How can I book a car?
You can quickly book on our website or via email at mail@grupo-arruda.com. Choose your dates, car and insurance, complete the payment process and leave only the deposit or excess associated with the insurance you selected, which is processed at pick-up.
Is the payment 100% at the time of booking? Is a credit card mandatory?
It is the easiest method, yes. Online payment can also be made by Credit Card, MB Way and ATM Reference or by bank transfer for bookings made by email.
What is the difference between the types of insurance?
Maximum Risk: Only covers damages caused by third parties, which must be duly proven. Additionally, this insurance has a 1200€ deposit when collecting the vehicle, which we return on the end of your rental, provided there’s no damage.
Low Risk: Although damage underneath the vehicle, rims, tires and glass is not included, this rate with a fixed deposit of 600€ is a clear upgrade to Maximum Risk, as any other damage to the vehicle is covered. This insurance also includes Roadside Assistance, Interior Cleaning Service and 2nd driver on offer. Wheels and Tires insurance and Glass Breakage insurance can be added as an extra.
Zero Risk: Full coverage except rims and tires and without any deposit or deductible, the true meaning of traveling with peace of mind.
Negligence to avoid:
- Fuel change;
- Damage to the interior of the vehicle;
- Scraping the sheet metal of cars with sensors and a rear camera;
- Inability to remove the car from a certain place;
- Loss of car keys;
- Disrespect for traffic rules;
- Misuse of the vehicle;
- Driving on dirt roads.
These negligences are not tolerated even if you have full insurance and you will be charged depending on the damage or situation.
How does the deposit work? Is a credit card mandatory?
When the vehicle is picked up, a temporary deposit is made depending on the amount of the deposit for each insurance policy added, refunded upon return of the car if no damages are found. If damages are caused, our team will assess them: if the damages are higher than the deposit value, you must pay the remaining amount. If they are lower, we will return the difference between the deposit value and the damages caused. Find more details in the questions below.
The deposit can be made by credit card or in cash.
How far in advance can I cancel a reservation?
You can cancel your reservation at any time, but we only guarantee a 100% refund for cancellations made up to 48 hours before pickup for Zero Risk insurance. Maximum and Low Risk Insurance does not offer the possibility of a refunding the reservation. When you repay, you will be charged a bank free.
Can anyone drive the car?
No, the personal data you enter into the reservation is assumed to be the driver’s for contract production. If this is not the case, you should inform us via email at mail@grupo-arruda.com, sending the necessary documents from the designated driver. To avoid this restriction, just add a second driver to the reservation or opt for Total Insurance.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at Arruda Rent a Car?
To book and drive one of our cars, you must be 19 years old or have at least one year of driver’s license.
What information will I receive after booking?
After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with pick-up procedures upon arrival at the airport, available below on this page. If you have any remaining questions or additional issues, we are always available via email at mail@grupo-arruda.com or phone at (+351) 960 145 403.
What should I do when I arrive at Ponta Delgada airport?
Head to Parking Lot No. 5, immediately to your right at the exit door of the airport. There you will find an Arruda Rent a Car employee ready to receive you, and after a free transfer of 60 seconds to our facilities, you will be at your car. If you have any difficulties, contact us at (+351) 960 145 403.
Where do I pick up the car?
Upon your arrival, please wait at Parking Lot P5 of the Airport, located on the right-hand side as you exit the terminal. From there, we provide a free 24-hour shuttle service to bring you to our facilities for vehicle pickup.
When returning the vehicle, it should be dropped off at our facilities, and you will once again be provided with a complimentary shuttle back to the Airport.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
As soon as you have this information, call or send a text message to (+351) 960 145 403. If you prefer, you can email us at mail@grupo-arruda.com. We only ask that you include the name or reservation number associated with your message.
What are the necessary documents to pick up the vehicle?
For the pick-up of your vehicle, we only require that you present your identification document and driver’s license. The process will be quick and efficient, we want you to be exploring the island as quickly as possible.
Are the kilometers unlimited?
Of course, we want you to experience the maximum of our island, and for that, it wouldn’t make sense to limit your exploration. In addition, our vehicles are new and modern so that you can do it safely and comfortably, no matter the distance traveled.
What do I do if authorities stop me while driving an Arruda Rent a Car vehicle?
Be cooperative with our authorities and present the requested documents, namely your identification documents, driver’s license, and the Arruda Rent a Car rental contract, which you can find inside the vehicle’s glove compartment.
Does Arruda Rent a Car provide roadside assistance? What should I do if I need support?
Whether it’s a flat tire or a road accident, we’re here for you. After a quick assessment by our team over the phone, we will send assistance to the location as quickly as possible and even, if justified, a replacement vehicle so that you can quickly continue your journey. What to do? After ensuring that you are parked in a safe location and setting up the safety triangle, contact us through the number (+351) 960 145 403. Tell us the vehicle’s license plate and explain the situation and the location where you are, sharing your location. Arruda Rent a Car will take care of the rest.
I have Total Insurance and caused damage to the vehicle. Do I have to pay anything?
If the exterior damages are less than €1,500, you have NOTHING to pay. If the damage value is higher than €1,500, you will only have to pay the insurance activation deductible. We remind you that Total Insurance does not include neglicences, damage caused to rims and tires, and a specific Rim and Tire insurance can be added as an extra.
I have Normal Insurance and caused damage to the vehicle. Do I have to pay anything?
This basic insurance option covers only damages caused by third parties, which must be properly proven. If the damages were caused by you, you will naturally have to take responsibility for them when returning the vehicle.
How do I return my vehicle at the end of the reservation?
At the end of your trip, look for the QR code on your keychain with the location of our facilities so that you can quickly get to us and be transported back to the airport through our free transfer service. If you prefer, here is the link to the map or our address: Rua José das Neves Ferreira Armazém 9, 9500-371 Ponta Delgada.
Is it mandatory to wash the vehicle before returning it?
Don’t worry, washing the vehicle is included in your rental. We naturally ask for care with its use, especially the interior, but we want you to enjoy your trip without that concern when returning it.
Should I refuel the vehicle before returning it?
As fuel consumption is the driver’s responsibility, the vehicle must be returned with a full tank, as it was received initially. If you prefer not to do it, you can choose a one-time payment equivalent amount at drop-off.
How do I get my deposit amount back?
When you return the vehicle at the end of your reservation, we assess it, and if no damages are found, we immediately order the bank to return your deposit. If there are damages to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, we proceed according to the insurance you chose, so we always recommend Total Insurance for a worry-free trip since you have nothing to pay for damages up to €1,500, and you receive your deposit immediately.
If the vehicle has damages at the time of delivery, how is the evaluation done?
The coverage or payment of damages will be determined depending on the type of damage and the insurance option you selected. You can check the evaluation and cost table inside your vehicle, along with the contract. We remind you that with Total Insurance, you have NOTHING to pay if external damages are less than €1,500. If the value of the damages exceeds €1,500, you will only have to pay the insurance activation franchise. You should consider this issue at the time of your reservation to ensure a worry-free stay.
I forgot an item in the car when I returnet it, what should I do?
Arruda Rent a Car is not responsible for items left in vehicles. A review of the vehicle is carried out togetther with the client so that nothing is left behind.
Can’t find your question on this page?
We want you to feel confident with your stay, so please ask us anything you want through email at mail@grupo-arruda.com or contact us by phone at (+351) 960 145 403.
Edited on 20-05-2025
