To choose a car rental agency properly, think “risk + transparency + logistics.” Here are the criteria that truly make the difference (and prevent 90% of unpleasant surprises).
Read “Car Rental Agency: Donilocation Switzerland” to learn more!
1) Price transparency (the real “all-inclusive”)
- Final price shown before payment (not just “from…”).
- Mileage: unlimited vs limited (and the cost per extra kilometre/mile).
- Fuel policy: ideally full-to-full.
- Common hidden fees: young driver, additional driver, late return, cleaning, winter equipment, cross-border travel.
2) Insurance and excess (the most important point)
- Check the excess amount (often the real cost if something goes wrong).
- Verify what’s excluded: tyres, rims, windscreen, underbody, roof, interior.
- If you buy excess reduction, check whether it is:
- zero excess (rare), or
- reduced excess (more common).
3) Security deposit and payment methods
- Clear deposit amount + refund timeframe.
- Some agencies require a credit card in the main driver’s name (no debit card / not in a third party’s name).
4) Fleet quality and vehicle condition
- Average vehicle age, maintenance, tyres (especially in winter).
- “Guaranteed model” vs “category or equivalent.”
- Check-in procedure: serious photos/inspection = better for you.
5) Practical conditions (that change everything)
- Location close to your home / train station / airport.
- Opening hours + late-return policy.
- Return: key drop box? 24/7 return?
- If it’s a one-way rental: conditions and surcharge.
6) Flexibility (cancellation / changes)
- Free cancellation until when?
- Changes without fees or with penalties?
- Conditions if you return the car earlier (sometimes non-refundable).
7) Reputation… especially on “dispute” topics
Don’t rely only on the overall rating. Read 10 recent reviews about:
- charges after return,
- damage handling,
- customer service,
- deposit refund.
8) Choose based on your use case
- City (Lausanne / Geneva): small/compact car, nearby agency, tyre/rim coverage can be useful.
- Highway + comfort: premium compact/saloon, good mileage allowance.
- Mountains/winter: winter tyres included, chains available, ideally SUV/4×4.
- Family: boot space, child seats available.
Mini checklist before booking (30 seconds)
✅ Excess?
✅ Mileage?
✅ Fuel policy?
✅ Deposit + accepted card?
✅ Winter tyres / chains if needed?
✅ Cross-border conditions if needed?
✅ Can you return it at the planned time?
