header imagen

Rental Conditions in Switzerland

Select a rental company to view available rates

Conditions

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF).

Tax

7,70%.

Age information

You must be at least 19 years old to rent at this location. The maximum renting age at this location is 99 years.

You must be 19 years of age to rent car group A.

Minimum age 21 years for all other car groups but, you must be 25 years of age to rent car groups H, J, P and I.

No young driver surcharge will apply for rentals in Switzerland.

Credit Cards

The renter will be required to present an international credit card at his name accepted by Budget at the time of rental.

Budget Switzerland accepts:

American Express,
Diners Club,
Visa,
MasterCard.

Please note that the credit card must have the renter's name and numbers embossed on it.


Two credit cards will be requested for vehicles of category H, I, J and P.

We do not accept Digital Payment Cards.

Driver's License (Physical)

Each driver must show photographic proof of identity at the start of the rental. The licence must be valid for use in the renting country.

If your licence was issued outside the European Community you must provide an International Driving Licence.

All drivers must present a full and current driving licence which has been held for at least 6 months.

Budget do not accept digital driving licenses.

Debit card

Debit cards are not accepted.

Winterization fee

Please note that from 15th November to 31th March all passenger cars are equipped with winter suitable.
Any cost associated with that will automatically be incorporated into the retail rate levels during that period.

The customer will not incur any extra charges. Outside those dates winter tyres are available at a cost of CHF 11.66 per day.

Additional Drivers

All additional drivers must meet Budget age, driving license and ID requirements.
All additional drivers must be present at time of pick-up of the rental vehicle.

There is a fee for every Additional Driver Budget allows driving the vehicle. The price is CHF 16.80 plus tax per day, per driver.
If the rental is longer than 10 days, renter will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days (CHF 168,00) and get cover for the duration of the rental, up to 28 days.

Hold Amount

Budget will request a pre-authorization on the charge card. While this hold is in place the funds will not be available for use. When the rental is over Budget will process the reversal but the bank may take time to post it back to the account.

If the rental has been prepaid we only authoriz an amount of a full tank aprox. CHF 106.
if the rental has not been prepaid we block the total amount of the rental and plus CHF 106.- for the gas.

This proceder is for the following car Grps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, K, L, M, N, O

For the car Grps H, J, I and P the customer must present two credit cards and we block CHF 3000.- on each credit card.

Smoke free cars

It is not allowed to smoke in the vehicle. If Budget finds out that anyone has smoked in the vehicle during the rental period, a Specialist Cleaning Charge will apply.

If the interior of the vehicle is especially muddy, dirty, stained or smelly, and Budget standard cleaning procedure will not fix it, renter will be charged a Specialist Cleaning Charge between CHF 75.60 and CHF 260.00 plus our Administration Fee of CHF 60.00.

Important

Budget and Budget licensees reserve the right to refuse any request for rental including requests for persons under age, persons not in possession of a recognized full and valid driver's license, persons unable to satisfy credit or cash requirements, or persons who, in the opinion of Avis, constitute a risk.

Insurances & Coverages

CDW - Collition Damage Waiver

If renter has purchased Damage Waiver (CDW) and the vehicle, keys, any accessories or any vehicle documents are damaged, the amount he has to pay will be reduced to no more than the excess stated on the rental agreement meaning he’ll pay for the cost of repair or replacement plus a damage processing fee of CHF 32.40 or the excess, whichever is less.

The amount of the excess is stated on the rental agreement.

In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard.

>
Car GroupExcess
(If the CDW is included or purchased)
ACHF 2000,00
BCHF 2000,00
CCHF 2500,00
DCHF 2500,00
ECHF 3000,00
FCHF 3000,00
GCHF 3000,00
HCHF 3500,00
ICHF 3500,00
JCHF 3500,00
KCHF 2000,00
LCHF 3000,00
MCHF 3000,00
NCHF 3500,00
OCHF 3500,00
PCHF 3500,00

TPL - Third Party Liability

Third Party Liability (TPL) cover is provided with the vehicle as standard. This means that if the renter has an accident in our vehicle and he injures someone, including any of his passengers, or he damages anything which belongs to them, he will not have to pay any of their costs.
Third Party Liability cover does not cover any death or injury suffered by the driver of our vehicle or any damage to personal items in our vehicle.

If the law requires us to provide renter with third party liability cover, the minimum cover required by law will still apply but we, or our insurer, may seek to recover our costs from the renter if the accident was caused by:

By the renter breaking the contract (for example allowing someone we had not approved drive the vehicle of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other unlawful substance).
By the renter breaking the law.
As a result of the renter’s negligence or recklessness.

Coverage
The maximum coverage in case of damage to property is CHF 100 million
The maximum coverage in case of personal injury is CHF 100 million
The maximum coverage in case of death is CHF 100 million

TP - Theft Protection

If renter has Theft Protection (TP) and the vehicle is stolen, the amount he has to pay will be reduced to no more than the excess stated on the rental agreement, meaning he’ll pay for the cost of repair or replacement or the excess, whichever is less.

>
Car GroupExcess
(If the CDW is included or purchased)
ACHF 2000,00
BCHF 2000,00
CCHF 2500,00
DCHF 2500,00
ECHF 3000,00
FCHF 3000,00
GCHF 3000,00
HCHF 3500,00
ICHF 3500,00
JCHF 3500,00
KCHF 2000,00
LCHF 3000,00
MCHF 3000,00
NCHF 3500,00
OCHF 3500,00
PCHF 3500,00

SCDW - Super Collition Damage Waiver

Super Damage Waiver (SCDW) is an excess reduction product which reduces the excess to zero in case of accidental damage to the rented car.
Renter can purchase this coverage when starting the rental if it is not included in the rate.

Side Mirrors, Windsreen and Undercarriage including tyres and rims are not covered by this product.

Car GroupCost per dayExcess
(if SCDW purchased)
ACHF 32,40CHF 0
BCHF 32,40CHF 0
CCHF 38,40CHF 0
DCHF 38,40CHF 0
ECHF 32,40CHF 0
FCHF 38,40CHF 0
GCHF 38,40CHF 0
HCHF 46,80CHF 0
ICHF 46,80CHF 0
JCHF 46,80CHF 0
KCHF 32,40CHF 0
LCHF 38,40CHF 0
MCHF 38,40CHF 0
NCHF 46,80CHF 0
OCHF 46,80CHF 0
PCHF 46,80CHF 0

PAI - Personal Accident Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) covers the driver of the Budget vehicle in the event of an accident.

PAI provides the following benefits:

A maximum of CHF 99,720.00 in the event of death, loss of limbs or eyes or permanent total disability.
A maximum of CHF 4,986.00 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident.
Medical assistance and rescue costs (conditions apply).

Some rates include this insurance.
In case it is not included renter can purchase it at the counter and its price depends on the rental location, but it is usually CHF 7.20 a day.

Additional charges

Fuel and Electricity Charges

Vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel at the start of the rental.
To avoid refuelling charges please return the car with a full tank of fuel.

If the fuel tank is not full we will fill the tank and charge you for the fuel. Fuel is charged at market price plus tax.

A refuelling service charge of CHF 25.00 applies.

Fuel Options

Planning to travel more than 120 kilometers? - Fuel Up Front
Renter can pay for a full tank of fuel, based on the manufacturer's stated fuel tank capacity for the rented vehicle – plus our costs of refueling the vehicle.
Then renter just returns the vehicle with whatever’s left in the tank (even if it’s virtually empty) so long as the engine still runs.
If renter wants to buy Fuel Up Front, he must ask for and buy it at time of rental.

How do I calculate the cost of Fuel Up Front?
Depending on the rental location, we charge the average fuel price at the start of the rental period. For further details on the price for Fuel up Front, please ask the rental station. However, you don’t get a refund for any fuel you don’t use.

If renter drives less than 120 kilometers Budget will apply EZ fuel
Often the fuel gauges stills look “full” even if the tank is actually no longer full, so Budget asks customers to fill up the tank near to the return location shortly before returning the vehicle and show us a copy of the receipt.

If the customer doesn’t have time to fill up the tank, or can’t show a receipt, Budget will apply EZ Fuel to cover refuelling costs. This shall apply even if the factory-installed fuel gauge shows the tank as full.

How much is EZ Fuel?
Depending on the rental location, but normally you pay a fixed fee of CHF 21.60

Pay on Return will apply if renter has driven more than 120 kilometers and:

Doesn`t buy Fuel Up Front
Doesn´t return the vehicle with a full tank

How do I calculate the cost of Pay on Return?
Renter will pay for fuel based on the factory-installed fuel gauge rounding down the fuel level to the nearest eighth (1/8) of a tank.
This is based on the manufacturer’s stated fuel tank capacity.

We charge between 1.5 and three times the average fuel price at the end of the rental period for Switzerland plus our administration fee of CHF 20.00. The price per litre will be stated on your rental agreement.
This charge covers our cost of driving to the nearest petrol station at short notice, and potentially delaying the next customer’s rental.

Additional information

Late / Early return charge

If you are delayed and arrive outside of office hours (i.e. due to a delayed flight) a charge will apply.

If you are late and have entered your flight number when booking we will guarantee your rental for 30 minutes after landing. After this time your reserved car may be released and rented to another customer.

Unless agreed differently, all customers must return the vehicle and any optional extras at the time/date and location stated on their rental agreement.
If the customer believes they will be late, it is in their best interest to request an extension from us.
If the customer is then late in returning their vehicle ,they must pay for an extra day's rental for the vehicle and any optional extras plus a late return processing fee for each day/part of a day they are late.

The processing fee is EUR 15,00, UKL 15,00 or the equivalent amount in the renting country currency.

Out of office hours - Return
If the vehicle is returned outside of office hours the driver is liable for damage or theft until the car has been inspected by a member of Budget staff.

You may return the vehicle out of hours if you request this at the time of booking.
There is no charge for this service.

Instructions to return your vehicle outside of office hours:
Please do park the vehicle on one of the marked Budget (Avis) parking spaces – don't forget to lock the car!
Then note the mileage reading and date and time of the return on the rental agreement and put it into the key drop box together with the car key.

The late return administration fee is CHF 20,00 per day.

One Way rentals

Some rental locations let renters collect the vehicle and any optional extras from one rental location and return them to another.

The price depends on the rental location and the car group rented. If renter wants to pick up the vehicle and return it to a different location he should ask his local Budget Sales Representative or the rental station.

If customer asked for a one-way rental when he booked, the fee will be included in the rental price.

Fines and charges

The administration fee for traffic fines is CHF 35.00

Driving restrictions

Cross the border

Budget cars rented in Switzerland are permitted outside of borders, with restrictions. Customers are only allowed to use the vehicle in the following countries:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
France
Finland
Germany
Great Britain
Ireland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Slovenia
Sweden

Porsche vehicles may only be driven in France, Monaco, Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

The vehicle can be transported on a ferry but the vehicle is not covered on the ferry.

Entries to Croatia and Slovenia are not allowed for vehicles from car group I.

Renters are not allowed to use the vehicle in the Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and any country outside continental Europe.

Not allowed are also: Balearic Islands, Canaries, Corsica, Crete, Sardinia.

Can renters buy a product to allow them to drive in other countries?
Yes, if renters buy Travel East cover, they may also take our vehicles only from car groups A + H to: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.

How do I buy Travel East cover?
Travel East is only available at selected rental locations and on selected vehicles. To find out where customers can buy it, learn about any restrictions that apply – and to get a quote – please call your local Budget Representative.

If renter buys Travel East, he must only park the vehicle in supervised car parks or supervised parking areas and he must not provide the keys to any third parties under any circumstances (for example to use their valet parking service).

How much does it cost?
The cost is usually between CHF 39.00 and CHF 52.00 a day.
If the vehicle is rented for more than 10 days, renter will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get the cover for the duration of the rental, up to 28 days.

Circulation restrictions

There are toll roads and toll bridges which require driver to pay a fee if he wishes to use them. If he does not pay these charges before he uses such roads or bridges, he will incur a fine, which he will be responsible for paying.

We recommend customers check the Internet to find out about any restricted areas before traveling.
Websites such as Urban Access Regulations provide useful information.

If the rental location is in or near a restricted area, we will tell the customer about it when he picks up the vehicle.
We are unable to inform about any other restricted areas.

Optional services and equipment

Child Safety Seats

In Switzerland, all children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 150 cm tall.

Budget Switzerland offers baby, child and boosters seats.

A baby seat is typically suitable for a child from birth to 12 months old and weighing no more than 13 kilos.

An infant seat is typically suitable for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old and weighing between 9 and 18 kilos.

A child seat is typically suitable for a child aged 4 to 11 years old and weighing between 15 and 36 kilos.

A booster seat is typically suitable for a child aged 8 to 11 years old and weighing between 20 and 45 kilos.

The fee for renting a seat will depend on the pick-up location – but you can expect it to cost between CHF 12.00 and EUR 78.00 per rental.

If the seat is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. It will probably be between CHF 20.00 and plus the rental costs.

Remember, it is always the renter’s responsibility to check the seat is fitted correctly before driving away.

GPS

Most Budget locations offer GPS.
The fee for renting a GPS will depend on the rental location but is usually CHF 28.80 a day.
If the vehicle is rented for more than 10 days, renter will only be charged with this additional fee for a maximum of 10 days (CHF 288,00) and get to use the GPS for the duration of the rental, up to 28 days.

If the GPS device is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. The costs for this will probably be about CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee.

In some countries, it is against the law to use a GPS that tells where speed cameras are. It is illegal in Switzerland.
If you rent a GPS from Budget, it won’t provide speed camera information.

Travel Partner

Budget Travel Partner which provides assistance from language translation to lost property services and much more. We provide this service on behalf of a third party and will provide you with details when you pick up the vehicle.

The fee for the Budget Travel Partner service is CHF 12.00 a day.

RSN - Roadside Assistance

The cost of the service is CHF 7,20 per day and CHF 72,00 per rental.

24/7 Roadside Assistance/Emergency Breakdown. Telephone: +41 44 200 6013

Mobile Wi-Fi

Budget Switzerland offers Mobile Wi-Fi devices. We provide this service on behalf of a third party – so renter will need to read and agree to separate terms and conditions with them.
Budget will provide these terms and conditions at the rental location.

Available at the following airport stations: Geneva, Zürich, Basel

The fee for hiring mobile Wi-Fi will depend on the rental location, but it is usually CHF 10.00 a day.

If the mobile Wi-Fi device is damaged, lost or stolen, customer will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost around CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee.

If any mobile Wi-Fi accessories are damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. The costs of this are expected to range between CHF 3.00 to CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee.

In many countries, including Switzerland, it is illegal to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, tablet or other communications device. It is customers’ responsibility to drive safely and according to the laws of the country they are driving in.

Winter equipment

If the rental location customer is hiring from is in an area where it’s illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with them – and the fee will be included in the rental fee or contract.

We can also supply winter tyres for a fee. This will depend on the rental location – but it is usually CHF 11.66 a day.

If any winter tyre is damaged, lost or stolen, renter is responsible for the cost of a replacement pair.

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if your rental does not automatically include winter tyres and you want to hire them.

If the rental location customer is hiring from is in an area where it’s illegal to drive without Snow Chains or winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with snow chains – and the fee will be included in the rental fee.
He can ask not to have these but we recommend taking either snow chains or all-weather tyres at these locations.

Snow chains are also available in some other rental locations. The fee for snow chains depends on the rental location, but it is usually CHF 36.00 per rental.

If any snow chains are damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement pair.

All rental locations offer Ski racks. Renter can expect to pay CHF 69.60 per rental to rent a Ski Rack from us.

Ski racks cannot be fitted to all our vehicles, so customer might need to upgrade if he needs one. This may increase the price of the vehicle and any excess he would have to pay.

If the ski rack is damaged, lost or stolen, renter will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost between CHF 100.00 and CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee.

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you want to hire a ski rack.