Car Rental Decoded: Must-Know Terms

We know that renting a car can sometimes seem complex with all the technical terms involved. No worries! At Europcar SXM, we are here to guide you. Our priority is to offer you a smooth and enjoyable experience. We have created this glossary to help you understand the terms you might encounter. Take a moment to review the definitions and travel with peace of mind!

Car Rental Vocabulary

The vocabulary of car rental can be technical, but it's not complicated!

Here’s what you need to know:

Cancellation Insurance

Protection allowing you to cancel a reservation without fees up to 24 hours before picking up the vehicle, providing greater flexibility for your travel plans.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

An option covering damages to the rented vehicle in the event of a collision. This protection reduces the renter's financial liability.

Theft Protection (TP)

Covers the loss or theft of the rented vehicle, reducing the amount the renter must pay up to a specified deductible.

Young Driver Insurance

Additional insurance for drivers under 26 years old, subject to extra fees due to increased risk.

Vehicle Undercarriage

The lower part of the vehicle, typically beneath the doors and thresholds. This area can be prone to invisible damage when driving on rough terrains.

Manual/Automatic Transmission

Types of vehicle transmission. Manual vehicles require the driver to change gears manually, while automatic vehicles do it without driver intervention. At Europcar Sint Maarten, we offer both types of vehicles.

Glass Breakage

Optional coverage that takes care of the costs for repairing or replacing damaged windows, such as windshields or side windows.

Broker

An intermediary between the client and the rental company. It refers to an online booking platform that allows you to compare offers from different rental agencies. Brokers charge additional fees for each reservation.

Rental Vehicle Categories

Rental vehicles are classified into different categories based on size, comfort level, and features, such as economy, compact, intermediate, SUV, etc.

Deposit

Amount held on the renter's credit card as a guarantee. Europcar Sint Maarten also uses Swikly for an online deposit solution, without money transfer.

ACCRIS Code

ACCRIS codes (Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards) were developed by ACRISS, an organization comprising European and American car rental companies. The goal was to create a common standard for classifying rental vehicles, facilitating comparison between different agencies and booking systems.

This code, formed of letters and sometimes numbers, categorizes vehicles based on their characteristics, such as size, transmission type, and available features. At Europcar Sint Maarten, each letter combination in the ACCRIS code has a specific meaning:

• E: Economy - Small vehicle, ideal for city travel and short trips.

• C: Compact - Slightly larger than economy, offering more comfort while remaining manageable.

• I: Intermediate - Medium-sized vehicle, providing more space and comfort for longer journeys.

• V: Van - Vehicle primarily designed to transport goods or equipment.

Additional letters in the code describe the vehicle's extra features:

• D: Manual Transmission

• M: Automatic Transmission

• R: Air Conditioning

Promo Code

Discount code that provides a preferential rate or additional benefits when booking a vehicle from our website.

Additional Driver

Another person authorized to drive the rental vehicle, subject to an additional cost.

Rental Terms and Conditions

A set of rules and terms governing the rental of vehicles, including insurances, deductibles, return conditions, possible penalties, and other important information for renters. 🔗Check our Rental Terms and Conditions

Contract

A legal document defining the terms and conditions of the rental, including the rights and obligations of the renter and the rental company.

Horsepower (HP)

Horsepower measures the power of internal combustion engines. The higher the HP, the more powerful and performant the vehicle. In Sint Maarten, to fully enjoy driving, a vehicle with 65 HP will quickly show its limits. That’s why we recommend a minimum of 90 HP for optimal comfort on our roads. Good news: 🔗all vehicles in our fleet meet this requirement, with at least 90 HP under the hood!

Eco-Driving

Eco-driving involves simple actions that help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It’s a win-win: good for your wallet and good for the planet! By anticipating slowdowns, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding overloading the vehicle, you can optimize fuel efficiency. The result: fuel savings, smoother driving, and a reduced carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air in Sint Maarten. 🔗We encourage greener and more responsible driving. Discover why!

Vehicle Inspection

Inspection of the vehicle conducted at the start and end of the rental to note any existing damage. This step is crucial to avoid confusion about damages that may occur during the rental. Take the time to take photos and report any unexpected items to our team. We are at your service!

Full Tank Option (FTO)

Option that allows you to prepay for a full tank of fuel, thus avoiding the need for the renter to refuel before returning the vehicle. 🔗Discover the FTO option

Deductible

The deductible represents the maximum amount the renter must pay in case of damage or theft of the vehicle. However, this amount can be reduced or eliminated through deductible buyback options. Be careful: in case of non-compliance with traffic laws, the total repair costs may be charged to the renter, without deductible limit.

Vehicle Top

The upper part of the vehicle, including the roof and windows. These areas are sometimes overlooked during inspections but can be damaged, for example, when passing under low obstacles.

Liftgate

A hydraulic device that allows easy lifting and loading of heavy items into utility vehicles.

Young Driver

A driver under 26 years old subject to specific conditions and additional fees. Special insurance may be taken out to reduce these fees.

Unlimited Mileage

An option included in all Europcar Sint Maarten rentals, allowing you to travel as many miles as you wish without additional charges.

One-Way Rental

An option allowing you to return the vehicle to a different agency than the pick-up location, for example, renting a car at the airport and returning it in Philipsburg or Simpson Bay.

Rental Package

Offers combining several services and options for a customized rental experience. 🔗Discover our packages

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

PAI is an optional insurance in car rental. It covers the driver and passengers in case of an accident, including bodily injuries, permanent disability, or even, in the most serious cases, death.

This protection may include:

• Compensation for medical expenses incurred due to the accident.

• Financial compensation for temporary or permanent disability.

• Coverage of expenses in case of accidental death.

Pre-Payment

Payment made in advance at the time of booking, often with more favorable rates and stricter cancellation conditions.

Partial Deductible Buyback (PCDW)

An option that reduces the amount of the deductible that the renter must pay in case of a responsible accident and degradation of the vehicle without an identified third party.

Total Deductible Buyback (TCDW)

An option that completely eliminates the deductible, removing most financial liability for the renter in case of an accident or theft.

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)

A sport utility vehicle, often larger and more spacious than standard cars, with off-road capabilities.

Fuel Types: Gasoline, Diesel

Vehicles can operate on gasoline (traditional fuel, less polluting) or diesel, often preferred for utility vehicles and long trips.

Utility Vehicle

A vehicle primarily designed for transporting goods or equipment, available in various sizes and with specific features like liftgates. 🔗Find all our utility vehicles

Direct Booking

Booking made directly with the rental company, without intermediaries, often with advantages like better rates or more flexible conditions. 🔗Discover the benefits of direct booking from our website.