Frequently Asked Questions:
Fines, damage and insurance
If you have a question about your car rental, you will probably find the answer to your question below. If you couldn’t find an answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to fill in our contact form or contact one of our pick-up locations.
- What about traffic and parking fines?
- How is damage to the vehicile registered?
- What about the vehicle insurance?
What about traffic and parking fines?
Traffic fines (e.g. speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone…) fall under criminal law and are always the responsibility of the driver.
Autoverhuur Meerschaert will forward the driver’s details to the relevant authority. For this, an administration fee of €15 (excl. VAT) will be charged.
Autoverhuur Meerschaert will forward the driver’s details to the relevant authority. For this, an administration fee of €15 (excl. VAT) will be charged.
Parking fines or retribution fees fall under local regulations and are also your responsibility as the driver. If the fine is not paid on time and reaches us as the vehicle owner:
- we will pay the fine,
- and charge the amount to you, plus an administration fee of €15 (excl. VAT).
Disputing a fine?
You may lodge an objection directly with the relevant authority or municipality. Always inform us of your dispute.
Note: the fine will still be invoiced. If the objection is successful, the amount will be refunded.
How is damage to the vehicile registered?
When collecting the vehicle, we inspect the car together and record any existing damage in the rental agreement, along with the mileage, fuel level and general condition of the vehicle.
Tip: Take clear photos of the vehicle yourself at both pickup and return (front, back, sides and interior). This helps to avoid disputes afterwards.
If the vehicle is returned during opening hours, we check it together again.
If the vehicle is returned dirty, the damage inspection will take place after cleaning.
If the vehicle is returned outside opening hours, the damage inspection will follow on the next working day.
What about the vehicle insurance?
Each rental vehicle from Autoverhuur Meerschaert is insured as follows:
Third-Party Liability (TPL)
This insurance covers damage to third parties when you, as the driver, are at fault.
A deductible of €500 applies per incident.
If the driver is under 23 years of age, the deductible increases to €1,500.
A deductible of €500 applies per incident.
If the driver is under 23 years of age, the deductible increases to €1,500.
Please note: this insurance does not cover personal injury to the driver or damage to personal belongings in the vehicle.
Own Damage Cover (Collision Damage)
Damage to the rental vehicle is subject to a standard deductible of €2,000.
This can be reduced by choosing a waiver package (Medium or Maxi) at the time of reservation.
This can be reduced by choosing a waiver package (Medium or Maxi) at the time of reservation.
In case of theft of the vehicle, the basic deductible of €2,000 always applies, regardless of the chosen package.
Additional cover via the Maxi package
If you choose the Maxi package, the following are also covered:
- Tyres, except for damage to rims
- Glass breakage, excluding vandalism, headlights, and mirrors
Not covered by the insurance
The following are excluded from coverage:
- Damage caused by gross negligence or serious misconduct (e.g., driving under the influence)
- Damage caused intentionally or through fraud
- Damage to the vehicle’s roof
- Damage due to or caused by transported goods
- Damage to personal belongings in the vehicle
Insurance is only valid in the countries listed under Can I drive the vehicle abroad?
Use of the vehicle outside these countries is not allowed.