Questions to ask before booking a rental car

• Is the exact car in the photos the one I'll get, or a similar model?
• Is it automatic or manual? Petrol or diesel? How many people and bags fit comfortably?
• When was it last serviced, and are the registration and insurance current?
• Does it have a spare tyre, jack and tools? A child seat if I need one?

• What does the daily rate include? Is there a weekly or monthly rate for my dates?
• How much is the security deposit, how is it paid, and when is it refunded?
• Is there a mileage limit, and what is the charge per extra kilometre?
• Is a down payment required to hold the dates, and is it refundable?
• What are the fees for late return, cleaning, or returning with less fuel?

• What insurance covers the car and third parties, and what is my excess if there's damage?
• Who do I call for a breakdown or accident, and is there a replacement car?
• Can I take the car to another island on a ferry, or outside the province?
• Can another person drive, and do they need to be named on the agreement?

• Where do I pick up and return? Is delivery to the airport, port or my hotel available, and at what fee?
• What time can I pick up and return, and is there a grace period?
• What happens if my flight is delayed?
• What is the cancellation policy, and how far ahead can I cancel for free?

Most of these are on the car page (rates, deposit, mileage, minimum days, delivery and driver options) and in the store's Policies section (requirements, fuel, late return, cancellation, deposit, prohibited uses). Anything that isn't, ask in the chat on the car page; the answers stay in the conversation, and the rental agreement you sign will spell out the terms. Our guide on renting a car in Cebu walks through the whole booking.