Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions from our clients. Please email [email protected], use our live chat or contact us on 021 422 4022 o/h and 084 422 4022 a/h should you require any further assistance or information with your quote or booking process.
What is an excess?
An excess is the first amount the renter would be liable for in the event of an accident or theft of the rental vehicle. Zero excess is also available. Ask the consultant for more information.
What is insured and what is not insured?
We offer liability waivers and not insurance. The liability waiver limits your responsibility in the event of an incident. The liability waivers do not cover loss of, or damage to the vehicle in the following
circumstances, (the renter would be liable):
- where damage is caused to all glass, mirrors, lamps, tyres, rims, hubcaps, windscreen or the undercarriage, if no collision of the vehicle has occurred;
- where damage is caused by water;
- where damage or loss is caused by driver negligence;
- where damage or loss is sustained in an accident not caused by physical contact with another vehicle, person, animal or object;
- where damage is caused by the renter’s failure to ensure that the vehicles required lubricant levels are maintained;
- where damage or loss is caused by pot holes, sand or travelling on gravel road, and
- in respect of personal belongings, key replacement, towing fees and claim administration fees.
There is an option for the renter to accept the Windscreen and/or Tyre Waivers at the point of rental. These additional waivers only cover damages to viewing glass caused by stone chips and tyres, we recommend to take out our additional excess reimbursement insurance, follow link below for more information.
https://insurance.hepstar.com/aroundaboutcars/Home/Products/2
Do you offer unlimited kilometres?
AroundAboutCars offers unlimited kilometres on some of our vehicles.
What happens if I have to cancel my trip? Do I get my money back?
Kindly refer to the terms and conditions of the vehicle category you are enquiring about. If your trip is cancelled and AroundAboutCars has been informed within the required period you will get your money back. If your booking is cancelled in less days than required without the relevant notification there may be a cancellation fee.
What is a One Way rental?
A rental where the vehicle is picked up at one rental location and dropped off at different rental locations. Domestic One way rentals occur within the borders of South Africa (e.g. Cape Town to Durban). An International One way rental occurs when a vehicle are returned to a branch outside of South African borders (e.g. South Africa to Namibia). A one-way rental will incur a supplementary fee.
What is unlimited mileage?
There is no limitation as to the number of kilometres that may be driven in the rental car.
What is distance limit?
Distance limit is the set radius that you may travel from Cape Town.
If I cross the borders will I be covered?
If you choose the Super Cover insurance, upon crossing the borders to any other country the insurance automatically becomes Standard insurance x 2.5 so in case of damage or theft of the vehicle in the other countries you will be liable for the damages.
What are the rules for crossing borders into other countries?
A letter of authorisation must be requested at the time of reservation for all cross border travelling – the option to select cross border travelling appears on our booking channels and the costs thereof, per border. We need 4 days advance notification for Zimbabwe and Mozambique, as authorities now require the original registration documents for all vehicles crossing the border. When collecting the vehicle, the renter will be provided with the relevant documentation required to cross borders, it must however be noted that AroundAboutCars will not be held responsible should a renter be refused entry into another country.
Vehicles are permitted into the following countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, (Zambia and Malawi only 4x4s).
Vehicles are NOT permitted into Angola.
Should a vehicle need replacing whilst cross border, the renter may have to move the vehicle to the nearest SA border post. Delivery of a replacement vehicle is subject to time and distance constraints. All costs relevant to the above and to the delivery of a replacement vehicle, is for the renter’s expense. Around About Cars is not responsible for any costs that may be incurred at the South African border posts or by local governments - these include Commercial Vehicle Guarantee, permits, visas, import permits and toll fees.
All vehicles entering Mozambique are required to have a reflective vest and two emergency triangles, the necessary stickers for Mozambique & Zimbabwe as well as an information sheet for these two countries. Once in Mozambique it is law for drivers to wear the reflective vests at any undesignated stop points. Failure to do so may result in a traffic fine. To prevent unnecessary encounters with the local law enforcement officers, it is advisable to display the vest on the front console. Penalties of up to R5000 may be levied if the documentation is not produced, when requested to do so by the local law enforcement officers.
We wish to advise that we have had many reports from visitors into Mozambique and Zimbabwe being victimised, having rental vehicles impounded for no reason and being charged astronomical amounts of money for all sorts of unprescribed duties and fees. This behaviour has been prevalent over the past couple of months and has become more frequent, not only with our customers, but customers of many rental companies.
With this in mind, we would like to strongly advise that customers be discouraged from visiting Mozambique and Zimbabwe.We feel that the experience of the Zimbabwean and Mozambican border officials and other authorities spoils it for our visitors. And not being local people or from Africa, it is quite daunting and not a nice experience.
We will keep you posted should this situation change.
What happens if I get a breakdown in South Africa or any other country?
Kindly contact the telephone numbers given to you at the beginning of the rental period and we will send assistance immediately – please note that in other countries, assistance can take up to 48hours.
Do I need an International Driver’s Licence?
A foreign driver’s license is accepted as long as it is printed in English and has a photo on it. An International driver’s license is only required if the foreign driver’s license in not in English or does not have a picture on it . We therefore advise all our international clients to have an international driver’s license.
What happens if you receive a traffic fine?
The renter is liable for payment of all traffic fines. Around About Cars charge a handling fee, which is charged to the renter’s credit card.
In what condition is the rental vehicle?
Most of our vehicles are 1 year old models. Some special vehicles are can be 2 - 3 year old vehicles. Please read the terms and conditions for more information. Vehicles are in good condition as the rental companies go out of their way to ensure that all customers enjoy the same satisfied service.
How do you calculate your daily rental charges?
Rentals are charged in periods of 24 hours from the date and time of checkout. A 24 hour (one day) minimum charge applies.
How do I extend my rental?
Should you wish to extend the rental beyond the original return date, authorisation must be obtained from Around About Cars prior to the expiry of your rental agreement. Contact your branch directly, should you wish to extend, failure to do so will result in Aroundaboutcars reporting the car stolen and it immediately negates all waivers. Additional days will be charged directly to your credit card.
Do I need a credit card to rent a vehicle or can I Pay cash?
All major credit cards (i.e. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted for any rental. Cash deposits are accepted on some vehicles only in Cape Town (terms and conditions apply). South African debit and cheque cards are accepted for specific vehicle group only. Ask your consultant for more information.
How old must I be to rent a vehicle?
The minimum age is 18 years, Usually under 23 years old there is a young drivers fee applicable, depending on car group (+/- R 250 per day) and the excesses vary. Whilst driving clients are required to have their driver’s license in their possession at all times.
What is an authorization or deposit?
An authorization/security deposit is an amount held/blocked on your credit card during initiation of the rental. This amount varies, depending on your vehicle excess and insurance. When the vehicle is returned, the authorization will be cancelled. There may be a delay with the process depending on your bank.
Can I book a vehicle on a Company Credit Card?
A company credit card can be accepted if the renter’s name appears on the card. No other company employee may produce such a credit card for car rental.
Can I opt for no Insurance cover?
Unfortunately not. The minimum Standard Insurance is required as it limits the renter’s liability in the event of collision or theft of the vehicle.
How do I cancel my reservation and will I be refunded in full?
All cancellations must be made telephonically or by email to [email protected]. Please ensue that you provide us with your reservation number. A cancellation fee may apply if the reservation is not cancelled within the required cancellation period. A further “No Show Fee” may also apply, if you do not collect your vehicle on the pickup date.
Is petrol / fuel included in my rental rate?
Each vehicle leaves with a full tank and the renter pays for refuelling on return. Each vehicle is refuelled on termination regardless of whether or not the fuel gauge indicates that the vehicle is full.
What is Collision damage waiver (CDW)?
Collision Damage Waiver is an optional service that relieves the customer of responsibility for any damage to the vehicle. If declined, the customer will be responsible for any costs incurred. Please always read your terms and conditions carefully for further information.
What is Personal accident insurance (PAI)?
Personal Accident Insurance covers the renter and passengers if they have an accident during the rental as a driver or passenger. It covers accidental death, some medical expenses and assistance and rescue.
When making a booking can a specific vehicle be guaranteed?
We can book a particular group of vehicle (e.g. Group B) but we are unable to guarantee a specific vehicle. You can however request a specific vehicle but it is never guarenteed.
When will my final invoice be ready?
The final invoice is available within 72 hours after the contract has closed, as we rely upon the final billing of e-tolls by SANRAL. Should we not follow this process, renters driving in regions who have e-tolls in place, would receive invoices & charges per e-toll, which would not only be annoying but also costly for the renter. This ruling is currently in place throughout, however we are in the process of only allowing for regions, not affected by e-tolls to be able to produce invoices within 24 hours.
What is the difference between Standard and Super / Executive Insurance Cover?
Standard Cover is the minimum insurance cover required to rent a vehicle. There will be an excess payable in case of theft or damage. Super Cover is a insurance cover you can choose with a lessor excess payable. **Executive Cover Insurance: This is the maximum insurance that we offer. It covers for accident with another vehicle and for theft of the vehicle. There is no excess liability but there is a security deposit amount which is refundable at the end of the hire. In case of any damages to the vehicle or theft of the vehicle, the client is liable for the administration fee. (NB: Full investigation is done in the event of theft or damages to our vehicle, to assure no negligent acts). Also windscreen, tyres and under-carriage damage is not covered by this insurance. Optional insurance cover may be offered to cover glass and tyre damage.
What happens in the event of theft or damage?
Should the vehicle be involved in an accident, collision, is lost, stolen or is involved in any incident which could prejudice Around About Cars’s rights, the renter and/or driver will take all steps to safeguard our interests, including but not limited to the following, where appropriate:
- obtaining the names and address of everyone involved and of possible witnesses and details of other vehicles involved;
- notify the police and Around About Cars as soon as possible and in any event within 24 hours of the incident;
- within 48 hours of the incident, the renter needs to complete Around About Cars’s standard accident claim form;
- within 48 hours of the incident, the renter needs to provide Around About Cars with a copy of their driver’s license;
- the renter may not abandon the vehicle and needs to ensure that the vehicle is safe and secure, and
- cooperate with Around About Cars in any investigation, the lodging or instituting of any claim or action and the defence of any prosecution, claim or action relating to the above.
Can I pay the full rental amount on the day of collection?
Some specials required upfront payment (Prepaid Specials). If no upfront payment is required you may settle the full rental on collection of the vehicle.
Can we request a certain colour vehicle?
We can request a certain colour, however we cannot guarantee this as it depends on the day of pick-up what vehicle and in what colour is available. Most rental vehicles are white in colour.