Frequently Asked Questions

Things to Know About Your Rental

Where is Bigs Car Rental located?

Bigs Car Rental serves English Harbour and the airport. Rental pickup and return details can be arranged when you reserve your vehicle.

How old do I need to be to rent a vehicle?

Renters should be at least 24 years old.

Do I need a temporary driver's permit?

All non-OECS driver's license holders must obtain a temporary driver's permit to drive in Antigua. We provide the temporary driver's license at our office.

Can anybody else drive my rental car?

Yes. You may add up to four additional drivers at no extra cost. All drivers must be listed on the rental contract and meet the driving requirements.

Where may I drive my rental car?

Rental cars are authorized to be driven anywhere in Antigua, but don't forget that here we drive on the left side of the road.

When does my rental period end?

Your rental period ends at the same time as pickup. For example, if you pick up at 8:30am, the vehicle should be returned by 8:30am on the return date. Hourly charges apply to late returns, and the amount varies by vehicle.

How should I return the vehicle's fuel?

Vehicles should be returned with the same amount of fuel received at pickup. If the vehicle is returned short of fuel, you will be charged per one-eighth of a tank, or any part thereof. The cost per one-eighth varies by vehicle type.

Are vehicles insured?

All of our vehicles are third party insured, which covers authorized drivers if they injure someone or damage someone else's property while using the vehicle according to the rental agreement. For added coverage, you may purchase LDW.

What is LDW?

LDW means Loss Damage Waiver. Where allowed, LDW is not insurance and is not mandatory. If you accept LDW at the daily rate and use the car according to the rental agreement, Bigs Car Rental will assume loss or damage to the car except for your responsibility amount.

What happens if I do not accept LDW?

If you do not accept LDW, you owe for all loss or damage to the car. Your responsibility also includes theft and vandalism. LDW does not cover damage to rims, tyres, interior, windshields, electronic keys, key fobs or fuel.

Will my credit card cover me for damages?

Credit card coverages are almost always secondary coverage, which means you must first submit a claim to your own insurance carrier and the credit card company usually covers the excess for comprehensive or collision losses. As with insurance company policies, restrictions apply. Always call your credit card company prior to rental, as coverages often change.

Do you provide child safety seats and when are they required?

Yes, we provide child safety seats at an additional cost of US$5 per day. The law requires all children under 4 years of age to be transported in a child restraint system. Children are safest when riding in the back seat of the vehicle.

Are there cleaning fees?

A cleaning fee of US$200 may be charged if the vehicle is returned excessively dirty, stained, sandy, with a wet interior, or with offensive odors such as smoke or fish. Smoking is not allowed in vehicles. Violators will be charged a US$250 odor removal fee.

Is a security deposit required?

We require a blank, signed credit card charge slip to hold for the duration of your rental for incidental damages. This slip is destroyed or returned at the end of the rental, as long as the vehicle is returned in the same condition as delivered at the beginning of your rental.

What if my departure flight is prior to the opening of the car rental office?

When you rent your car, return arrangements will always be made. We may arrange to have you leave the car at the office, at your hotel or at the airport, whichever is most convenient for you.