Glossary

Car rental words

Understand everything before you sign: the contract terms, simply explained.

“Or similar”: You book a category: the agency gives you this model or an equivalent vehicle (same category, same essential equipment).
One-way: Rental returned in a different city from the pick-up city, for a repatriation fee.
Deposit (security deposit): An amount held on your credit card during the rental, then released when the vehicle is returned. It is not charged unless damage or charges are found.
Additional driver: An extra person authorised to drive. They must be declared and show their licence at the key handover.
Vehicle inspection: Inspection of the vehicle, with photos, at pick-up and return, which protects both the customer and the agency.
Excess: The maximum amount you pay in case of damage to the vehicle. Comfort or Serenity protection reduces it.
Parking attendant: A person in a vest who watches the vehicles in the street; you leave them a few dirhams when you leave.
Peak season: Periods of high demand (Christmas and New Year, spring holidays, autumn, summer): the daily rate is higher.
Jawaz: Electronic toll badge for Morocco's motorways, which saves you paying in cash.
Unlimited mileage: No daily kilometre cap. Otherwise, a limit (often 250 km per day) applies, with a surcharge beyond it.
Medina: A fortified old town, mainly pedestrian. Park in a guarded car park.
Track: An unpaved road. Standard protection often excludes them: ask the agency whether your contract allows them.
Full to full: The vehicle is handed over with a full tank and must be returned with the same fuel level. You only pay for the fuel you use.
Basic protection: Compulsory third-party liability and standard excess, included in every price.
Excess waiver (CDW): An insurance option that reduces or removes the excess. At Locavi, these are the Comfort and Serenity protections.
Riad: A traditional house built around a courtyard, often in the medina. The lanes cannot be reached by car: the agent delivers to the nearest gate.