Terms and conditions of rental

Last updated: June 2026

These terms and conditions (« Terms ») govern every vehicle rental agreement with Geneva Rental Cars, Route de Meyrin 171, Blandonnet shopping centre, 1214 Vernier, Switzerland (« the Lessor », « we »).

By booking online, ticking the acceptance box or taking possession of a vehicle, the renter (« the Customer », « you ») accepts these Terms, subject to mandatory Swiss law.

The rental agreement provided at pick-up and the booking confirmation supplement these Terms. If there is any conflict, the signed counter agreement prevails.

1. Purpose

These Terms define the rights and obligations of the parties regarding the temporary provision of a motor vehicle for private or professional use in compliance with traffic laws and these conditions.

2. Booking

Bookings may be made online at www.geneva-rentalcars.com, by phone at +41 22 341 22 22, or in person at the agency.

• A booking is firm only after written confirmation (email or document) stating dates, times, vehicle category or model, price and selected options.
• We may refuse a booking if information is inaccurate, there is a history of non-payment, or we cannot verify identity or driving eligibility.
• Prices shown on the website are indicative; the final amount is confirmed at booking or online payment.
• A minimum rental period may apply depending on season, vehicle category or selected offer; this is shown at booking.
• We may offer an equivalent or higher category vehicle if the booked model is unavailable, at no extra charge.

3. Rates and payment

• Prices are in Swiss francs (CHF), VAT included where applicable.
• Unless stated otherwise, our rates include CDW insurance, theft protection, third-party liability, unlimited mileage within the authorised area and, from November to March, winter tyres.
• Payment may be made online by card (Stripe: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay) and/or at the counter depending on the options offered at booking.
• For online payment, the amount shown at confirmation is charged as displayed (deposit or full amount). Any balance and the security deposit are settled at pick-up.
• Debit cards may be accepted for the rental payment; a credit card in the main driver’s name remains mandatory for the security deposit. Cash is not accepted.
• Promotional codes (e.g. discount from a minimum rental amount) are valid only under the conditions stated when issued: period, minimum amount, category, no combining, etc.
• Tolls, parking, missing fuel, fines, uninsured excess, damage, exceptional cleaning, specific assistance or options not included remain the Customer’s responsibility.

4. Cancellation, changes and no-show

• Free cancellation: any cancellation at least 24 hours before the scheduled pick-up time is free, unless a special offer or explicitly non-refundable rate was selected.
• Late cancellation (less than 24 hours) or no-show without prior notice may be charged up to one rental day or the amount stated on the booking confirmation.
• Eligible online payments are refunded to the original payment method within a typical period of 5 to 10 business days, depending on the bank.
• Change requests (dates, times, category) are subject to availability and may affect the price.
• To cancel or modify: contact@geneva-rentalcars.com or +41 22 341 22 22.

5. Pick-up and documents

Please come to Geneva Rental Cars, Blandonnet shopping centre, Route de Meyrin 171, 1214 Vernier, during opening hours:

• Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 19:00
• Saturday: 08:30 – 18:00
• Sunday: closed

The agency is reachable from Geneva Airport (bus 23 or 57, Blandonnet stop). A shuttle from the terminal may be arranged on request and subject to availability.

Required for the main driver:

• Valid driving licence (national or international) held for at least one year.
• Minimum age: 21 (surcharge or restrictions may apply for certain vehicles or young drivers).
• Valid ID card or passport.
• Credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit (pre-authorisation).

If documents are missing, expired or non-compliant, we may refuse to release the vehicle. Non-refundable amounts under the contract or selected offer remain due.

6. Security deposit

• A credit card deposit is required at pick-up. The amount is pre-authorised (not immediately debited) and varies by category, generally between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500.
• The deposit covers insurance excess, uninsured damage, missing fuel, intensive cleaning, late return, lost keys, administrative costs related to violations and other amounts owed under the contract.
• It is released after vehicle inspection at return, subject to bank processing times. Damage found after return may be charged within a reasonable period, with supporting documents.

7. Duration, extension, return and vehicle condition

• The rental period starts at pick-up time and ends at return time stated on the contract.
• At pick-up, the Customer checks the vehicle condition with a Lessor representative. Any pre-existing damage not noted must be reported before departure; after that, the Customer is deemed to have received the vehicle in good condition.
• At return, a joint inspection is carried out. The Customer returns the vehicle clean, in a condition comparable to pick-up (normal use), with all accessories, documents and keys supplied.
• Any extension must be requested and approved before the due time. Unauthorised extension may incur additional charges and, where applicable, vehicle recovery.
• Return during opening hours unless otherwise agreed in writing (key drop / secure box where applicable). Late return may be charged pro rata for an extra day.

8. Mileage, fuel and authorised area

• Unless stated otherwise on the contract, mileage is unlimited within the authorised geographic area.
• By default, use is authorised in Switzerland and, with prior agreement noted on the contract, in neighbouring countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein). Any other country is prohibited without written consent.
• The vehicle is supplied with a fuel level noted on the contract and must be returned at the same level. Otherwise, missing fuel and related service fees will be charged.

9. Insurance and excess

• Standard rates include CDW, theft protection and third-party liability within the limits of the contract provided at pick-up.
• Excess and exclusions apply: tyres, wheels, glass, interior, underbody, roof, lost keys, negligence, driving under influence, unauthorised use, etc.
• Options to reduce or waive excess may be offered for an additional fee.
• In the event of a claim, the Customer must immediately notify us and, depending on severity, the police. The Customer must not admit liability without our written consent and must complete an accident report when required.

10. Use of the vehicle

The Customer must use the vehicle in compliance with traffic laws and these Terms. The following are prohibited unless we give prior written consent:

• Sub-letting, lending or transferring the vehicle to a third party.
• Driving by an undeclared or unauthorised person.
• Track use, racing, testing or abusive use.
• Transport of dangerous or illegal goods.
• Paid passenger transport (taxi, rideshare, etc.).
• Crossing borders not authorised on the contract.
• Smoking in the vehicle; carrying animals without suitable protection if prohibited on the contract.

Passengers and load must not exceed manufacturer limits. Children must be properly restrained as required by law.

11. Maintenance, damage, fines and assistance

• The Customer must treat the vehicle with care, heed warning indicators and report any malfunction or damage without delay.
• Fines, penalties and toll charges during the rental are fully the Customer’s responsibility. The Customer authorises us to provide driver identification data to the relevant authorities.
• In case of breakdown or accident, the Customer must immediately contact us and follow the assistance instructions provided with the vehicle or at the counter.
• Repairs or towing not authorised by us may not be covered.

12. Additional driver(s)

Additional drivers may be registered for a fee. They must meet the same age, licence and document requirements as the main driver. Any undeclared driver remains the Customer’s responsibility and may void insurance cover.

13. Options and equipment

GPS, child seat, snow chains, additional driver and other options are charged according to the current rate. The Customer is responsible for accessories supplied and their return in good condition.

14. Personal data

Data collected is processed in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable Swiss law (nFADP).

15. Force majeure

We are not liable for failure resulting from force majeure or events beyond our reasonable control (natural disaster, strike, pandemic, supply disruption, etc.). The parties will then seek a fair solution: reschedule, free cancellation or partial refund.

16. Complaints

Any complaint regarding the rental or invoicing must be sent in writing within 30 days after return to contact@geneva-rentalcars.com, with supporting documents (contract, photos, correspondence). We aim to respond promptly.

17. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Swiss law. For consumers, mandatory protective provisions applicable in their country of residence remain applicable where required by law.

Subject to those provisions, the place of jurisdiction is Geneva / Vernier (Switzerland). We may also bring proceedings before the competent court at the Customer’s domicile or habitual residence where permitted by law.

18. Contact

Geneva Rental Cars
Route de Meyrin 171, Blandonnet shopping centre
1214 Vernier, Switzerland
Phone +41 22 341 22 22
Email: contact@geneva-rentalcars.com