Car Rental Terminology


Rental Car Class - Rental cars are categorized into "classes" according to their size, available seating, and luggage space. Some common classes include economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, premium, luxury, convertible, sports car, SUV, or mini van.

Upgrade - A rental agency may upgrade your car's class if the class you reserved is no longer available. You may have reserved a compact car, but you may end up renting a mid-size or full-size car at no extra charge.

Collision Damage Waiver - A type of insurance offered to protect you from being charged in the event that your rental car is damaged or stolen.

Contract - A document, also called the rental agreement, that states the terms, policies, restrictions, vehicle information, and driver information. It is the agreement between you and the rental agency that allows the vehicle to be rented.

Express Return - This term is often applied to the returning procedure. It usually involves an employee doing a quick look around the car, mileage and fuel check, and then they give you a receipt.

Drop Off Charges - A fee charged to the driver when the rental car is returned to a different location than the pick up facility.

Deposit - This refers to an amount of money, set by the rental car company, which is required by all renters and is returned to the renter after the vehicle is returned. Most companies charge a deposit of a couple hundred dollars.