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Car Rental

Reviewing Terms and Conditions

Before signing, the rental agent reviews key terms and conditions with the customer, such as mileage limits, fuel policy, additional driver fees, late return policies, and special equipment rentals.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
rental_agent (Male)
Alright, before we finalize everything, let's just quickly go over the key terms and conditions here. Have you rented with us before?
2
customer (Female)
No, this is my first time. I'd appreciate you walking me through it.
3
rental_agent (Male)
No problem at all. So, first, regarding mileage, your reservation includes unlimited mileage, which is great, no worries there. For fuel, it's a full-to-full policy – you'll pick it up with a full tank and we ask you to return it full. Otherwise, there's a refueling charge.
4
customer (Female)
Okay, full-to-full, got it. What about additional drivers?
5
rental_agent (Male)
Good question. An additional driver can be added for a small daily fee of $10. They'll also need to present a valid driver's license and meet our age requirements, just like you.
6
customer (Female)
Understood. And if I happen to return the car a little late?
7
rental_agent (Male)
We have a 29-minute grace period after your scheduled return time. Beyond that, a half-day charge applies for up to two hours late, and then a full day's rate if it's longer. We encourage you to call us if you foresee a significant delay.
8
customer (Female)
Okay, that's clear. One last thing – if I needed a GPS or a child seat, how does that work?
9
rental_agent (Male)
Those are considered special equipment and can be added for a daily charge if available. We recommend reserving them in advance, especially child seats, as they're subject to availability. Any other questions about the terms?
10
customer (Female)
No, I think that covers everything. Thanks for going through it so thoroughly.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

mileage

Mileage refers to the distance a car travels, measured in miles or kilometers. In car rentals, it's important to know if there are limits on how far you can drive.

unlimited

Unlimited means without any restrictions or limits. For example, unlimited mileage allows you to drive as much as you want without extra charges.

fuel policy

Fuel policy is the rule about the gas in the car when you rent it. It explains how much fuel you need to return with to avoid fees.

refueling charge

Refueling charge is an extra fee the rental company adds if you don't return the car with a full tank of gas.

additional driver

An additional driver is another person allowed to drive the rental car, usually for an extra fee.

grace period

Grace period is a short time allowed after the deadline without penalty. In rentals, it's extra time to return the car late without full charges.

availability

Availability means whether something is in stock or can be provided. For example, child seats may not be available if not reserved early.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Alright, before we finalize everything, let's just quickly go over the key terms and conditions here.

This sentence is a polite way to introduce reviewing important details before finishing a deal. Use it in business or service situations to ensure understanding. 'Go over' means to review or discuss briefly.

I'd appreciate you walking me through it.

This expresses polite thanks for an explanation. 'Walking me through' means guiding step by step. Useful when asking for help in new situations like rentals; it shows respect and eagerness to learn.

For fuel, it's a full-to-full policy – you'll pick it up with a full tank and we ask you to return it full.

This explains a common rental rule clearly. 'Full-to-full policy' is a specific term; the dash adds an example. Useful for understanding and discussing car rental policies to avoid surprises.

An additional driver can be added for a small daily fee of $10.

This sentence describes adding an option with a cost. 'Can be added' shows possibility; 'daily fee' means charge per day. Use it when inquiring about extras in services like rentals.

We have a 29-minute grace period after your scheduled return time.

This informs about a lenient rule. 'Grace period' is key vocabulary; 'after your scheduled return time' specifies the timing. Helpful for knowing penalties and planning returns accurately.

Those are considered special equipment and can be added for a daily charge if available.

This categorizes items and conditions for adding them. 'Considered' means viewed as; 'if available' notes dependency. Use in conversations about optional add-ons, like in travel services.

No, I think that covers everything. Thanks for going through it so thoroughly.

This politely ends the discussion. 'Covers everything' means includes all points; 'going through it' means explaining in detail. Useful to show satisfaction and close a conversation positively.