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Rental Glossary

Check out the WebbRes glossary, your one-stop guide for all things rentals. Bookmark this page as we’ll be updating this resource regularly with new definitions and must-know terms.
A

Act of God

An unforeseeable natural disaster or event that is beyond human control.

Additional Driver

An extra person, other than the primary driver, authorized to drive the rental car.

Airport Fee

A fee charged by the rental company for renting a car from an airport location.

B

Basic Rate

The base price for renting a car without any additional features or insurance.

Booking Status

The current status of a car rental reservation, including whether it has been confirmed or cancelled.

Bounce Rate

The percentage of visitors who leave a website after only viewing one page.

C

Child Seat

A car seat designed for infants and young children to ensure their safety while traveling.

Collision Damage Waiver

An optional insurance that covers damage to the rental car in the event of a collision.

Covered Hatch

A covered storage area in the back of a vehicle, usually found in SUVs and hatchbacks.

D

Delivery

The process of delivering the rental car to a specified location, such as a hotel or airport.

Drop-off Policy

The rules and fees associated with returning a rental car to a different location than where it was rented.

Drop Box

A secure box where rental car keys can be returned after hours.

E

Early Return

The act of returning the rental car earlier than the agreed-upon drop-off time.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

A car powered by an electric motor and battery pack, rather than a traditional gasoline engine.

Equipment Type (EQP)

The category of vehicle being rented, such as economy, midsize, or SUV.

F

Full Prepay

A payment option where the rental is fully paid in advance at the time of booking.

Fuel Policy

The policy regarding how the car should be refueled before it is returned to the rental company.

Fuel Purchase Option (FPO)

An option to prepay for a full tank of gas at a discounted rate.

G

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides directions and location information.

Grace Period

The amount of time after the agreed-upon drop-off time that the rental company will allow before imposing additional fees.

General Sales Agent (GSA)

A company authorized to sell travel products and services on behalf of airlines or car rental companies.

H

Highway Use Tax

A tax imposed by some states on rental cars that are driven on highways.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle.

Hydrogen Vehicle

A car that uses hydrogen fuel cells to power the electric motor.

I

Inclusive Rate

A rental rate that includes all mandatory fees and charges, such as taxes and insurance.

Insured Driver

A driver who is covered by the rental car insurance policy.

International Driving License (IDL)

An official document that allows a person to legally drive a car in a foreign country.

K

Keyless Entry

A system that allows the driver to unlock and start the car using a key fob or smartphone app, without needing to physically insert a key into the ignition.

Key Fob

A small remote control device used to lock and unlock a car and start the engine.

L

Late Return

The act of returning the rental car later than the agreed-upon drop-off time.

Liability Insurance

Insurance that covers damages or injuries that the renter may cause to other people or their property while driving the rental car.

Loss Damage Waiver (CDW)

A type of insurance that covers damage to the rental car caused by collision, theft, or vandalism.

M

Missed Delivery

A fee charged when the rental vehicle is not returned on time.

Moto Rental

A type of rental service for motorcycles.

Motor Vehicle Rental Tax

A tax imposed on car rental transactions in certain jurisdictions.

N

Negligence Insurance

An insurance policy that covers the renter in case of accidents caused by their negligence.

Navigational System

A system that provides directions and route guidance to the driver.

No Show Fee

A fee charged when the renter does not show up to collect the rental vehicle.

O

One-Way rental (O/W)

A rental where the vehicle is picked up at one location and dropped off at another.

Online availability

The ability to book a rental vehicle through the internet.

On Request

A rental request that is not guaranteed and requires confirmation.

P

Pay on arrival

A payment option where the renter pays for the rental upon pickup of the vehicle.

Personal Accident Insurance

An insurance policy that covers the renter and passengers in case of injury or death during the rental period.

Primary Driver

The main driver listed on the rental agreement.

Q

QR Code

A barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone to access rental information.

R

Rental Agreement

A contract between the rental company and the renter detailing the terms and conditions of the rental.

Rental Desk

The rental company’s counter or kiosk where the renter picks up and returns the vehicle.

Roadside Assistance

A service provided by the rental company to assist with vehicle breakdowns or other roadside issues.

S

Security Deposit

A refundable deposit taken by the rental company to cover damages or additional charges.

Short Term Lease

A rental agreement for a shorter period than the typical rental term.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

Additional insurance coverage that protects the renter against liability claims.

T

Theft Protection

An insurance policy that covers the renter against theft of the rental vehicle.

Third-Party Liability (TPL)

Insurance coverage that protects the renter against liability claims made by third parties.

Transfer

The movement of a rental vehicle from one location to another.

U

Underage Surcharge

An additional fee charged to renters who are under a certain age.

Unlimited Mileage

A rental agreement where there are no mileage restrictions.

Upgrade

A rental vehicle that is larger or more expensive than the originally reserved vehicle.

V

Vehicle Inspection

A process where the rental vehicle is inspected for damage before and after the rental period.

VIN

The unique 17-digit vehicle identification number assigned to a rental vehicle.

Voucher

A document that confirms a rental reservation and payment.

W

Wear-and-Tear

The normal deterioration of a rental vehicle over time.

Winter Tires

Tires designed for use in snowy and icy conditions.

Walk-In

A rental reservation made in person at the rental desk without a prior booking.

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