RENTAL CARS
Enjoy the freedom of exploring the island on your own - go where you want, when you want. I highly recommend Stoutes Cars and would book as soon as you know your travel dates so that you won't be disappointed (at certain times of the year, all vehicles may be previously rented if you wait to the last minute).
We've used STOUTE'S since 1986 and always get good quality vehicles and wonderful service. They are family owned. They have a location right at the airport but they can also deliver a car to where you are staying. Check them out at www.stoutescar.com
They have all sorts of vehicles - mini-mokes, jeeps, full range of sizes in cars and vans (some vans will seat 7 passengers plus the driver). Mokes are the least expensive to rent, and other vehicles pricing will be higher, although you may find some great rates with summer specials. If you do lots of sightseeing, gas might run $60/week US for a week. Note: it's a good idea to take the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered, as most US policies do not cover foreign travel. Even credit card coverage is difficult to collect in case an accident should occur.
Their vehicle hire rates may vary from season to season. Their rates are determined by supply, demand, and market conditions. Rates quoted are only guaranteed at the time they are quoted.
Vehicle hire works on a 24 hour basis – e.g., if you hire a vehicle at 11 a.m. and return it at 11 a.m. the next day, this would be considered a one day rental. Extra charges will be applied if the vehicle is returned late.
All rates quoted include unlimited mileage.
Barbados Driving Permits:
To drive in Barbados it is mandatory to obtain a Barbados driving permit, these may be purchased from a Stoutes representative on delivery at a cost of $5 US per person. These permits are valid for two months.
Age and Licence Requirements:
Drivers must be over 21 and under 80 years old. Each driver must have held a valid driving licence for at least two years – this license must be produced at the time of delivery of the vehicle, this is necessary for repeat clients as well.
Extension of Hire:
Requests for extension of the hire should be made 24 hours ahead of the return date, while Stoutes will make every effort to allow extensions they are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellation Policy:
Clients are asked to inform Stoutes as soon as they know that they need to cancel the reservation. The reservation status will be changed to No Show if the client has not shown up for the car within 24 hours, and has not contacted Stoutes to change the delivery details.
Fuel Policy:
Vehicles are delivered with approximately ¼ tank of fuel ($15 - $25 US depending on the vehicle category), for which clients will be charged on delivery. The tank should be left as empty as possible on return.
Child Seats/GPS Units:
Child/booster seats are available for hire - $5 US per day.
GPS Units are also available for hire - $5 US per day.
Extra Drivers:
There is an extra driver’s fee of $2.50 USD per day, with a maximum charge of $50 USD per rental per driver. The renter’s spouse is exempt from additional driver charges.
Insurance:
With Stoutes' rate of hire, the vehicle is comprehensively insured except for a deductible of $1,750 US in case of loss, accident or damage to the vehicles – regardless of fault. An optional EXCESS WAIVER is available and recommended to cover this deductible. If this Excess Waiver is purchased, responsibility for the deductible is reduced to $125 US. Upon return, a Stoutes agent will inspect the vehicle, and determine if the vehicle has been returned in the same condition as it was received.
Credit Card Collision Coverage:
Some credit card companies and internet sites offer collision coverage benefits. As in many types of coverage there are limitations, and clients should check carefully to verify the coverage they have. If the client has purchased excess waiver from another source and has an accident during the hire, he must pay Stoutes for the damages incurred up to the maximum $1,750 US. Stoutes will then supply the documentation required to reclaim this payment from the company. Clients must have a valid credit card so Stoutes can authorize a security hold if deemed necessary.
The Excess Waiver is voided if the client has an accident, and must be purchased again for the rest of the hire.
Additional Charges:
Charges for hire, excess waiver, petrol, child seats and GPS units are subject to 17.5% VAT. Government taxes shown herein are subject to change without notice.
Tyre Policy:
Tyre damage is not covered by Stoutes' Excess Waiver. Flat tyres are repaired free of charge, but if a tyre or rim has been damaged beyond repair, the client will be charged for the cost of replacement. It is therefore imperative that clients check the tyres carefully when the vehicle is delivered to them.
Payment Methods:
Stoutes accepts payment by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Credit Cards. They also accept payment in cash (US, Canadian, Sterling, and Euro) and travellers cheques, but require credit card details to be supplied where payment is made in cash/travellers cheques.
Roadside Assistance:
They offer a 24 hour roadside assistance service in case of emergencies – please phone 1-246-416-4456.
Information courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Authority: In Barbados, remember that you will be driving on the left side of the road. The island's narrow causeways, roundabouts and occasional blind corners make it a good idea to pay careful attention while driving here.
Visitors to the island are easily identifiable on the road by the "H" number plate. Locals are usually accommodating of your confusion with directions, roundabouts, road signs, etc. and make allowances. Authorized security personnel across the island are usually in uniform, so do not pay any one else who claims to be "security" to guard your vehicle. Please be careful with your possessions and place them in the boot/trunk wherever possible and ensure that the vehicle is always locked when unattended.
STOUTES CAR RENTAL
Ann Stoute with Lois
Insider Tip: If you mention that Lois Swanson recommended, they may offer you a possible discount.
You can contact Ann Stoute via e-mail at:
ann@stoutescar.com if you have questions or want specific quotes.