FAQ
Before Booking
- An embossed credit card in your name
- Valid South African ID Document; or Passport with Valid Visa in it.
- A valid driver’s license in your name
Payment is expected before the rental. In cases where the rental is extended, the additional amount is also payable in advance.
Your driver’s license; proof of address; SA ID or Foreign Passport and credit card
Your passport, credit card and driver’s license. In some cases, you may be asked to produce your flight information.
Unfortunately, no. All rentals require a credit card for the deposit, although payment for the actual rental can be made via debit card.
Yes, we can deliver or collect the vehicle at a pre-arranged delivery charge, based on R10 per kilometer.
In some cases, there are similar vehicles in the same category, so the vehicle may not be exactly the same as the one featured on the website. If the vehicle category is not available for any reason, we are committed to providing you with a suitable alternative.
No, you are welcome to walk in to one of our offices and rent a vehicle.
Rates may differ, depending on season and periods within a month, but Essential generally has good promotions running throughout the year that you can take advantage of.
During your Rental
Yes. You are welcome to extend your rental telephonically or via email. However, you will be required to physically present yourself and the vehicle on every second extension.
Pets are currently not allowed in any vehicles.
Yes, you may change to a higher category or class of vehicle, or increase the free daily kilometres included in your mileage package.
Yes, baby/car seats can be rented for per day per baby seat. Please enquire at the rental desk for pricing or Contact Us.
All rentals include a standard waiver. You may also upgrade to a super waiver, a tyre and glass waiver and/or a third-party waiver.
You are required to make arrangements at least three days prior to your rental if you wish to take the vehicle across the border. The cross-border fee is R500 per day.
Our 24/7 emergency control centre will be more than comfortable to assist with all breakdowns and emergencies. We usually provide a replacement car within 120 minutes.
Please contact our 24/7 emergency control center, who will be in the best position to assist you throughout.
Up to three additional drivers may be added to your rental. Please enquire at the rental desk for pricing or Contact Us.
Ending your Rental
Days are calculated on a 24-hour basis, with a grace period of 59 minutes allowed for late returns. If the grace period is exceeded, the vehicle will be billed for an additional day thereafter.
It is preferable to fill the tank before returning the vehicle as we charge a fee (in addition to the fuel charges) to top up the vehicle fuel tank on your behalf.
We will redirect the traffic fine to your address, which you will then be liable to pay. We will also charge a fee of R250 in lieu of admin costs.
