The luxury and exotic car rental glossary

12 terms buyers and operators use, each defined in plain words.

Security deposit

An amount held against the guest’s card for the length of the hire to cover fines, tolls, fuel or damage. It is released once the car is returned and checked.

Excess

The most a guest pays towards damage or theft under the rental’s insurance. Optional cover can reduce it, sometimes to nothing.

CDW

Collision damage waiver. It limits the guest’s liability for damage to the car to the excess, rather than the full cost of the repair.

Mileage allowance

The distance included in the hire price, set per day or per rental. Distance beyond it is charged at a stated rate per kilometre or mile.

Salik

Dubai’s electronic road toll system. Gates read a tag on the car as it passes, and rental companies pass each crossing on to the guest.

Delivery and collection

Bringing the car to the guest’s hotel, home, villa or airport and picking it up at the end of the hire, so the guest never visits a branch.

Chauffeur-driven

A hire where the car comes with a professional driver. The guest is driven, and does not need a licence or a deposit for driving.

Self-drive

A hire where the guest drives the car themselves. It requires a valid licence, meeting the company’s age rules and, usually, a security deposit.

Monthly lease

A rental of a month or longer, usually at a lower daily rate, with servicing and insurance included. Popular with residents and long-stay visitors who do not want to buy.

Pre-authorisation

A hold placed on a credit card for the deposit amount. The money is reserved but not taken, and the hold is released after the car is returned.

Fuel policy

The rule for fuel at return, most often full to full. If the car comes back with less, the company refuels it and charges for the fuel and the service.

Additional driver

A second person named on the rental agreement and allowed to drive the car. They must meet the same licence and age rules as the main driver.