Find answers to your South Africa car hire questions here. If you can’t find the information you’re after, contact us today for friendly, prompt assistance from your Cars4Less helpdesk agent.


What is included in the rate?
Our rates include VAT, standard maintenance and oil, UNLIMITED KILOMETERS, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Loss Waiver (TLW).

How are rates calculated?
Rates are calculated on a 24-hour period, from depot to depot. All rates quoted are subject to change without notice.

May I extend/mopdify my car rental?
We understand that sometimes you want to stay and explore South Africa longer. Extensions are permitted and are subjecyt to availability of the vehicle and terms and condition. Please allow 24-hour notice for an extension by calling us on 021 790 7688 or send us an email to orders@cars4less.co.za. You will be billed accordingly upon return of your vehicle.

May I cancel my reservation?
Yes, simply click on the cancel my reservation button on our cover page.

What are the cancellation fees in case i want to cancel my booking?
Cars4Less and its Rental agens don't charge a cancellation fee.

What about one-way car rentals?
One-way car rentals can be arranged but due notice must be given prior to initial commencement of rental. A drop-off charge is charged in such instances.

I want to explore beyond the boundaries of South Africa. How do I do this legally?
Clients must obtain a written authorization from Cars4Less/Rental Agency should they wish to cross a state border.

How can I pay?
Payments are accepted from Diner's Club, Visa or Master Card. A minimum deposit plus the estimated cost of the car rental is required at the time of delivery of the vehicle. Any final adjustments are made on termination.

Can I pay deposit by bank transfer or cash?
Unfortunately not. Deposits are only accepted via credit card.

Renter / Additional Driver Requirements

Unendorsed driver’s licence valid for a minimum of one year.
• A minimum age of 18 years applies and renters must have an unendorsed licence for a minimum of 1 year.
• International driver’s licence is advisable. - Applicable to South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana.

Pick-up and Drop-off Process

Pick-up process – renter collecting vehicle

The renter is required to provide a valid:
• Voucher issued by Tour Operator (if applicable)
• Confirmation from microsite booking (if applicable)
• Driver’s licence
• Passport
• Credit Card

The renter is advised to check the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the Avis location or on the delivery of the vehicle. In case of any damage, the renter should notify the Rental Sales Agent, in order for it to be noted before departure.

Drop-off process – renter returning vehicle

• Renters are advised to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. If the tank is not full on return, an estimated fuel charge will apply.
• The renter must allow enough time for the vehicle to be thoroughly inspected for any damages to the body, tyres, rims and hubcaps. If this is not complied with, any damages noted will be charged as per the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
• Keys should be returned to Avis employees in uniform or dropped in the Avis-marked drop safe at selected locations which have this facility.
• The renter can obtain a copy of the invoice at the Avis location. Applicable to South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana.

Cancellation Fees

No cancellation fee will be applicable.

Non-Cancellation Fees

• The number of rental days reflected on any specific voucher will be billed to the Tour Operator, irrespective of whether the renter curtails the rental before the termination date.
• A cancellation fee, equivalent to one days rental charges, will be levied on all refund applications.
• A non-cancellation fee of R900 (nine hundred Rands) / N$900 (nine hundred Namibian Dollars / nine hundred Botswana Pula) will apply to the tour operator for rentals where the reserved vehicle is not collected by the customer. In Namibian outlying locations where a
delivery fee would have been applicable, double the delivery fee will be charged. Applicable to South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana.

Additional Charges

All additional charges are applicable to South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana.
• Additional charges must be paid at time of rental at the counter with the renter’s Credit Card.
• Debit Cards are not accepted.
• Refer to the additional charges table with the rate sheet.

Additional driver fee
This charge is applicable to each additional driver, per rental. All additional drivers must be listed on the applicable rental agreement and will be required to produce their driver’s licence at the rental counter. The additional driver must meet the minimum requirements. If an unlisted driver damages a vehicle, is involved in an accident, or theft of the vehicle, the renter will be liable for full damage / replacement
costs. Note: No more than 2 additional drivers per rental will be allowed.

After-hours fee
An after-hours fee will be charged to renters wishing to collect or return their Avis vehicle before or after official trading hours.

Child safety seats
This is available from most locations for children up to the age of five years. It must be requested at time of reservation and the age of the child specified, so that the correct seat can be allocated. Fitment of these will be the responsibility of the renter. (72-hour advance reservation is essential for this service)

Claim-administration fee
This is charged in the case of damage and / or theft / loss of the vehicle or part thereof. An administration fee is charged for any loss incurred by Avis, in terms of additional work and time taken to process the claim. Items included in the fee are insurance-assessor fees, quote gathering and legal services. This fee is charged in case of damage / theft when standard or super waiver rates have been taken.

Delivery / collection charges
An applicable fee will be charged for delivery and collection within a 25km radius of the closest Avis office. If greater than 25kms, a charge per kilometre will apply. This service is also offered after hours, on public holidays and weekends at an additional charge.

Fuel
The customer receives the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. If the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel no charge is applicable. If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank, the customer will be charged the applicable amount to refill the tank, this cost will be deducted from the rental deposit.

One-way charges
A one-way fee will apply when a vehicle is picked up and dropped off at a different location in Southern Africa.

Rental contract fee
This amount is charged per rental contract for administering the legal requirement of storing them for a period of five years.

Sandblasting
Should customers be travelling in the vicinity of the coastal areas, special care must be taken with regard to weather conditions, as sandstorms do occur. Damage as a result of this is not covered by the acceptance of waivers, unless sandblasting damage cover is included in the rate.

Spare tyres for Namibia only
Second-spare tyres are available and should be requested 72 hours in advance
• Refundable deposit per tyre will apply.
• Rental amount per day (non refundable) will be charged regardless if the customer has used the tyre or not.
The above applies to all car groups, except for Group N.
Group N is fitted with a second-spare tyre. No deposit and no additional charge per day applicable.

Traffic fine administration fee
All camera fines and unpaid parking tickets are sent to us in the name of our proxy. The onus is on the Rental Company to provide the details to the relevant traffic authority, who will then re-issue the fine to the name and address of the renter on the Rental Agreement.

Tyres, rims and hubcaps
Customers are required to replace any damaged tyres with an exact / similar tyre at their own cost. If the customer does not replace a damaged tyre, Avis will replace the tyre and charge the customer. No repaired tyres are accepted. Damage and repair is not covered by the acceptance of waivers unless included in the rate.
Note: In Namibia there will be a charge per kilometer from the nearest Avis rental location for delivery of replacement tyres.

Under-carriage and water damage
Any under-carriage or water damage caused to the vehicle during the rental is not covered by the acceptance of waivers unless included in the rate.

Valet
Vehicles need to be returned in the same condition in which the customer received the vehicle. If this is not the case it will be up to Management’s discretion to charge a full valet.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
This applies in the event of specific injuries sustained as a result of an accident in a rented vehicle, within the agreed rental period. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is a reimbursement policy subject to policy rules and conditions (i.e. the renter must pay the expenses, provide proof and will then be refunded in terms of the policy rules). Purchase of PAI as indicated on the rental agreement, constitutes
an acceptance of the benefits of the PAI policy and other accompanying arrangements if any, procured by the company for the renters benefit - but subject to all the terms and conditions of that policy and the other accompanying arrangements, if any. The renter who accepts PAI, as well as all other passengers in the vehicle, will be covered for accidental bodily injury while driving, riding in, getting into our out of the Avis vehicle. Coverage is in effect up to “return date” indicated on the rental agreement or any Avis approved extension. The insurance will apply to persons up to the age of 75. The death benefit in respect of person under 15 years of age shall be limited to R10,000 (South Africa) or N$10,000 (Namibia). Subject to a limit of R1 000 000 (South Africa) or N$1 000 000 (Namibia) in respect of any one vehicle. The benefit will be divided equally among all occupants of the insured vehicle. PAI insurance is available in Botswana upon request.
Rental Company shall not under any circumstance have any liability to the renter for any of the benefits under that policy. Details of the extent of cover and the policy are available in the PAI brochure available at all rental locations. The renter shall in any event, be deemed to be aware of and accept all the terms and conditions of the policy.
For any further information, contact the Avis call centre. In terms of FAIS, Avis is not allowed to give
advice to the customer when selling PAI. Avis may only highlight the facts included in the brochure.

What are the benefits of PAI?
• Death benefit • Repatriation
• Medical expenses • Accident support
• Transport / Accommodation

What is not covered by PAI?
• Any claim if you are over 75 years of age.
• Accidents that happen outside the Republic of South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland or Mozambique.
• If you or any other driver of the rental vehicle is driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics at the time of the accident.
• If the claim arises from war or similar hostility or if you or your passengers are participating in a riot.
• If the rental vehicle is carrying more passengers that the number of seatbelts fitted at the time of the accident.
• An injury or illness which arises more than 24 months after the accident.
• Any claim unless every person injured submits to a medical examination and is prepared to undergo treatment when reasonably required to do so.
• Any claim arising from suicide, attempted suicide, intentional self-injury or which is caused directly from an existing physical defect or other infirmity.
• Any claim that is under dispute if you have not instituted legal action within 6 months of having your claim rejected.

Waivers and Liabilities

Avis car rental SA rates include limited coverage of passenger liability and third party motor liability. This cover is subject to the terms & conditions of the Avis policy & waivers as is customary in this country. Cover for loss by fire is also included together with cover for damage to the Avis car but may not include loss or damage through civil unrest.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
For the customer’s peace of mind, Avis offers a choice of waivers for their protection in the event of accidental damage to the vehicle:
• Standard Collision Damage Waiver: In the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle, the renter is responsible for the specified amount as indicated on the rate sheet for repair to or replacement of or part thereof (or the cost of damage repair, whichever is the lower).
• Super Collision Damage Waiver: A lower, non-waiverable liability amount will apply.
• Maximum/Premium Collision Damage Waiver: By choosing this option the renter will not be responsible for any liability amount (Unless breach of contract applies).
Declining CDW means that the renter will be liable for the full amount of damages incurred or the specified liability amount as reflected on the Rental Agreement. Authorisation will be gained to secure the liability amount from the renters credit card for the duration of the rental.
NOTE: In the event of an accident or damage occurring while the vehicle was not driven by the renter, or other authorised driver as nominated on the rental agreement, the renter will be responsible for the full damage to or loss of the vehicle, if the vehicle was driven on unsuitable roads, the renter was driving negligently or if no other car, animal or object was involved.

Theft Loss Waiver (TLW)
• Standard Theft Loss Waiver: If the vehicle or part of it is stolen while in possession of the renter, he/she will be responsible for the specified amount indicated on the rate sheet for repairs to or replacement of or part thereof.
• Super Theft Loss Waiver: A lower non-waiverable liability amount will apply.
• Maximum/Premium Theft Loss Waiver: By choosing this option the renter will not be responsible for any liability amount (Unless breach of contract applies).
Declining TLW means that the renter is liable for the full amount of loss or the total responsibility amount as reflected on the Rental Agreement. Authorisation will be gained to secure the amount of the liability for the duration of the rental from the renters credit card. Personal belongings in the car are not covered.
Windscreen, Tyre Damage Waiver (WTDW)
This is an additional waiver offered as an option to the customer at the time of reservation or at the rental location. Should the renter take up this option there will be no liability for any damage to the windscreen, and tyres of the vehicle.
Costs subject to change without prior notice.

Cross border procedures

Cross border rentals from South Africa and Namibia

Point 1: Cross border procedures
• From South Africa to: Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and visa versa
A letter of authority for cross-border rentals must be requested and obtained by the customer at the time of collection of the vehicle. If this is not obtained, Avis cannot be held responsible if the customer is refused entry.
• From South Africa and Namibia to: Zimbabwe and Mozambique No vehicles are permitted to enter Zimbabwe or Mozambique.
• From Namibia to: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana. Every vehicle going into one of the above-mentioned countries must have a “NAM” sticker on the back of the vehicle. The customer is requested to verify this before leaving the Avis location.
A letter of authority for cross-border rentals must be requested and obtained by the customer at the time of collection of the vehicle. If this is not obtained, Avis cannot be held responsible if the customer is refused entry.

Point 2: Cross-border road tax toll fees
The below road tax toll fees are paid by the customer directly at the appropriate border:
• From South Africa to: Namibia
All vehicles entering Namibia are subject to a road levy. This is payable in CASH in Namibia Dollars or Rands to Namibian officials when crossing the border. The road-levy receipt must be kept and upon termination of contract be submitted at the Avis counter. Should
the customer not submit this cross-border road-levy receipt at the Avis counter their rental agreement will be charged with the applicable amount. Road levy is subject to change without prior notice. Permit – allowed up to 3 months – if staying in Namibia for longer and are on a
work permit, then a provisional payment of duties valued at 16.5% value of car has to be paid to customs. The work permit must be shown on the passport and a letter from the company in Namibia showing that you will be working for them.
ZA Sticker- will be supplied by Avis
• From South Africa to: Lesotho and Swaziland
No additional road tax charges apply.
• From South Africa/Namibia to: Botswana
Valid passport
Vehicle registration papers Border charge: Vehicle registered in the SACU - SA, Namibia, Botswana,
Lesotho & Swaziland are charged the following fees:
P50 – RTP Road Permit (P90 charged if a return trip – P50 is for a single entry)
P20 – NRF Road Fund - Safety Token (valid for 1 year - The P20 tax is paid yearly and expires on
the 31st December each year third party Insurance P50 – Motor Vehicle Insurance (valid for 90 days)
ZA Sticker will be supplied by Avis
International Drivers License (recommended)
• From Namibia to: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho
No additional road tax charges apply.

Point 3: Cross-border fees
• A once-off fee will be applicable to cross-border rentals. In the event that a customer takes the vehicle across the border during the rental and returns it to the pick up country. If the customer takes the vehicle across the border and drops it off in a neighbouring country, thereby incurring one-way fees, the cross-border fee is not charged.

Point 4: One-way cross border fees
• A one way fee will be applicable when the customer returns the vehicle to a country different to the pick up country.

Point 5: Liability applicable to cross-border rentals
• From South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland
Driven into Namibia, Botswana, local Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Loss Waiver (TLW) conditions of the country entered will apply.
• From Namibia
Driven into South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, local Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Loss Waiver (TLW) conditions of the country entered will apply.

Emergency Medical Assistance

Emergency medical assistance is available to customers who have accepted Personal Accident Insurance (PAI).

South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho supported by Europ Assistance:
• 24-hour medical advice service
• Emergency dispatch of response vehicle or ambulance
• Inter-hospital basic and intensive-care ambulance transfers
• Air-ambulance transfers to the dispatch of emergency medicines or blood
• Medical-assisted repatriation to the patient’s place of residence
• Help for stranded minors
• Emotional support and counselling
Cover is for medical expenses following an accident whilst in the rented vehicle, for the driver or passengers where Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is taken as part of the rental contract. Cover is limited to a maximum of R250 000 per rental vehicle and is limited to costs not recoverable from a medical aid, health scheme or travel policy.

Botswana supported by MRI Limited:
• MRI Botswana Limited offers Roadside Assist, a product where you, the motorist can experience worry-free travel with the peace of mind that help is only a phone call away.
• Our 24-hour, 7 days a week, 365(6) days a year emergency help line that is manned by qualified call centre agents will contact the nearest service provider and request them to come out and assist you.
• In an emergency, you can contact the help line at 3901 601 or 992 (MASCOM phones).
Note: The policy does not cover any loss from intentionally self inflicted injuries, suicide or any attempt thereat, sickness or disease, full-time active service in the armed services of any country or declared or undeclared war. Full details are contained in the Master Policy, which can be made available for inspection.

Optional Extras

GPS in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana
The Avis GPS satellite navigation system unit is easily attached to the inside of the vehicle’s windscreen and is operated through a touch screen mechanism. Users simply have to type their destination into the unit and will be guided using turn-by-turn directions to their destinations in their choice of any language, both on screen and with voice guidance. The Avis GPS has the latest mapping software available in South Africa and that is the most important feature of any GPS. The customer’s GPS locations can be saved into the GPS by our expert staff and easily retrieved later. Guidance will then start and take the customer to that location. Avis GPS may be reserved via all booking channels when making a reservation. Payment and invoicing is done at the rental location and will form part of the rental invoice.