JEDDAH, 4 January — Demands of huge deposits against accident risks by rent-a-car companies, especially during peak seasons, have put customers in a dilemma. A rent-a-car company in Jeddah, reportedly, demands SR3,000 as caution deposit to cover any accident while the customer drives the car.
The conditions laid down by the company for renting out an American car at the daily rate ranging between SR180 and SR200 showed "the customer should pay, in case of an accident to the car, SR3,000 whatever may be the level of mistake determined by the traffic department."
Exploitation of the car rental companies such as this is bound to discourage a large number of domestic tourists who wish to spend their holidays in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea.
One tourist who recently hired a car from a company in Jeddah said: "I spent several days thinking over and again whether I should use the rented car for fear any accident beyond his control occurring while driving in the city. Then I returned the car and approached another rental company offering cars at lower rates but with smaller deposits."
There are considerable differences in the deposits demanded by various rental companies at their counters in the King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah.
Many people feel the need for immediate intervention by concerned authorities to unify the fees charged by car rental companies. The legal validity of the demand made by these companies from customers to pay for the insurance coverage is also challenged by some customers. (Al-Eqtisadiah)
