Common car hire questions with AroundAboutCars

Insurance, recommended models, special rates and more

Last updated: Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Renting a car can come with a cloud of uncertainties. Who should I hire from; which car is safest, comfortable, yet affordable; what type of insurance am I covered for; will I get charged if I scratch a car; can I cross the border with my rental; when’s the cheapest time to hire a car…

We sat down with AroundAboutCars, a car hire company who’s been in the business for over 30 years, to get answers to the most common car hire questions. They offer unlimited kilometres, fully-inclusive rates with no hidden costs, and have over 40 affiliated branches nationwide.

1. WHICH MODELS ARE THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY?

Rentals are charged in periods of 24 hours from the date and time of checkout. A 24 hour (one day) minimum charge applies.

Raymond Selokela, co-owner and operations director at AroundAboutCars, recommends Group Bs (from R500 for tourists and R700 for locals, per day). These seat up to five people and include all medium hatchbacks like Polo Vivos and Suzuki Swifts.

 “A small car like a VW Polo is great for getting around the city and makes parking easier,” says Raymond. 

Family vehicles like a Toyota Corolla Quest and Yaris are ideal for their spaciousness and the 1.4l to 1.6l engines means petrol isn’t too pricey. It costs between R600 and R1 000 per day. For extended family or lots of luggage, cars like a Toyota Rumion or Suzuki Ertiga (from R828 per day) are ideal. They all have seven seats but the two extra in the boot.

Make sure rental pick-up and return times are flexible to avoid paying for an extra day. Image: AroundAboutCars

2. WHEN IS IT CHEAPER TO HIRE A CAR?

“Definitely during off seasons (May to October),” says Raymond. These months are usually when prices drop and can be up to 50% cheaper than the original prices. 

There are also discounts if you book way in advance. If you book during off seasons for peak season (November to April), you are guaranteed to pay off season rates for that period. You can save up to 40% off with no prepayment and no cancellation fees.

3. WHAT ARE AROUNDABOUTCARS’ SPECIAL RATES?

“Depending on the time of the year, AroundAboutCars often runs specials like free upgrades, free additional drivers, free wifi when you need it most and the list goes on and on.”

Free upgrades means any small, entry-level car like a Hyundai i10 will be bumped up to a medium-sized vehicle like a Kia Rio. 

And free additional drivers means you won’t pay if more than one person wants to drive. 

AroundAboutCars even has promotions on weekend rates where you won’t be charged per day you’re renting, but rather per weekend. 

You can find the specials on the AroundAboutCars website.

Car rental services are an essential component for any local or international travellers looking to experience Cape Town like a true local. Image: Unsplash

4. WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE SHOULD I GET?

Standard Cover is the most basic coverage you can get. It’s mostly used by people who already have their own insurance coverage.

For Standard Cover, there’ll always be an excess payable in the case of theft or damage. “It can sometimes be as much as R15 000.”

At AroundAboutCars though, they suggest Super Cover or Executive Cover. “It brings the peace of mind you want,” says Raymond.

It reduces your liability and covers you in case of accidents or theft of the vehicle.

There's no excess liability but there is a security deposit that you need to pay before you hire a car. This amount varies, depending on your vehicle excess and insurance (it can start from anywhere between R3 000 to R40 000). When the car is returned, you'll get the deposit back.

5. IF I CROSS A BORDER, WILL I BE COVERED?

Only to a certain extent. If you choose Super Cover insurance, it automatically becomes Standard Insurance once you cross the border to any other country. This means in the case of damage or theft of the vehicle in other countries, you will be liable for damages. 

A letter of authorisation must be requested at the time of reservation for all cross border travelling.

“We need four days advance notification for Zimbabwe and Mozambique, since authorities now require the original registration documents for all vehicles crossing the border.” 

AroundAboutCars vehicles are allowed into Zambia (4x4s only), Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique.

AroundAboutCars will not be held responsible should a renter be refused entry into another country. Image: Unsplash

6. ARE THERE CHARGES IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT?

“Normally, yes. But you can avoid these if you book with a standard liability waiver offered through Hepstar,” says Raymond.

Hepstar is a travel insurance service and offers additional excess reimbursement insurance.

For up to R115 per day, you are covered for any damage, theft (including loss of car keys), and luggage and towing expenses.

7. IF I’M STUCK, WILL SOMEONE COME TO HELP ME?

Yes. “Roadside assistance is always available and thanks to our national footprint, the recovery time is much faster than other rental services,” assures Raymond. 

The AroundAboutCars staff is also available 24/7 in case you have queries or run into trouble. Tourists will be happy to know there are German speakers in the team too, and they’re even available over WhatsApp.

AroundAboutCars is dedicated to ensuring you enjoy a stress-free drive to your destination. Image: Unsplash

8. WHAT DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

“Of course, the first thing you’ll need is a valid driver's licence,” says Raymond. 

“A foreign driver’s licence is accepted as long as it is printed in English and has a photo on it.” An international driver’s licence is only required if the foreign driver’s licence is not in English or does not have a photo. 

For payment, all major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted while cash deposits can only be made on some of the vehicles.

9. ANY EXTRA CHARGES WHEN I GIVE THE CAR BACK?

There are no extra charges, but there are certain deductions that can be taken from your deposit. The only guaranteed deduction is for petrol. You’ll be given a car with a full tank when you arrive. A small refuelling fee (around R25) is removed from your deposit.

Other deductions can occur if you use an additional driver or if you visit a different location other than the one agreed upon.

All extras will be reflected clearly on your emailed invoice. Image: Unsplash

10. WHERE WOULD I COLLECT AND PICK-UP THE CAR?

AroundAboutCars vehicles can be collected or returned in all major cities around South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Nelspruit and many more.

They offer free collections and returns at all major airports. “You also get a clean, freshly valeted vehicle every time you hire from us,” says Raymond.

MORE ON HIRING FROM AROUNDABOUTCARS

AroundAboutCars is open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday, 8am to 1pm
Find it: 20 Bloem Street | Schotsche Kloof | Cape Town City Centre (nationwide service)
Book: Via the AroundAboutCar website
Contact on: 021 422 4022 | info@aroundaboutcars.com 

By Khadeeja Adams

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