Rental companies are being urged to issue customers with a new, easy-to-read ‘key facts’ document that explains the terms and conditions associated with renting a car.

The guide has been produced by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association in conjunction with its members, which include major rental companies such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar, as well as small, family-owned operators. The new ‘Key facts about your rental’ document tells customers where they stand on issues including fuel, mileage, insurance, damage, late returns and traffic fines and what they should expect from the rental company.

The fact sheet was produced in response to a Consumer Summit held earlier this year by the European Commission. Following the summit, the Commission called on the car rental industry to provide consumers with more user-friendly information summarising key contractual terms.

The BVRLA is now encouraging its members to use the document as part of the pre-rental process to help make consumers better informed about the key requirements and obligations associated with renting a car.

“Car rental is good value and can be booked in a matter of minutes over the internet or over the phone,” said BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis.

“However, customers need to bear in mind that they are renting an expensive and often powerful piece of equipment and that there are terms and conditions involved.

“If we, as an industry, can make these clear at a pre-booking stage or before taking possession of the vehicle, we should be able to reduce the number of misunderstandings or disputes that occur further down the line.”

Read the full guide