The Ultimate Car Rental Glossary

PUBLISHED ON Jan, 20 2023

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CarInsuRent have put together an A-Z guide to assist with car rental terminology. If you have any questions that are not answered in the glossary, feel free to contact us for assistance.

ACRISS (SIPP) Car Code

The ACRISS (SIPP) code is a car coding system. This identifies the features of a car so that you can be sure to get the same standard of car wherever you rent worldwide. Use the key below to assist you when deciding on which car is right for your trip.

Example 1 – CDMN = Compact 4-5 Door Manual Unspecified Drive with No Air-Conditioning.

Example 2 – IWAR = Intermediate Wagon Automatic with Air-Conditioning.

Class Type Transmission Air-Conditioning
M = Mini B = 2-3 Door M = Manual Unspecified Drive R = Unspecified fuel/power with Air-Conditioning
N = Mini Elite C = 2/4 Door N = Manual 4WD N = Unspecified fuel/power with no Air-Conditioning
E = Economy D = 4-5 Door C = Manual AWD D = Diesel with Air-Conditioning
H = Economy Elite W = Wagon/Estate A = Automatic Unspecified Drive Q = Diesel with no Air-Conditioning
C = Compact V = Passenger Van B = Auto 4WD H = Hybrid with Air-Conditioning
D = Compact Elite L = Limousine D = Auto AWD I = Hybrid with no Air-Conditioning
I = Intermediate S = Sport E = Electric with Air-Conditioning
J = Intermediate Elite T = Convertible C = Electric with no Air-Conditioning
S = Standard F = SUV L = LPG/Compressed Gas with Air-Conditioning
R = Standard Elite J = Open Air Terrain S = LPG/Compressed Gas with no Air-Conditioning
F = Full Size X = Special A = Hydrogen with Air-Conditioning
G = Full Size Elite P = Pick up Regular Cab B = Hydrogen with no Air-Conditioning
P = Premium Q = Pick up Extended Cab M = Multi Fuel/Power with Air-Conditioning
U = Premium Elite Z = Special Offer Car F = Multi Fuel/Power with no Air-Conditioning
L = Luxury E = Coupe V = Petrol with Air-Conditioning
W = Luxury Elite M = Monospace Z = Petrol with  no Air-Conditioning
O = Oversize R = Recreational Vehicle U = Ethanol with Air-Conditioning
X = Special H = Motorhome X = Ethanol with no Air-Conditioning
Y = 2 Wheel Vehicle
N = Roadster
G = Crossover
K = Commercial Van/Truck

Additional Driver

Additional to the main driver, registered and listed on the Rental Agreement.

Additional Liability Insurance (ALI)

Provides additional protection for bodily injury or death plus property damage.

Additional Equipment

Based on availability at your pick-up location, you may be able to request items including infant and child booster seats or ski racks for a nominal additional fee.

Airport Fee

Charge applied by airport authorities for terminal and off terminal locations. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.

Child Seat Surcharge

You can request a child seat with your booking. Keep in mind there is limited availability, so make sure you supply all relevant information as soon as possible.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle other than by theft or attempted theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

Concession Recovery Fee (CRF)

Airports charge rental car companies for the privilege of doing business on site, and the rental companies pass this percentage-based fee on to the renter.

Contract Modification Fee

If the rental car company had to change your contract after you’ve picked up the car, you may see this fee. For example, if you return your rental car at a time that is earlier or later than what is on your contract, the company may lose revenue as a result.

Excess

The amount the client is responsible for in the event the rental vehicle is damaged (whether the driver is at fault or not) or stolen.

Excess Reduction (ER) / Excess Waiver

Optional charge offered by the car rental company to reduce or waive the insurance excess in the event of an insurance claim against damage or theft. CarInsuRent strongly recommends travellers purchase Excess Waiver Insurance to cover themselves.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

Covers the rental vehicle in the event of accidental damage and theft. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

Loss of Use

This fee replaces the daily income the rental company loses while a damaged car is being repaired.

One Way Fee

This fee is imposed to cover the costs of returning the vehicle back to the originating location. Some countries charge for one way fees between airport and downtown locations within the same city.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Covers the driver and additional passengers of the rental vehicle for personal and physical injuries incurred in an accident.

Premium Location Surcharge/Location Service Charge

Charge applied by car rental companies at selected downtown and railway locations. This additional item also includes the Airport Fee. In most cases, this charge is also applied to additional charges, such as one way fees, fuel option, child seat rental etc which are not included in the daily rate and are paid at the counter.

Rental Period

Your car rental period commencing at the time of collection through to the drop off time. Rental periods are based on 24 hours periods from the time of pick up, excluding European Leasing where it is based on calendar days.

Roadside Assistance

This optional coverage provides roadside assistance in case you lock yourself out of the car, lose your key, have a flat tire or a dead battery, or need a tow.

Sealed Road

A road sealed with a hard material such as tar, bitumen or concrete.

Security Deposit

Amount frozen on the client’s credit card at time of collection. The amount frozen is usually the full insurance excess amount. However, if an insurance excess is not applicable or the full excess is not frozen then an amount may still be frozen for incidentals such as fuel bond, optional charges, loss of keys etc.

Senior Driver Surcharge

Surcharge payable by senior drivers over &/or between a specific age.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

“SLI” is short for Supplemental Liability Insurance, and this is a type of car hire insurance that gives you third party liability cover. That means, if you are involved in an accident with your hire car, you (the driver) are insured against bodily injury and property damage to a third party up to a certain monetary value.

Theft Protection (TP)

Covers the rental vehicle in the event of theft, attempted theft or vandalism. An excess usually applies and the amount will vary depending on the pick up country and/or vehicle type.

Third Party

Provides cover for public liability and is subject to the car rental company’s terms and conditions on the rental agreement.

Vehicle Licensing Fee/Vehicle Road Registration Fee

Government imposed levy for each rental car in the car provider’s fleet. Charge to partially recover the vehicle registration costs.

Young Driver Surcharge

For drivers under 25, suppliers will charge an additional daily surcharge. The amount charged differs depending on the car rental company.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I cancel my policy before my trip?

You can cancel your policy within 14 days of receiving your PDS and Certificate of Insurance. The premium you have paid will be refunded to you in full, as long as you have not started your trip and do not want to file a claim of any sort related to the policy. Once this 14-day period has passed, you can still cancel your policy but you will not receive any refund.

Does CarInsuRent cover Sand and Ash Protection and Gravel Protection?

Our Iceland policy include Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) and Gravel Protection (GP).

What is Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP)?

Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) is a type of insurance coverage that is designed to protect rental cars from the potential damage caused by volcanic ash and sand in Iceland. Certain areas of Iceland still have loose ash and fine sand from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which can blow around and damage vehicles. SAAP is a specific waiver that was created to cover this type of damage, as Icelandic insurance companies do not include it in their Collision Damage Waiver. This coverage is optional, but highly recommended if you plan to drive in Iceland. Camping Iceland, a local car rental company, claims that SAAP will serve you well and recommends it for all rentals.

When is it Common for the Wind to Toss Sand Onto the Roads?

Sand can be hurled onto roads in Iceland during the Sand & Ash period, which typically occurs in February, March, and April. During this time, the snow has only just thawed out and the grass hasn't grown sufficiently to keep the sand in its place. This can lead to damage to vehicles driving on the roads. It's important to note that sand and dust storms, which can also cause visibility issues for drivers, typically occur when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere.

What does CarInsurent Sand and Ash Protection in Iceland cover?

Due to the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland the risk of damage to the paint and windows of the cars has increased. Our Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) insurance can cover damage to the paint, windows, lights, plastics, chromes, and wheels of the rental car caused by sand, gravel, ash, pumice, or other earth materials being blown onto the vehicle. The deductible for SAAP insurance is typically 50,000 IKR for all rental cars in the fleet. No other insurance covers these damages and insurance companies refuse to cover them. Even though all safety rules are followed damage can happen when, for example, wind starts blowing more than was forecasted thus moving the sand/ash and damaging the car.   [carInsurent_sc_get_quote_cta cta_text="See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurence" cta_btn_text="Get Started"]  

Does the Insurance Cover Lost Keys and Remote Locking Devices?

Yes. CarInsuRent insurance covers lost keys and remote locking devices. Losing the keys to a rental car can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Many people wonder if their rental car insurance will provide coverage for lost keys. Rental car insurance policies may vary in their coverage for lost keys. Lost keys are not typically covered by car insurance for loss or theft, as keys are considered personal property.

Steps to Take If You Lose Rental Car Keys

Losing rental car keys can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to get back on the road quickly. Here are some tips based on the provided web search results:
  1. Contact roadside assistance: Most rental cars come with a roadside assistance phone number that you can call in the event of a lockout or lost keys. You should be able to call and have someone sent out to help with your situation. Note that our car hire excess waiver insurance may reimburse you for roadside assistance.
  2. Check for a spare key: Some rental cars come with a spare key that is located in a magnetic box under the car or in the trunk. If you have rented a car that has a spare key, this could be an option to get back on the road quickly.
  3. Contact the rental car company: Contact the rental car company as soon as possible to let them know what has happened. They may be able to provide you with a replacement key or arrange for a locksmith to come and assist you.
  4. Check your insurance policy: If you take out our car hire excess insurance you may have coverage for lost or stolen rental car keys.
  5. Take preventative measures: One of the best ways to avoid losing rental car keys is to make them harder to lose. Attach a big, noticeable lanyard or keychain to the keys, something that will make a noise when moved, to help you locate them quickly. Additionally, always double-check that you have the keys with you before leaving the car.
  We encourage you to read our full guide to learn everything you need to know about travel car hire excess insurance.   [carInsurent_sc_get_quote_cta cta_text="See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurence" cta_btn_text="Get Started"]   Please see the Policy Wording for the complete terms and conditions.

Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.

Visit the FAQ page