What Is Included in a Car Rental in Sri Lanka? Kilometres, Fuel, Insurance and Deposit

Kilometres: the daily allowance

Our standard rates include 100 km per day. Kilometres beyond the allowance are billed at the excess kilometre rate of the vehicle, and some vehicles offer an unlimited-kilometre add-on. If you plan long days, add up the distance first: for example, the drive from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is roughly 170 to 180 km, so a day like that exceeds the allowance on its own.

Fuel policy

Fuel works on a full-to-full or same-level basis: you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had at handover. Check the gauge at handover and note it on the agreement.

Insurance and the excess

All our vehicles carry commercial rent-a-car insurance. A standard insurance excess applies and is borne by the hirer, as specified in the agreement. Cover is void if the driver is unlicensed, intoxicated or guilty of gross negligence. In an accident, tell us and the local police straight away.

Security deposit and payment

Rental charges are settled before or at handover, as the agreement states. A refundable security deposit is taken and returned after the vehicle is inspected on its safe return.

Who may drive

The driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence with at least one to two years of experience. Foreign nationals must hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or obtain a temporary driving endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC); see the International Driving Permit guide and the temporary licence guide. Only drivers named in the agreement may drive, and extra drivers can be added in advance on showing a valid licence.

Tolls, fines and damage

The hirer pays traffic violations, speeding and parking fines and expressway tolls during the hire. Damage to tyres, rims, the undercarriage, keys or interior caused by misuse is charged at the standard replacement cost. Carry some cash for expressway tolls.

Breakdowns and replacement

If the car breaks down, call our 24/7 emergency dispatch. If roadside repair cannot be completed promptly, an equivalent replacement vehicle is provided, subject to location and availability. Report any warning light or unusual noise at once, and do your daily checks of coolant, engine oil and tyre pressure.

What is not allowed

Racing, off-road rallying, towing other vehicles, carrying hazardous goods and illegal commercial use are prohibited. Smoking, and carrying uncontrolled animals, inside the car are not allowed.

• Ask what the daily rate includes before you compare quotes.
• Ask for the excess amount and the excess kilometre rate in writing.
• Photograph the car and note the fuel level at handover.

Quick tips

• Compare the total cost, not only the daily rate.
• Add up your planned kilometres against the 100 km daily allowance.
• Keep the agreement, the insurance papers and our emergency number in the car.