Self-drive cab bookings: why the final bill can differ from the price on screen
Damage, traffic challans and fuel charges can push up the final amount for a self-drive rental, so customers should read the terms before booking.
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A car is booked the moment a customer confirms online, and it arrives to pick them up. Many people book the first vehicle they see. But the price shown on the screen and the amount finally paid need not be the same. Costs such as damage after the car is returned, traffic challans and fuel can upset the entire budget.
When booking a self-drive car, customers often look only at the daily rent. The booking terms, however, carry several charges that apply in particular situations, and these are usually overlooked. It is therefore important to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking.
According to Anupam Agarwal, founder and CEO of Revv, customers should first understand that a car's insurance and the renter's liability are two different things. The damage waiver offered at the time of booking determines how much the customer must pay if the car is damaged.
If the car suffers a scratch or other damage, the amount depends on the damage waiver and the liability cap. Customers should check their maximum liability before booking, and also the circumstances in which the waiver will not apply. For instance, protection against damage may not be available in a situation such as drink-driving. According to Revv, minor scratches are generally not charged for.
Liability need not end when the rental period does. Automatic e-invoices generated during the trip may reach the customer late. Some companies may also charge an administrative fee for transferring an invoice.
Fuel can also add to the bill. If the tank does not have the required amount of fuel when the car is returned, the company may refuel it and recover the cost from the customer. Some rental plans may add a separate fee for the refuelling service, over and above the cost of the fuel.
Before renting a car, customers should read the damage waiver, the limit of liability, the exclusions, the cancellation charges, the fuel policy and the rules on traffic challans. If the booked model is not available, they should understand the company's substitution policy. In some cases, another car in the same segment or an upgraded car may be provided.
The real cost of a rental car is not just the fare shown online. Reading the fine print before confirming a booking can help customers avoid a large bill later.
