Rental Cars /Trailers

[Dalene Steenkamp (Coetzee)]

Nearly fainted ... 

My Corrari's radiator got a hole in  -  needs to be fixed.  I need a car urgently, so I contact AVIS  ...

Tell them my story  -  need a car for ONLY 2 DAYS....

Yes, this is how it works :  You bring your credit card Mrs. Steenkamp, we get authority from your bank (on your cost they don't mention) to hold R7000 on your credit card.  Then you pay us with your credit card as well  -  R550 per day for the rental.  Upon that you also pay us an insurance fee of R700.  Ok, we are not finished yet ..  we charge you R2-95 per kilometer that you drive (in my case it is going to be about 1200km, for I need to go see clients far away).  When you return the car, you must fill up the tank for us.  We will then instruct your bank (once again they don't mention it will be for your cost) to release the hold we have on your R7000 on your credit card.  If you pop a tyre  -  you must replace it.  If the windscreen goes - you must pay for it.  If the car is damaged or stolen  -  you are held accountable.  Ok, so what is the insurance of R700 for then?  Oh, that is just something standard. 

Taken all in account and petrol expenses and whatever, it will cost me close to R6000 to hire a small Hyundai Atos 1100 (that is the cheapest in the line with aircon -  if you go for something without an aircon it might cost you R200 less).

Just realized it is one of the most profitable industries in the world  -  Rental Car Business.   The rental cost for 2 days can cover installment as well as insurance cost for 2 such cars for a month !!!!

Nope  -  not stuffing their coffers ...  one does have good friends to rely on !!!!   and thanks for that !!!!