time of the vehicle's availability and return,
• All the elements that make up the total price of your car rental: basic rate, options, insurance, deposit, franchise...

The inventory of fixtures of the vehicle The inventory of fixtures can be integrated into your rental contract. This document must be signed by the rental company and by you and must indicate all visible defects of the car you are going to rent: scratches on the bodywork, impacts, damaged elements... It must also specify the mileage on the meter and the level of the fuel tank at the start! General rental conditions They are, in general, the subject of a separate document. They must specify the rights and obligations of both parties: your liability in the event of a claim, the benefits and insurance included and in options, exclusions, etc.

Insurance included in a car rental contract

As with your own car, the insurance included in your rental contract covers you in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. But be careful, it only concerns these points in particular.... Compulsory insurance The price of a car rental always includes third party liability: this insurance covers material and physical damage that you may cause to third parties. Damage suffered by the vehicle during the rental period will be at your expense within the limit of the deductible set out in the contract, unless of course it has been caused by a third party. Supplementary insurance policies In addition to the basic rate, they are often offered by rental companies. They can cover theft and vandalism, damage to passengers' personal belongings, lump-sum compensation in the event of bodily injury... For example, the extension of damage coverage will avoid you having to pay the costs inherent to scratches you may cause on the vehicle. Insurance exclusions Before signing, take the time to ask your landlord questions (or read carefully the exclusion cases in the T&Cs) to find out exactly what the insurance does not include. There are many cases of exclusion and most often concern accidents without an identified third party, damage caused by improper use of the vehicle, non-coverage in the event of theft if you have not filed a complaint, driving by a driver not included in the contract.

Franchise, how does it work?

The deductible is the part of the damage that is not covered by the insurance if you are responsible for a claim. You will therefore pay this amount, in part or in whole, to the rental company in the event of a claim. As mentioned above to reduce this deductible amount, you can purchase the CDW (deductible buyback) coverage or pay for your rental with a prestigious credit card. And to rent in complete peace of mind, contact Peugeot Rent and take the road of your desires! Discover our range of vehicles for rent and let our team of specialists guide you.