There are so many things to think about when you hire a car; have I purchased the right insurance cover, do I need to add an additional driver, have I got a young driver surcharge to pay…or the big one that catches a lot of people out – what’s the fuel policy?! Know your Fuel Policies.
All cars need fuel, we get that, but the money that some companies charge is ridiculous. We have identified 5 different Fuel Policies adopted by the providers of rental cars, one of our own providers.
Below, we explain what these policies mean and help you get to know your fuel policies.
Know your Fuel Policies: Free Tank.
Let’s start with the best option shall we?! Some companies won’t actually charge you for the tank of fuel – how kind of them! This will usually be part of a deal though and usually aren’t very common. However, as long as the total cost of the hire is competitive, this can really work in your favour!
Pre Purchase (Full Refund).
When you pick up the car, you will be charged for the petrol already in the tank. When you return, you will be refunded for the fuel that you haven’t used. You’ll need to check with your provider what their policy on this is as some measure by eighths of a tank whilst others don’t. It is always worth asking the rental company to put this in writing for you upon collection, to ensure you know that there is no need to pay for fuel you won’t use!
Know your Fuel Policies: Pre Purchase (Partial Refund).
As with the above, you’ll be charged for the petrol already in the tank, but you’ll also be subject to a service charge for the refuelling expenses. When you bring the car back, you’ll be refunded for the fuel you haven’t used, but won’t get the money back that you forked out on the service charge, which can be between £10-£40 depending on the size of engine. Make sure you read the terms of the policy before you book so you don’t get unexpectedly stung!
Full to Full.
Your vehicle will come with a full, or near to full, tank of fuel and you will need to return it with the same amount of fuel in it. At the time of collection, the company will take a deposit for the fuel (usually the funds will be blocked against your card, with no money taken). If you return the car with less fuel than it should have, this is when they’ll charge you! It is also worth remembering to keep the receipts of any fuel purchases you make and hand these in at the desk on drop off.
Pre Purchase (Full to Empty).
As with others, you’ll receive, and be charged for, a full tank of fuel on collection. You will then need to return the car to as near empty as possible, otherwise you’re just giving them back free fuel with no refund on fuel not used! (which you would’ve paid an inflated price for in the beginning anyway!)
The car hire procedure is an interesting one if you work with a competent company while to others it is stressing because of different reasons. Mistakes Done During Car Hire can vary and most of them are completely avoidable. Some do not have prior knowledge, others do it in a rush while others know what exactly to do but still make mistakes and end up spending more than expected so below are some of the mistakes done during car hire that you should avoid for your car hire in Rwanda.
Not reading the car rental agreement.
Many people don’t take it as a point to read through the car rental agreement but this is a great mistake done because the signature you put shows that you have agreed to all terms and conditions. Do you agree to what you’ve not read or understood? Of course not, so always reserve some time to read every page of the contract, understand and inquire on any bit that is not clearly understood because in case of anything pertaining the car, this signed agreement will always have the highest say.
Making assumptions.
Make sure that as you proceed with your car rental bookings, ask for clarity on everything you need. Do not assume that the car comes along with insurance, child seats, fuel, spare tire or driver, ask your car rental company to clarify about all these such that you are really sure of what the car rental package involves otherwise you may end up in unexpected additional costs.
Contacting only car Rental Company.
It is always a good idea to contact different car rental agencies and compare their services, reviews, prices, discount and efficiency before you make final car rental booking. Contacting one rental company is not advisable though fine if you have landed on a trusted company.
Not inspecting the car on pick up.
Most clients do this because they are time bad and want to quickly drive and reach their destinations but do not do things that way instead, before you take on the car for hire, inspect its condition, look out for any present damages and inform the car rental office representative such that on return, the prior vehicle damages are not counted on you.
Making late bookings.
Always plan your trip as early as possible and make bookings in time because late bookings come along with different challenges. One that has booked late stands a high chance of either being charged highly or not getting the particular type of car they want because they may all be booked earlier.
Crystal car Hire offers drivers additional coverage options for a price. If you buy their coverage, you can minimize your liability while driving the rental car. However, you may be covered already through our own auto or home owner’s policies. Read your insurance policies for specifics, and call your insurers if you’re uncertain about the coverage. If you’re traveling on business, you may be covered under your employer’s insurance. Some credit card companies and motor clubs provide members with free rental protection when you use their cards to pay for rentals.
Sales people also may try to sell you a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), or a Loss Damage Waiver. It’s not technically collision insurance. Coverage under your medical insurance plan might offer protection that CDW coverage lacks.
If you purchase CDW, your coverage still could be revoked if you damage the rental car while:
Driving in a negligent manner
Driving on unpaved roads
Driving out of state
Driving while intoxicated
An unauthorized driver operates the car
Crystal Car Hire Rwanda offer other coverage options for additional charges. Prices and policies for coverage vary . If you decide to pay for extra coverage, ask for details.
It is always a good idea to hire a professional driver for your trip but since he entirely holds the car steering to take you to different destinations, he then holds your life along the road. There are different things to look for in a driver that will help you in hiring a car before you fall victim of any bad driving behaviour. and these include the following.
Which company he comes from.
You want to get a good driver, contact a trusted company because this is the best way to spot a trusted and professional driver for your trip for in case of anything like dishonesty or sickness of the driver, you know where to report the case. To get this done easily, you can check on the reviews dropped by clients about different companies.
Time conscious.
Time is a crucial factor that needs to be respected for any one’s trip to be successful so on this note, a driver who is time conscious is the way to go. You do not want to miss your planned activities like boat rides or trekking because your driver arrived at your pickup location one hour late.
Patience.
You should look out for patience in your driver because that is one of the main characters that will help him keep calm along the road for example while entering junctions, roundabouts or in traffic jam. An impatient driver will always crush with some road users due to over speeding or even failing to follow the road signs. He must also be patient with you as his client.
Responsibility.
Being a responsible driver is also crucial as it depicts one’s level of integrity, so from the way he drives, eats, responds to clients or dresses, responsibility in him should be depicted. Don’t allow to be irresponsibly driven on any Rwandan road, just tap on him to stop the act, report to police or even get another driver if possible.
Tactic.
Sometimes it goes beyond the training and one has to apply tactic for example if in case of a narrow road that is used as a two way or when you need to make a u turn in a narrow area. The driver should know which road to use to reduce on traffic and should help you achieve your entire itinerary in the most enjoyable and easier way possible.
Useful Information about hiring a Car While Travelling. Car hiring is no longer complicated while travelling. You can hire a car immediately after reaching the airport, all you need to do is have the fill in the necessary documents as given to you by the car provider but this is quite expensive. The easiest way is going to the internet and book online and in advance and when you reach the airport there is no time to waste the car is always available to transfer you to the hotel or any other destination.
You should have a driving license and identity documents like a passport or national identity card and these are all supposed to be valid. No car hire provider can ever give a car to drive in Rwanda without identifying yourself clear and also proving that are eligible and approved to drive a car. This can only be done by issuing your identification document and a driving license.
Before you sign on any agreement done between you and the car provider, you have to read each of the details on the paper very careful and comprehend it if not try to translate it in your mother tongue language through Google translate. Make sure you are fairly charged and also each of the expenses you are going to incur must be explained and put into the pricing of the car hire package. This is done to avoid incurring extra charges that may arouse from hidden expenses that cannot easily be recognized.
Car hire providers have different policies concerning fuel filling. Some companies will include the fuel expenses in the pricing and some can have self fuel fill agreement whereby you have to fill the fuel by yourself. In case of self fuel fill agreement then interact with the car hire provider to tell you the price per litre of the fuel in the area or country and also the calculated the distance you are going to cover while driving in Rwanda. Then sum up the total amount of money you are going to use on fuel. This helps you to easily budget for the money you are going to use on the car hire services.
Car hire providers in different countries have different insurance cover on accidents. You should make sure that all the damages that you may incur while travelling are covered for the insurance paid for or they are a few liabilities that you have to pay for that cannot drain your pockets. In most case car insurance is a legal requirement in most countries and so work with car hire companies in Rwanda that have insurance cover.
With the above information well taken you are more likely to have the best car hire services while traveling that can lead you safe on the roads without any worries.
Cheap car hire in Kigali can give you a number of rewards whether you are going for holidays in Rwanda for a few days or even for a long term like a week or more. Thousands of people around the world choose cheap car hire for long time obligations like one is going for a trip research, business trip or at times a family vacation in a foreign land.
The first reward for using cheap car hire in Rwanda for a long time is you have an opportunity to control your own travel schedule and time. One is not timetabled to travel to any place when using car hire services as the vehicle he/she uses become private and exclusive to him/her alone. There is no any other external influence as you may get from using a public transport as it has a certain time it is supposed to leave or arrive at a certain destination.
There is also independence while using cheap car hire for long term as you are the driver and also there is no passenger to influence take any other destination. So you travel where you want at anytime and also you are free to do anything on the road as you drive in Rwanda as there is no third party to intervene your privacy.
Using cheap car hire, you are able to reach your destination very fast and also cover a wide range of attractions in case you are on a vacation. When using car hire, you travel direct to your destination without any stopovers or taking any other route that is not on your itinerary which is the case with the public transport whereby the buses make stopover and also take some other routes to cater for other passengers. Also car hire services can reach any destination at anytime so the traveler is able to cover a wide range of attractions.
Cheap car hire gives so many other traveling options. When you have a compact car and you would love to have a weekend vacation with your friend, you are able to hire a big car like a van that can accommodate all the people at ago and then you can go have fun all together.
Cheap car hire comes with insurance to cater for the damages, accidents and breakdowns while traveling. This gives you a peace of mind as you are safe on the road in case of any unforeseen problem and also you do not have to spend any money for repair or amends of the car.
Considering cheap cars for long term is the best ground transportation option one would take since it is convenient, safe and comfortable
Why You Should Choose A Land Cruiser For Self Drive: The Toyota Land cruiser is a product of the Japanese car manufacturing company commonly known as Toyota; it is a series of four wheel drive vehicles and is the longest running series of this brand. The land cruiser can be used as a safari vehicle for those wishing for a self drive trip due to its strong engine, speed transmission and the tough suspensions that make it worth exploring every corner of the country.
Your self drive safari begins with a comfortable 4×4 vehicle that will complete you desire and purpose for the trip. With a land cruiser, you have safety for the trip through the rough terrain of Africa especially the rolling hills of Rwanda. Enjoy self drive in Rwanda with a wide collection of 4WD land cruisers including the land cruiser Prado SL, TX, Tz, Land cruiser extended and so many more other categories.
Below are some of the top reasons why you should choose the land cruiser for a self drive trip
1: Comfort.
A land cruiser is one of the vehicles that can extremely feature a great deal of comfort. With this car you can never go wrong with a comfortable ride. The seats are well set to give passengers a great time on the road with perfect leg room. For those travelling with children, it is fine to use car seats as well to keep your children safe. Many of these cars are installed with air conditioning thus protecting you from the dusty road that one can meet your safari especially in National Parks.
2: Off Road Capability.
The land cruiser is a multi-terrain engine and this makes it a great choice for a self drive trip to in Rwanda. Whether you are heading to Nyungwe forest, Musanze, Akagera or any other park in Rwanda, with the land cruiser, you will handle every terrain regardless of the weather of the day; this car will do you miracles. This is a 4×4 vehicle and with this character a self drive trip is fulfilled, it is the best idea of an off Road capability in vehicles.
3: Exceptional performance.
With the superb engine of the land cruiser brand, speed transmission and the full-bodied suspensions make every corner of Rwanda worth exploring. There are some workouts you can never try out with other types of vehicles yet the land cruiser plays the big role on the road. You can switch the 4WD when you need it and turn it off when it is not needed, this something we call exceptional performance, giving the car strength to change gears comfortably for a smooth ride. Every driver that knows what a good engine can do, will choose a land cruiser over other cars.
4: stylish Interior.
Whether you are a business traveler, tourist, archeologist or you are looking at using this car for your wedding day, the land cruiser helps you adventure in the ultimate luxury with beautiful features like the spontaneous dashboard, ventilated and eye catching seats, a well set radio system with CD and Flash player and so many other accessories.
Do you hire cars often for use? Or thinking about renting a car in Uganda to go for a vacation/holiday and want to get a cheap and best deal on that? Here is what to check before renting a car. Though hiring a car looks simple and an easy process enough but if you think minutely then you can save a great deal of money on this. You should follow a few steps before renting a car from any agency.
Steps that you should follow.
Though there are several things that comes to your mind first when you are looking for a cheap car rentals in Uganda, what you should do before hiring a car are:
Prioritize your requirements.
First and foremost what you should do is planning depending on your requirements like what kind of car you need or how many members will go along with you, among others.
Make a list.
After that surf the internet and make a list of a few agencies which is providing deals that are matching your exact requirements.
Collect information.
You should collect as much information as you need about the agency from where you are planning to rent the car. Find out where its offices are, working hours among others.
Compare tariffs.
After gathering the data you should compare their tariffs and other facilities that they are providing like extra amenities, discounts on booking and so on in order to get a clear picture on this.
Check your documents.
You should prepare your documents needed to hire the car .These can include the passport, driving licences, and other identification documents needed for car rental.
Finalize.
After checking all this details and compare the rates finalize one and go for the booking. If you plan and work in this way then you can save a handsome amount on your booking and can get the best deal on the car rentals.
What to Avoid When Renting a Car: To some people car renting is regarded to be very expensive, however, there are some things you have to do or follow to save some money on car rentals.
First of all on your next holiday if you happen to take up a self drive in Rwanda make sure that the car hire is fully covered with insurance or make sure that back home you have a car rent insurance whereby while driving in Rwanda you are not liable to any damages that may happen to a car in case of an accident or theft. Because you are more likely to pay for the damages whereby you will spend more money to repair the car if you are not covered of these damages.
This is usually a common mistake among travelers who hire cars in Kigali where by the car hire provider gives you a car with a half or full tank of fuel to start up your journey by going to the hotel or any destination and you return it with less fuel. Please always return the car with the exact amount of fuel as it was given to you because if you fail to do so, you are more likely to pay a big fee/fine to make up for the fuel you used first time.
Always tell the car hire provider all the extra services in the car hire package pricing other than charging them separately. In most cases if extra services like the baby seat for family drive and gps for self drive are charged separately, they come with higher prices than when charged with in the entire car hire service package.
Before you take up a car hire for your vacation, make sure you inspect it with the car hire company so that you can know the condition of the car and also take photos of the car that act as evidence when you return the car. This makes you know which damages you are to be accounted for when you return the car top the car hire company.
Always check on in your agreement if there is early return rule and follow it. When the latter is in the agreement you have made with the car hire company please endeavor to return the car in the earliest time possible. Try to leave the destination you have been touring early so that you can return the car with in time. Because you may be charged for returning the vehicle at a later time than what was agreed.
Always try to put the above into account so that you can save some money on your car renting.
What to Do If Your Rental Car Breaks Down in Rwanda: Crystal Car Hire gives you the freedom to travel where you want at any time, and the best part is you travel in a very nice car that you cannot even afford but at a relatively less high price.
However, some problems you may face on the road, like car breakdown, can frustrate you. But these problems were foresighted by the car hire companies, they can be taken care of, and you also have to do something for the company to help you. Here are tips to help you prepare for a breakdown during your trip.
Before a Breakdown.
What to Do If Your Rental Car Breaks Down in Rwanda
1) Check Your Insurance Policy.
Crystal Car hire provides insurance coverage for car breakdowns and accidents. If you rent a car, know exactly what your insurance covers. Some policies cover damage to your car’s interior, while others cover exterior damage like dents and scratches. Make sure your policy includes roadside assistance and accidents. If yours doesn’t, ask our agent whether they offer additional coverage.
2) Find Out About Roadside Assistance.
Roadside assistance is important because sometimes repairs take longer than expected. For example, if you break down on the side of the road, you might need someone to tow your vehicle out of harm’s way. This could mean calling a local repair shop or getting towed to a gas station. In either case, make sure your policy includes roadside help; Crystal Car Hire will help arrange for a tow truck or repair team to come and repair the rental car.
3) Know What to Expect If Your Rental Car Breaks Down in Rwanda.
When you call for roadside assistance, you should expect to wait. Depending on your location, it might take an hour or two for a tow truck or repair team to arrive. While you’re waiting, you’ll likely get updates on the status of your vehicle. Remember that the tow truck driver or repair man won’t be able to work on your car until after he arrives at your location.
4) Have Cash on Hand.
It’s always good practice to carry Cash when you travel. If you run into any problems with your rental car, you’ll need money to pay for repairs from the local repair shop. This might be faster than waiting for Crystal Car Hire team to provide the necessary help. Even if you have roadside assistance, you might still need to buy parts and supplies. Extra Cash also makes finding a hotel room or restaurant reservation easier.
5) Be Prepared.
It’s not uncommon to encounter unexpected issues during a trip. Don’t let this discourage you from renting a car from Crystal Car Hire. We help you prepare ahead of time by packing a few items in your trunk. These include:
A first aid kit
An emergency phone charger
Extra windshield washer fluid
6) Leave a Note.
You never know when something might happen, so leave a note with a Crystal Car Hire agent explaining your trip details. Include your contact information, the location you are taking for your trip, and where you are staying. Also, write down the name of the person who will be picking up your car.
After a Breakdown.
1) Call the Rental Company.
First thing’s first—call your agent at Crystal Car Hire. The agent will arrange for a replacement car to pick you up and also repairs for the damaged car. If not, they’ll tell you what steps to take next. If you’ve broken down on the side of a highway, call the police, who can offer you protection.
2) Get Help from Local Repair Shops.
Crystal Car Hire might send a representative to your location, depending on the distance. If not, you’ll be advised to hire a local repair shop to fix the damaged car. The shop will charge you for their services. Once they finish working on your car, they’ll give you a receipt detailing everything they did. You can then submit this receipt to us along with a copy of your bill.
3) Pay Your Bill.
Once you receive your bill, check to see how much you owe. Then, compare it to the amount listed on your receipt. If there’s a difference, dispute the charges. Call your agent to help you negotiate repair costs with the repair shops. This will prevent them from taking advantage of you because of language differences.
4) Find Another Car.
If you don’t want to drive around town without a spare tire or broken car, you’ll need to rent another car. Contact your agent and ask them to arrange for a new car to pick you up at your current location.
5) Return Your Old Car.
Once you return your old car, you’ll no longer be covered under your insurance plan. Make sure you keep all of your receipts as proof of payment.
6) Call for Nearby Help.
If you’re stuck somewhere overnight, try calling local hotels, inns or bed & breakfasts to see if they still have rooms for you to sleep for the help. Some will provide you will transport to the location.
Tips & Warnings
1) Avoid Driving During Rainstorms.
Rain is one of the most common causes of breakdowns. When driving in the rain, make sure you slow down and use caution. If you break down while traveling through heavy rainfall, stay off the road until the storm passes.
2) Check Tire Pressure Regularly.
Tire pressure plays a vital role in preventing accidents. If you notice that your tires are low on air, stop and adjust them before continuing on your journey.
3) Keep Your Vehicle Clean.
Keeping your vehicle clean helps prevent damage caused by dirt and debris. Our team cleans the cars prior to you renting them; it’s better to keep the car clean during your trip.
4) Carry Cash.
When renting a car, always carry enough cash to pay for any repairs or additional costs like fuel. This way, you won’t get stuck paying for a damaged car.
5) Be Prepared.
Pack a first aid kit, extra windshield washer fluid, and an emergency phone charger when renting a car. These items will help ensure that you’re prepared if you experience a breakdown.
6) Don’t Drink and Drive.
Drinking alcohol lowers your reaction time and makes it more difficult to control your vehicle. If you drink and drive, you could cause serious injury to yourself or others.
7) Know Where to Go for Repairs
Before leaving home, find out which parts of your car require maintenance. If you don’t know-how to perform basic maintenance tasks like changing tires, our team will help teach you how to perform this simple repairs.
8) Stay Hydrated.
While driving, you should consume plenty of water. Drinking water keeps you alert and prevents dehydration.
9) Keep An Eye Out for Road Hazards.
While driving, watch for potholes, cracks, and other hazards on the road. Slow down when approaching these obstacles so you don’t hit them head-on.
10) Have A Plan B.
Have a backup plan ready if something goes wrong during your trip. In the event that you encounter mechanical problems, contact your agent and the police. They may be able to offer assistance.
11) Take Care of Your Rental Car.
After returning your rental car, take care of any damages. If you rented a luxury model, wash the seats and carpets with warm water and detergent.
12) Ask About Insurance Coverage.
Ask about the coverage provided by your insurance policy. Some policies cover roadside assistance, but not all do.
What to Do if Your Rental Car Needs a Quick Fix.
If you’re renting a vehicle and it needs some work done, there are ways to deal with the problem yourself without having to call a tow truck. If it’s just a flat tire, you can fix it yourself. But if you find out that your battery died while driving down the highway, you’ll want to contact a local auto repair shop. And if you run out of gas, you can either wait for help to arrive or use a fuel pump to get more gas into your tank.
Who Pays for Rental Car Repairs after Car Breakdown?
Suppose repairs are necessary due to an accident. In that case, the Crystal Car Hire pays for the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle depending on the amount of damage incurred and the cause of the accident. This includes damages caused by vandalism, theft, fire, collision damage, and even wear and tear.
However, sometimes there are ambiguous situations where the problem might be the fault of the renter or due to a common mechanical issue. For example, did you forget to put gas in the tank? Or maybe the airbag didn’t deploy properly? Was the battery dead because it was old or just because you left a light bulb on inside? Was the renter driving restlessly or drank? Maybe you hit something while driving and damaged the front bumper. Is it covered under the manufacturer’s warranty?
You’ll want to check with your insurance policy to find out what happens if you’re involved in an accident. You may be able to deduct the repair costs from your deductible amount. If your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of the repair, you may be responsible for paying part of the bill.
What happens if I get in an accident on a car rental?
If you’ve had a car accident while driving a rental car, it’s important to notify your agent immediately. You’ll want to make sure that your policy covers damage caused by another driver, and that you’re covered under the terms of the contract. If you don’t think you are covered, contact the Crystal Car Hire to find out how much coverage you actually have.
Regardless of who’s at fault — whether you hit something, ran into someone, or got sideswiped by some idiot — you’re legally required to inform the rental company of the incident. In addition to informing the rental company of what happened, you’ll want to call the police department where the crash occurred. They’ll likely ask you to file a police report, and that’s good practice regardless of who’s at fault.
Crystal Car Hire and our Insurance Company will usually dispatch a representative to inspect the damaged vehicle. This is part of the process called “claiming.” When claiming, representatives look for damages such as broken windows, dents, scratches, etc., and they check to see if anything is missing from the vehicle, like keys, wallets, phones, GPS devices, etc. Once the claim is filed, we send a repair estimate to the renter.
Once the rental company receives proof of ownership, it will often assign responsibility for the damage to the renter. Depending on the type of damage, the cost of repairs, and the amount of coverage offered by the rental company, the renter may be able to recover costs from the rental company.
In conclusion, if you ever end up stranded somewhere without transportation, you’ll want to know exactly what you should do. Fortunately, the answer is pretty simple: call Crystal Car Hire Agent. We’ll send someone right over to help you out. But if you’d like to save a bit of Cash, here are some alternatives:
You can ask a local gas station attendant for directions.
Talk to the locals, they will help you connect to a tow truck company and repair shop.
You can flag down a passing car and ask them for help.
Car the police for safety
While these options aren’t quite as convenient as calling Crystal Car Hire, they won’t break the bank either. So, pick whichever option works best for you and keep moving forward!
