Zest Car Rental

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Booking Car Hire

What is Enhanced Cancellation Protection?

Enhanced Cancellation Protection can only be purchased when making a booking. When added to your booking, this entitles you to cancel your booking and receive a full refund, minus the charge for the Enhanced Cancellation Protection.

The only exception to this is in the event of a no-show, where no money will be refunded.

If you must cancel your booking up to 48 hours before the rental takes place, the cost of the cancellation protection will also be refunded.

Enhanced Cancellation Protection costs USD 0.70 per rental day with a minimum charge of USD 3.50 and a maximum charge of USD 14.00 per booking.

Where will I collect my hire car?

When getting a quote on our website, if the car rental provider has a desk in the airport and/or the vehicle is to be collected at the airport, this information is displayed on the search results page next to each vehicle under the heading Collection info.

Once you have made a booking and this has been confirmed, the full details of the collection procedure will be provided on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

If you have any further questions regarding collection information, please contact us.

When do I pay for my car hire?

If you've chosen to pay fully at the time of booking: As soon as your booking is confirmed by the car rental provider, the rental cost including fees for top-up insurance and cancellation protection will be debited immediately. Bookings are usually confirmed within 1-2 hours but can take up to 48 hours.

If you've chosen our Book Now Pay Later option: If you've chosen this option, we'll take the small initial payment for your booking straight away, you can then log in at any time to pay the remaining balance. Once you've paid this, you'll receive your pre-paid car hire voucher via email.

Any fees for additional extras such as child seats or any out of hours fees will be payable to the car rental provider in local currency upon collection of the vehicle.

Do you price match?

Nobody can match our prices on a like for like basis.

Our prices always include collision damage waiver with zero excess liability, a fair fuel policy and no credit card fees. We also offer lots of deals with a free additional driver included.

If you feel that you have found a more competitive car hire quote elsewhere, please call us on +44 (0)1362 852288 to discuss this with our helpful Reservations Team.

Alternatively, please contact us and we will compare your quote on a like for like basis to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

How do I choose a car rental provider that has a desk in the airport?

When viewing a quotation, the collection information for each vehicle is displayed on the search results page under the heading Collection info.

If the vehicle can be collected at the airport, it will either state: Desk and vehicle at airport or Meet and greet, vehicle at airport.

Full collection instructions will be displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Do I get a discount for booking multiple vehicles?

We do not offer discounts for booking multiple vehicles.

We do however offer a loyalty discount scheme whereby 2 loyalty points are received for each rental day booked. Once 100 points has been reached, you are entitled to a 5% discount from our standard prices.

Why do I have to wait for confirmation of my car hire booking?

Unlike many other car hire brokers, we request confirmation for every car hire booking. This makes sure that your booking exists in the car rental provider’s system and prevents any potential problems when you collect the vehicle. Confirmation can take up to 48 hours, but in most cases bookings are confirmed within 1-2 hours. You can login to My Account to check the status of your booking.

Can I place more than one booking at the same time?

The car rental providers which we operate with require vehicles booked to have their own reference number and rental agreement so each vehicle required must be booked separately.

To ensure that two bookings are placed with the same car rental provider, please check the company logos displayed on the search results pages.

Alternatively, please contact us with your requirements.

Can you send me a VAT receipt for my booking?

We are unable to issue VAT receipts. Your booking voucher is your receipt of purchase.

Making Changes to a Booking

Will I be charged for cancelling a booking?

Our cancellation charges are as follows:

Up to 48 hours before the rental takes place there is no charge to cancel your booking.

When cancelling within 48 hours of the rental taking place, you will be charged 50% of the rental value or USD 65.00, whichever is less.

The 50% / USD 65.00 fee overrides the other cancellation terms should a new booking be made with a collection time within 48 hours' time.

My flight time or flight number has changed; do I need to let you know?

It is your responsibility to ensure that we have the correct flight information. The car rental provider uses this information to check incoming flights so they can meet you at the correct time.

If your flight number has changed, or your flight is delayed or cancelled, it is essential that you contact us so we can inform the car rental provider, and if necessary we can amend or cancel your booking.

If I drop off the car earlier, will I receive a refund for unused days?

No. Should you return the hire vehicle earlier than originally arranged, as per our terms and conditions we are unable to provide a refund for the unused days.

How do I cancel my booking?

If you wish to cancel your booking, the quickest way to do this is by logging in to My Account. Alternatively send an email to bookings@zestcarrental.com requesting that your booking is to be cancelled and a member of the Reservations Team will explain the cancellation procedure with you and any charges incurred as a result.

How do I make changes to my booking?

To amend your booking you must contact us directly by email or telephone. We do not charge an administration fee for amendments. All changes require confirmation from the car rental provider before we can issue a new pre-paid voucher.

How do I extend the hire period once my rental has started?

If you wish to keep your hire car for a longer period than you have originally booked, once you have collected the vehicle, contact us and we can liaise with the car rental provider to find out if this is possible.

It may be necessary to return to the car rental provider’s local office to sign a new rental agreement should this be agreed by them.

I have received an email stating my booking has NOT been confirmed - what should I do?

Please contact us to discuss further options on 0333 336 1554 (or +44 1362 852288 from outside the UK).

Our Reservations Team will advise you about alternative vehicles and can check availability of specialist vehicles by telephone. If you are not happy with the alternative choices, you have the option to cancel your request. Payment will have been pre-authorised at this stage, but no payment will have been taken from your account.

Top-Up Insurance

What does Top-up insurance cover?

Top-Up insurance provides reimbursement cover against damage to the vehicle that is specifically excluded under the rental agreement, providing you are not in breach of your rental agreement or local law of the country in which you are driving.

The most common damages that may be excluded from the rental agreement are the Tyres, Wheels, Windscreen, Undercarriage and Roof.

Top-Up insurance also provides additional benefits such as Towing, Key Cover, Battery Failure, Clutch Cover and Admin Charges. For further details, please see the IPID, Policy Wording and our Top-up Insurance Guide.

How do I make a claim on the top-up insurance?

In the event that you need to submit a claim on the Top-up Insurance, please follow the instructions on your insurance certificate. Your claim will be handled by Orchard Administration Limited.

Log in to My Account to download your Insurance Certificate.

How do I purchase top-up insurance?

Top-Up insurance can be purchased when booking car rental online. Once you have selected the vehicle you wish to rent, you will be offered Top-Up insurance during the booking process.

If you have already made your booking but did not choose to include Top-Up insurance, you can simply add it to your booking before you travel. Please login to My Account, select your booking and add the insurance.

We can also add Top-Up insurance to your booking over the telephone.

Am I eligible for Top-up insurance?

Top-up insurance can be purchased by all customers aged above 21 with no upper age limit (who are medically fit to drive) when travelling to the following countries:

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Guadalope, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Montenegro, Martinique, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Renion, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisa, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Worldwide cover is also available to residents of United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and the rest of Europe.

Problems When You've Picked up the Hire Car

What do I do if I am offered additional insurances when I collect the hire car?

Car rental companies often try to sell additional insurance locally. This covers damage to items which are not included in their standard insurance such wheels, tyres and glass. Taking this insurance is entirely at your discretion.

Although top-up insurance purchased through Zest Car Rental provides extensive cover it is not associated with the car rental provider. It is a reimbursement policy requiring you to pay the cost of damage to the car rental company, then submit a claim upon your return home.

If you have already purchased top-up insurance before travelling, you do not need to buy additional insurance offered by the car rental provider upon collection.

Does damage have to be reported if no one else is involved?

Yes, all damage must be reported to the car rental provider. If the correct procedures are not followed then you will be liable for the cost of repair.

As soon as you are aware of the damage, you will need to contact the police to obtain a police report and the car rental provider advising of the damage. They will then assess whether a charge will be applied.

If I am involved in an accident, how and to whom do I report the damage?

If you are involved in an accident you must obtain a police report and contact the car rental provider to advise them of the accident immediately.

They will need you to fill out a damage report for insurance purposes. Depending on how the accident occurred, for example due to negligence, you may be liable for the costs involved; however, this is assessed on a case by case basis by the car rental provider.

What do I do if the vehicle provided is not to the expected standard?

In the first instance, raise this issue with the car rental provider immediately and request an alternative. If the matter is not resolved, contact us and we can discuss the issue with the car rental provider and try to arrange a suitable substitute.

I think I have been overcharged

Should you wish to discuss any issues that occurred during your rental, please contact us to allow us to investigate the matter.

Driving Licence

Do I need an International Driver's Permit (IDP)?

Driving licence requirements vary depending upon the rental destination. The exact driving licence requirements are stated in the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the Licence Requirements heading.

For rentals taking place within Europe: Photocard driving licences issued within the United Kingdom and the EU are accepted in Europe without an IDP. Licences issued outside the United Kingdom and the EU should be accompanied by an IDP.

Do I need to obtain a DVLA code to hire a car abroad?

If you have a UK driving licence and are renting a car in a location outside of the UK and Ireland, you do not need to obtain a DVLA code.

When hiring outside of the UK and Ireland, you need either the photocard part of your UK licence or the older style UK paper licence. More information regarding this can be found throughout the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements.

If you are hiring a car in the UK or Ireland, you will need to obtain a code to share your driving licence details which is available from the DVLA website. To obtain this, you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence. The code is valid for 21 days.

When collecting a car in the UK or Ireland, car rental providers usually require your passport and additional proof of address. Please check the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements during the booking process or the pre-paid car hire voucher for more information before collecting your hire car.

Do I need my paper counterpart licence?

The UK paper counterpart driving licence has been scrapped and is no longer issued by the DVLA. This has been replaced by a unique code which is valid for 21 days. This is available from the DVLA website.

You only need to obtain this code if you have a UK driving licence (excluding Northern Ireland) and are collecting a vehicle within the UK or Ireland. When renting a car in the UK or Ireland, you will also need your passport and additional proof of address. More information regarding this can be found throughout the booking process by clicking on the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements. Full details are also displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

If you are hiring a car abroad, you just need the photocard part of the UK licence or the older style UK paper licence to collect the vehicle.

Can I use my US/Canadian licence?

Yes. The majority of the car rental providers with which we operate with will accept a US/Canadian driving licence.

However, many car rental providers in Europe will only accept the licence if it is presented alongside an International Driver's Permit. This can be obtained from the automotive association in the country the licence was issued. Please note that anyone holding a US/ Canadian driving licence is not eligible to hire a vehicle in the USA or Canada.

Will my UK driving licence be accepted in the EU after Brexit?

UK citizens with a photocard-style licence do not need to obtain an International Drivers Permit for travel within the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

There are some exceptions, you may need an IDP:

  • If you only hold a paper licence, not a photocard
  • If your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

If any of the above apply to you, please check before you travel. You can find more information with a full breakdown of IDP requirements on the UK Government's website.

I do not have my original driving licence, can I still hire a car?

The main driver must present their full original driving licence including all counterparts upon collection of the vehicle. If you do not have your original driving licence, some car rental providers may accept a DVLA Certificate of Entitlement for licences issued within the UK, which must be faxed directly from the DVLA to the car rental provider's office. Please contact us and a member of the Reservations Team can check which companies will accept the DVLA certificate.

Many car rental providers may also accept a faxed copy of your UK driving licence from the DVLA. You will need to check with us first if this is acceptable. The DVLA will need the fax number of the car rental provider. The DVLA charge £5 for this service and can be contacted on 0300 790 6801 or from outside the UK on +44 1792 782341.

My UK driving licence is the old-style paper licence, will this be accepted?

Yes. The old-style UK paper driving licence is still accepted within the European Community; however, this must be presented along with photographic ID such as a passport or an International Driving Permit.

Do I need to obtain a DVLA code to hire a car in the UK?

If you have a UK driving licence and are renting a car in the UK or Ireland, you must obtain a DVLA code to share your driving licence details.

To obtain this from the DVLA website, you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence. The code is valid for 21 days.

When collecting a car in the UK or Ireland, car rental providers usually require your passport and additional proof of address. Please check the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements during the booking process or the pre-paid car hire voucher for more information before collecting your hire car.

Can I hire a car with a provisional driving licence?

No. None of the car rental providers that we operate with will accept a provisional driving licence. You must have held a full driving licence for the car rental providers minimum required years.

You are able to view this information during the booking process by viewing the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements.

Will my EU driving licence by accepted in the UK after Brexit?

Visitors with EU and EEA driving licences will not need an IDP to drive in the UK.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

What is Excess Waiver?

If the rental vehicle is involved in a collision or stolen, you won’t have to pay the excess. The excess is the amount you would have to pay the car rental provider if your rental vehicle has been involved in a collision, damaged or stolen.

At Zest Car Rental, Excess Waiver is included in our quotes as standard in the form of either No Insurance Excess or Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI):

No Insurance Excess (also known as Zero Excess) means you don’t have to pay any excess for claims relating to collision damage or theft.

In the event of a claim, Excess Reimbursement Insurance (ERI) requires you to pay the excess to the car rental provider before claiming it back through the insurance company when you return home.

Full support is available if you have to make a claim. The main driver will need a credit card upon collection to enable the car rental provider to authorise a security deposit.

Please note, damage caused through negligence is not covered by the above.

What is not covered by CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) doesn’t cover damage to certain areas of the car such as tyres and wheels, the interior, the roof, the underside of the vehicle, the glass parts of vehicle (including the windscreen), and wing mirrors.

Loss or damage to the car key, locks, aerials, vehicle documents, registration plates and any additional equipment provided with the vehicle are not covered either.

If you wish to cover damage to these parts of the vehicle you should purchase Top-up Insurance on our website when making a booking.

What is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your liability in the event of an accident. Without this, you could be liable for the full cost of the rental vehicle if it were to be damaged or written off. CDW means you won’t have to pay the full cost of any repairs as long as you’ve followed the T&C’s.

You’ll have to pay a contribution to repair costs up to an agreed level of ”excess” which can be up to £2,000. It forms part of an insurance policy that says the car rental provider will waive the terms that make you liable for:

• Loss or damage to the vehicle, whether or not it’s your fault.

• The cost to repair or replace the vehicle.

• The loss of income to the supplier while the vehicle is being repaired.

CDW is always included when booking with Zest Car Rental with either No Excess or Excess Reimbursement. CDW is sometimes known as Loss Damage Waiver or Damage Excess Waiver.

Deposit Information

Do I need to leave a deposit with the car hire supplier, if so how much?

Yes. All of the car rental providers that we operate with will require a security deposit to be authorised on the main driver’s credit card upon collection.

This is to cover the car rental provider for any parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, if a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated and to ensure the safe return of the vehicle.

When viewing a quotation, the amount of the security deposit will be displayed on each vehicle beside the heading, Security Deposit. This information is also displayed throughout the booking process.

I have paid the security deposit, how much will be refunded upon my return?

Upon collection, most car rental providers require a security deposit to ensure safe return of the vehicle.

If the deposit is pre-authorised by the car rental provider, this will lapse in up to 30 days. If the deposit is debited, this will be refunded upon return of the vehicle, as long as there has been no additional damage to the vehicle.

Some card issuers charge for international transactions, so it is advisable to check the terms and conditions of your credit card before travelling.

Why does the car rental provider need to authorise a security deposit?

All of the car rental providers that we operate with will require a security deposit to be authorised on the main driver’s credit card upon collection. This is to cover any parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, if a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated and to ensure the safe return of the vehicle.

When viewing a quotation, look for the heading Security Deposit next to each vehicle. This information is also displayed throughout the booking process.

Can I pay a deposit now and pay the balance upon collection of the vehicle?

No. Payment for the rental cost including fees for top-up insurance and cancellation protection will be debited immediately (Unless you've used our Book Now Pay Later option) upon confirmation of vehicle availability from the supplier. This is to ensure that our customers benefit from the best prices possible.

Additional Fees

Will there be any additional charges?

Additional charges may be applied when collecting the vehicle for delivery to accommodation, out-of-hours collection/return, cross border requests and one-way rental surcharges. Any additional charges are paid directly to the supplier in local currency when collecting the vehicle and are clearly stated at the time of booking.

All mandatory locally payable fees are displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results pages and throughout the booking process. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i).

How do I pay the road tolls in Portugal?

Many of the car rental providers we operate with in Portugal now offer the use of a toll transponder. This is a device which monitors the use and total charge of the toll fees. These are either pre-loaded with an amount of Euros or they monitor the amount used and you are charged at the end of the rental.

We also work with car rental suppliers that do not provide the use of a transponder. When booking with these companies, you will have to proceed to a local post office 48 hours after using the toll road. On your return to the airport you will be unable to pay the outstanding toll fees, so the local authority will send these to you in the post.

To check if a car rental supplier provides the use of the transponder, click Book this car on the search results, and navigate to the Local Charges page. Look under the heading Optional Extras, and if a transponder is available the price and information will be displayed here.

Will I be charged to collect or return the vehicle if the supplier's office is closed?

Some of the car rental providers we operate with offer an out-of-hours service, where they can provide a vehicle after their office has closed. The charge varies between companies and also upon the time of collection outside of the operating hours. If an out of hours fee is applicable, this will be displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results page and throughout the booking process.

REMEMBER: As we work with a number of suppliers at each location, office hours and out of hours charges can vary for each vehicle. It is advisable to check more than one vehicle to find the most favourable option for you, or contact us to find the most suitable.

Will I be charged extra if I drop the car off at a different location?

It is common for car rental providers to apply an additional charge for one-way rentals. Some companies offer one-way rentals with no additional charge when the rental duration is over a certain amount of days. It is always stated at the time of booking if an additional one-way charge will be applied.

If you have requested a one-way rental, the fee for this will be displayed beside Additional Local Charges on the search results page and throughout the booking process. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i).

The one way charge must be paid directly to the car rental provider in local currency.

Why do the additional fees vary for each vehicle?

As a UK based car hire broker, we operate with a number of car rental providers at each location, each with their own terms and conditions and charges in place for additional extras and fees. On the search results page, the vehicles displayed as available will be with different car rental providers.

The total mandatory local charges are displayed on the search results page next to the heading Additional Local Charges. A full breakdown of fees can be viewed by clicking on the information icon (i). This information is also displayed throughout the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

I have paid for additional extras in local currency; will I be charged any extra fees?

Payment for all additional extras will be debited upon collection of the vehicle in local currency.

Some card issuers charge for international transactions, so it is advisable to check the terms and conditions of your credit card before travelling.

What is Included

What does the insurance include?

All rentals include either full collision damage waiver and full theft waiver with no insurance excess or excess reimbursement insurance which provides a refund for any charges made in the event of collision damage or theft.

For more information, click on the information icon (i) displayed next to the text Collision Damage Waiver with zero excess liability on the search results page. Here it will display whether the price includes no insurance excess or excess reimbursement insurance. This information is also shown during the booking process and on the pre-paid car hire voucher.

Damage to vehicle parts such as the wheels, glass-parts, underside and roof are not covered by collision damage and theft waiver. Damage to these items can be covered by purchasing our top-up insurance. More information about this can be found on step 2 of the booking process.

All rentals include public liability cover and third party liability cover for the driver(s). For more details about insurance, please read our terms and conditions.

How much is the excess?

All rentals include either full collision damage waiver and full theft waiver with no insurance excess or excess reimbursement insurance which provides a refund for any charges made in the event of collision damage or theft.

For more information, click on the information icon (i) displayed next to the text Collision Damage Waiver with zero excess liability on the search results page. Here it will display whether the price includes no insurance excess or excess reimbursement insurance.

With all rentals, the main driver will need a credit card to enable to the car rental provider to authorise a security deposit upon collection. The amount of this is displayed next to the heading Security Deposit shown beside each vehicle.

What is unlimited mileage?

Unlimited mileage ensures that you are not restricted to a specific mileage limit whilst the rental contract is in place. Some companies may impose a limit which means you can only drive 100 or 500 miles for the period you have rented the vehicle for.

Unlimited mileage (subject to fair usage) is included in our headline price at most locations worldwide with the majority of the car rental providers that we work with. This ensures that you’re free to drive for as long as you want.

Credit Cards

Can I place a booking using a debit card?

We accept payment for bookings with a debit or credit card. There is no charge for paying with a debit or credit card.

If you make a payment on a debit card for the booking, the main driver must present a credit card in their name upon collection of the vehicle.

Why do I need a credit card when I rent a car?

A credit card is required to authorise a security deposit which covers parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, if a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated and to ensure the safe return of the vehicle. Failure to present a credit card upon collection may result in the car rental provider refusing to provide you with a vehicle.

The main driver needs to be in possession of a valid credit card to collect the vehicle. This must be an actual physical credit card and cannot be a pre-paid credit card, debit card or AMEX. Google or Apple pay will not be accepted.

When viewing a quotation, the amount of the security deposit will be displayed on each vehicle beside the heading, Security Deposit. This information is also displayed throughout the booking process.

Do I need a credit card upon collection of the vehicle?

All of the car rental providers that we operate with require the main driver to be in possession of a valid credit card to collect the vehicle. This must be an actual physical credit card and cannot be a pre-paid credit card, debit card or AMEX. Google or Apple pay will not be accepted.

A credit card is required to authorise a security deposit which covers parking or speeding fines, uninsured parts of the vehicle, if a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated and to ensure the safe return of the vehicle. Failure to present a credit card upon collection may result in the car rental provider refusing to provide you with a vehicle.

When viewing a quotation, the amount of the security deposit will be displayed on each vehicle beside the heading, Security Deposit. This information is also displayed throughout the booking process.

Vehicle Information

Will the vehicle provided have a spare tyre?

Sometimes. Not all vehicles have spare wheels. This will depend upon the manufacturer of the vehicle. If a spare tyre has not been provided, a tyre repair kit will be supplied for use in the event of a puncture.

Can I request an automatic vehicle?

If you wish to book a vehicle with automatic transmission, look for A for Automatic displayed next to the vehicle. You can also use Refine Results to filter the search results page to only show vehicles with automatic transmission.

You can also contact us and a member of the Reservations Team can generate a quotation which shows automatic vehicles only.

What is the luggage capacity of the vehicle?

Our luggage capacities are worked out using a medium-sized suitcase which has an average size of 68x44x27cm. The baggage capacity of each vehicle varies. This information can be found on the search results page of the website beside each vehicle. This information is for guidance purposes only.

Can I request a diesel vehicle?

Yes. Where available we indicate which vehicles are diesel. Where we do not state that a vehicle is diesel, a petrol or diesel vehicle could be provided. If a diesel vehicle is selected, a diesel vehicle will be provided.

My UK driving license is for automatic vehicles only. What vehicles can I drive?

Holders of UK "automatic only" driving licenses are allowed to drive any vehicle which does not have a clutch pedal. This includes vehicles with tiptronic transmission or up/down gear selection paddles.

If you wish to book a vehicle with automatic transmission, look for A for Automatic displayed next to the vehicle. You can also use Refine Results to filter the search results page to only show vehicles with automatic transmission.

Loyalty Scheme

How does ClubZest work?

Once customers sign up to ClubZest, they will instantly benefit from a 15% discount on Top-up insurance with every booking. Further tiered rewards can be unlocked by earning loyalty points. For instance, 50 loyalty points will award you a discount of up to 15% off airport parking with APH. 100 loyalty points will award you a 5% loyalty discount on future car rental bookings made with Zest. 2 loyalty points are earned per rental day. Loyalty points are valid for 24 months from the end date of a rental. With loyalty points expiring, there is the possibility you can temporarily lose eligibility for rewards if you drop below the tier threshold.

Example:

If you book a car hire that takes place from 1st June to 7th June 2024 (7 days), you will earn 14 loyalty points. These 14 points will be valid and count towards your total number of loyalty points for 24 months from the end of that rental. So, they're valid until 7th June 2026.

To sign up, head over to the My Account page, navigate to ClubZest and opt into the loyalty program. If you don’t have an account with Zest, you will be able to register and opt-in to ClubZest during the booking process of your next booking with Zest.

The eligible rewards will automatically apply when signing in before/during the booking process. Applied discounts will then be seen on the rental cost breakdown.

What discounts do I get as a ClubZest member?

Three tiered rewards are eligible for ClubZest members:

  • 15% off our industry-leading Top-up insurance when you sign up.
  • Up to 15% off airport parking with 50 points or more.
  • 5% off future car rental bookings made with 100 points or more
  • Exclusive car rental offers and travel-related promotions!

How do I apply the ClubZest loyalty discount when making a booking?

Once you have over 100 loyalty points on your ClubZest account, you will be able to save 5% off on future car rental bookings. Ensure to sign into your account ClubZest when prompted during the booking process. The discount will be automatically applied and the amount saved will be displayed within the total rental cost breakdown.

What is happening to the old Zest loyalty scheme?

On the 30th of April 2024, the old loyalty scheme will be shut down and you will need to sign up to ClubZest to gain access to your loyalty discount. However, your points won’t be lost if you don’t sign up in time. Any active loyalty points will remain tied to your account (until expiry) even after the old loyalty scheme closes.

How does 'refer a friend' work?

To refer a friend, simply log into the My Account section of our website and navigate to the ClubZest page. Scroll to the ‘Refer a Friend’ section and copy your unique referral link. This link can then be sent to your friend through email, text, social media, or any way you see fit.

Once your friend makes a booking through this link, both you and your friend will earn 25 loyalty points.

How do I leave ClubZest?

If you’re a member of ClubZest and you’re wanting to leave, click here. Keep in mind when leaving ClubZest, you will no longer be able to benefit from the following:

  • 15% off our industry-leading Top-up insurance when you sign up.
  • Up to 15% off airport parking with 50 points or more.
  • 5% off future car rental bookings made with 100 points or more.
  • Exclusive car rental offers and travel-related promotions!

If you change your mind in the future, you can always rejoin ClubZest and keep any active loyalty points that haven’t yet expired on your account.

How do I check if I'm eligible for the ClubZest rewards?

Anyone who is in the process or has previously made a booking is eligible to sign up to ClubZest and start earning rewards. The first tier will be available for all ClubZest members after signing up, any higher tiered rewards will be awarded by earning loyalty points.

To check which rewards you’re eligible for, log into the My Account section of our website and navigate to the ClubZest page. Here your current available rewards will be displayed along with the number of points needed to achieve the next tiered reward. Keep in mind that loyalty points can expire so there is a possibility that you can lose access to certain rewards if you drop below the tier threshold.

Will I lose my existing loyalty points when signing up to ClubZest?

No, any existing loyalty points will be carried over to your new ClubZest account.

Drivers Age

I am aged over 70 years, can I hire a car with you?

In most locations worldwide, we operate with car rental providers that will allow someone over the age of 70 to hire a vehicle without any additional cost.

When entering the dates and times of your hire, simply enter your age in the 'Drivers Age' box.

We will show all options available to you, sometimes a driver age surcharge may be applicable.

I am aged under 25 years, can I hire a car with you?

In some locations we operate with car rental providers that will allow someone under the age of 25 to hire a vehicle without any additional cost.

Many car rental providers have a minimum age limit of 23 or 25 years. When entering the dates and times of your hire, simply enter your age in the 'Drivers Age' box.

We will show all options available to you, sometimes a driver age surcharge may be applicable.

Optional Extras

Can I hire GPS (Sat Nav) with my rental car?

Yes, you can select GPS (Sat Nav) hire as an additional option when booking car hire at some locations. It must be requested when booking and paid for in local currency to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

On step one of the booking process, an option to select a Sat Nav and associated costs will be displayed where available.

Sometimes the Sat Nav is included in the headline price. If so, this will be shown next to applicable vehicles on the search results page. USA is the most common place that you will see this.

Can I hire winter tyres with my vehicle?

Yes. In some locations winter tyres can be selected as an additional option when booking car hire. During the winter season, in certain locations it is mandatory to have winter tyres.

Car rental providers that include the cost of winter tyres in their price will have Winter Tyres Included next to the vehicle description on the search results page.

Where winter tyres are not included, they must be requested when booking and paid for in local currency to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

On step one of the booking process, an option to select winter tyres and associated costs will be displayed where available.

Can I hire a child seat with my vehicle?

Yes. We offer the facility to hire child seats and booster seats. They must be requested when booking and are paid for in local currency to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

On step one of the booking process, you will be advised of the cost to hire a child seat. You can also select the number required here.

The charges for these are stated when booking and vary depending upon the chosen car rental provider. Child seats and booster seats must be fitted by a parent or guardian.

Can I hire a roof rack with my vehicle?

No, we do not offer the ability to request a roof rack at any location.

Can I hire snow chains with my vehicle?

Yes, in certain locations snow chains can be selected as an additional option when booking car hire. They must be requested when booking and paid for in local currency to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

On step one of the booking process, an option to select snow chains and associated costs will be displayed where available.

Why do the additional fees vary for each vehicle?

As a UK based car hire broker, we operate with a number of car rental providers at each location, each with their own terms and conditions and charges in place for additional extras and fees.

On a search result, the vehicles displayed as available will be with different car hire companies. Each provider's terms and conditions are displayed next to each individual vehicle. Any applicable local charges can be found by clicking on the information icon (i) displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results page.

The cost for any selected optional extras will also be displayed throughout the booking process.

Will I be charged for optional extras?

Additional charges may be applied when collecting the vehicle for any chosen optional extras such as child seats, booster seats and winter equipment.

Any additional charges are paid directly to the car rental provider in local currency when collecting the vehicle. A full breakdown of fees can be found by clicking on the information icon (i) displayed next to Additional Local Charges on the search results page. The cost for any selected optional extras will also be displayed throughout the booking process.

Can I hire a ski rack with my vehicle?

Yes. You can select Ski Rack hire as an option when booking car hire at some locations. It must be requested when booking and paid for in local currency to the car rental provider when collecting the vehicle.

On step one of the booking process, an option to select a ski rack and associated costs will be displayed where available.

Fuel Policy and Charges

How much will I have to pay for fuel?

All of our prices include a fair fuel policy. This means that you either collect the vehicle full of fuel and return full, return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel or collect the car with a quarter of a tank of fuel and return empty.

The fuel policy varies depending on the car rental provider. More information about this is displayed on the search results page next to each vehicle underneath the heading Fuel Policy. It can also be found during the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

The cost of fuel is dependent on the car rental provider’s fuel policy which is stated at the time of booking. It is also dependent upon the type and size of vehicle you have requested. Please be aware that fuel rates fluctuate on a regular basis and due to refuelling logistics you will be charged at a higher rate per litre compared to the normal pump price.

What does Fair Fuel Policy mean?

We have negotiated with all of the car rental providers that we work with, so that a fair fuel policy is included in the headline price.

A Fair Fuel Policy offers better value than the traditional Full-Empty policy where you paid for a full tank of petrol upon collection and returned it empty.

Fair fuel policies are as follows:

Full-Full – Collect the car with a full tank and return it full.

Return with same amount – We recommend you take a photo of the fuel dial when you collect the car in case there’s confusion over the exact amount.

Quarter to empty – This is mainly found in locations where you’d be unlikely to use a full tank of fuel e.g. Gibraltar.

More information relating to fuel policy can be found on the search results page, next to each vehicle underneath the heading Fuel Policy. It can also be found during the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

What is the fuel policy?

We have negotiated with all of the car rental providers that we work with, so that a fair fuel policy is included in the headline price.

More information relating to fuel policy can be found on the search results page, next to each vehicle underneath the heading Fuel Policy. It can also be found during the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

REMEMBER: As we work with a number of car rental providers at each location, it is advisable to check more than one vehicle to find the most favourable option for you, or contact us to find the most suitable.

I have paid for fuel in local currency, how much will be refunded upon my return?

This will depend upon the fuel policy of the car rental provider.

Fuel information is displayed on the search results page, next to each vehicle underneath the heading Fuel Policy. It can also be found during the booking process and on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Some card issuers charge for international transactions, so it is advisable to check the terms and conditions of your credit card before travelling.

Car Rental Provider Details

How do I know where to collect the vehicle?

When getting a quote on our website, the collection procedure is displayed next to the vehicle under the heading Collection Information on the search results page.

Once you have made a booking and this has been confirmed, the full details of this will be provided on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

If you have any questions regarding collection information, please contact us.

Can I choose which car hire provider I want to book with?

Yes. Once you have entered your requirements on the quote form and clicked the Find a car button, all available vehicles and car rental provider logos will be displayed on the search results page. If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding this, please contact us.

What times will the office of the car rental provider be open?

When obtaining a quote on our website, you must enter the correct dates and times that you wish to collect and return the vehicle. If any additional local fees are applicable, such as out of hours fees, these will be displayed on the search results. Simply click the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Additional local charges for more information.

If the car rental providers office is not open for your requested dates and times, we will advise you of the next applicable opening times so you can amend your dates and times if necessary.

If you have already placed a booking, the car rental provider’s operating hours can be found on the pre-paid car hire voucher.

Where can I find the contact details for the car hire provider ?

Once you have placed a booking, the contact details will be provided on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Book Now Pay Later

What is Book Now Pay Later?

Book Now Pay Later is our way for you to be able to pay a small amount upfront for your booking and pay the remaining balance at a later date. This means you can secure your booking for as little as USD 39.00.

How do I pay my remaining Book Now Pay Later balance?

You can pay the remaining balance by logging into your account at zestcarrental.com and clicking on the relevant booking. Log in here if you want to make a payment.

Which bookings are applicable for Book Now Pay Later?

In order for Book Now Pay Later to be an option, your booking must cost over USD 100.00, and be booked more than 6 weeks in advance of the rental start date.

What happens if I don't pay my Book Now Pay Later balance?

If the remaining balance of your booking isn't paid before the deadline, your booking may be cancelled.

Is Book Now Pay Later a financial or credit agreement?

No, there are no credit checks involved to use Book Now Pay Later and it isn’t a financial or credit agreement of any kind.

How long do I have to pay my remaining Book Now Pay Later balance?

The remaining balance on your booking must be paid in full at least 2 weeks before the rental start date.

Visiting Another Country

Can I take the vehicle into a different country?

Some car rental providers will allow you to take the vehicle across the border into a different country. However, some countries are restricted and some companies do not allow their vehicles across any borders. You can check if a car rental provider allows a vehicle into a particular country and if there is a charge for this on step one of the booking process.

REMEMBER: As we work with a number of car rental providers at each location, cross border charges and countries in which you are permitted to travel can vary for each vehicle. It is advisable to check more than one vehicle to find the most favourable option for you, or contact us to find the most suitable.

Problems with Your Car Hire Voucher

Why are the additional driver's details not displayed on my pre-paid car hire voucher?

We do not require you to provide the details of any additional drivers during the booking process. For this reason, the additional driver's details will not be displayed on your pre-paid car hire voucher.

Upon collection of the vehicle, any additional drivers must bring a valid driving licence, and if applicable an International Driving Permit. They will be then be added to the rental agreement.

Please see the information icon (i) displayed next to the heading Licence Requirements shown throughout the booking process for more information.

I have not received my pre-paid car hire voucher, what should I do?

You should receive a confirmation email with your pre-paid car hire voucher attached within 48 hours of making a booking.

If you have taken advantage of our Book Now Pay Later option, you will receive confirmation of your booking immediately, however, your car hire voucher will not be provided until full payment has been made.

If you have not received any correspondence from us within 48 hours, please check the junk/spam folder in your email account. For further assistance please contact us.

Alternatively, login to My Account where you can you check on the status of your booking and download your pre-paid car hire voucher.

I can't download my pre-paid voucher, what should I do?

Please check if you have the 'Adobe Reader' software installed on your computer, if not, this can be downloaded from the Adobe website. If Adobe Reader is already installed, "save" the file to a location on your hard drive then open it using Adobe Reader.

If this issue persists please contact us.

My Account

I can't login to My Account, what should I do?

First re-type the email address and password to make sure they are correct.

If you are not sure about your password, click on the forgot password? link. You will then be asked to enter your email address and check the box "I am not a robot." Sometimes a captcha may appear, please fill this and submit it. You will then be sent an email with instructions on how to reset your password.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

We are here to help, you can call us on 01362 852288 and we can answer any questions you may have. We are open 08:00 HRS - 19:00 HRS (UK) Mon-Fri and 08:00 HRS - 17:00 HRS (UK) Sat & Bank holidays. Alternatively you can check out our Contact us page below.

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