Beware the hidden traps in car hire contracts: Read ALL the Ts and Cs!
Wendy Knowler looks at the small print and the tricky waiver system that renting a car involves.
On The Money Show this week, consumer ninja Wendy Knowler trains her eagle eye on car hire contracts.
It's necessary, because how many of us actually take the time to read the tedious fine print on any contract we're about to sign?
Car rental is especially tricky as it involves a 'waiver system' which could see you at the losing end in the event of unforeseen, and unbudgeted-for circumstances.
"Renters can pay a standard waiver which limits their liability in the case of an accident or theft, or the more expensive super waiver, which costs more per day but limits the renter’s liability to usually less than R5 000."
Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist
However, there are many scenarios which render these waivers null and void, Knowler warns.
These include driving on a gravel road, having an accident that didn’t involve another car, or being under the influence at the time.
"Then the client has to pay for the damage in full. And whether or not it was their fault, is irrelevant."
Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist
Knowler's advice is to firstly, read ALL the terms and conditions.
Then take out the most expensive waiver, and try to avoid the things in the exclusions list that could leave you paying IN FULL for any loss or damage.
Scroll up to listen to the full discussion