Car Rental API - Understanding Response Fields

The Car Rental API v2 returns structured data that describes vehicles, pricing, coverage options, and payment terms. This reference guide explains the key fields and values you will encounter across the Search, Details, and Booking responses.

SIPP Codes

The sipp_code field on each vehicle is a four-character industry-standard code defined by the Association of Car Rental Industry Systems Standards (ACRISS). Each character represents a vehicle attribute:

Example SIPP Codes

Vehicle Types

The vehicle_type field categorizes the vehicle by body style:

Vehicle Sizes

The vehicle_size field indicates the general size class:

Rate Structure

The rental_rate object contains pricing and restriction details.

Vehicle Charges

The vehicle_charges array breaks down the cost:

{
  "currency_code": "USD",
  "base_price": 245,
  "total_price": 289.75,
  "tax_inclusive": true,
  "purpose": "rental"
}

Rate Distance

The rate_distance field indicates the mileage policy:

Rate Restrictions

The rate_restrictions object specifies driver age requirements:

{
  "minimum_age": 21,
  "maximum_age": 75
}

• minimum_age — The minimum age to rent this vehicle. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge even if they meet the minimum age.
• maximum_age — The maximum age allowed. Not all vendors enforce this.

Fees

The fees array contains additional charges that may apply to a rental:

{
  "feetype": "oneway",
  "currency_code": "USD",
  "amount": 75,
  "description": "One-way drop-off fee"
}

Common fee types include:

Coverages

The coverages array lists insurance and protection options:

{
  "code": "CDW",
  "name": "Collision Damage Waiver",
  "description": "Covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of collision.",
  "included": true,
  "charge": {
    "currency_code": "USD",
    "amount": 0
  }
}

Common Coverage Codes

Payment Rules

The payment_rules array defines how and when payment is collected:

{
  "rule_type": "prepaid",
  "description": "Full payment is collected at the time of booking.",
  "amount": {
    "currency_code": "USD",
    "total": 289.75
  }
}

Common payment rule types:

Transmission Type

Fuel Type

Drive Type

Tips for Displaying Response Data

• Use the SIPP code as a fallback identifier when the vehicle name is generic (e.g., "Standard Car or similar"). The SIPP code provides specific attributes you can use to enhance the display.
• Show the totalprice prominently and indicate whether taxes are included by checking the taxinclusive flag.
• Display coverages that are included versus those that are optional. Customers should know what protection they already have.
• List all fees transparently. One-way fees and young driver surcharges can significantly affect the total cost.
• Indicate the payment timing. Whether the customer pays now (prepaid) or at the counter affects their booking experience and expectations.