SIPP codes are used to summarise the key features of a vehicle. They
are the industry standard for describing vehicles.
The code is normally 4 characters long. For example:
CDMR: Compact 4 door manual car with air conditioning
A CDMR vehicle could be one of many different makes/model, for example:
Ford Focus
Fiat Stilo
Hyundai Matrix
Why use SIPP codes?
SIPP codes make it easier to compare vehicles by grouping similar
vehicles together. There are thousands of different vehicles in the world,
so there needs to be a system of organising them.
Will I definitely get the model that I book?
When you book a vehicle, you are not guaranteed to receive that vehicle:
you will receive a vehicle with the same or superior SIPP code. It is quite
common to receive a different vehicle, so don't set your hopes on receiving
a specific make or model. Sometimes vehicles are being repaired and other times
one model might be over-booked. However, you will receive a vehicle of the same
calibre - that is what the SIPP ensures.
How do I use a SIPP code?
The 4 letters describe different things - either the type of vehicle, the
number of doors, the transmission or whether it has air conditioning.
First letter (Size of vehicle)
Second letter (Number of doors)
Third letter (Transmission)
Fourth letter (Air-conditioning)
C = Compact
B = 2 door
A = Automatic
R = Yes
E = Economy
C = 2 or 4 door
M = Manual
N = No
F = Full-size
D = 4 door
I = Intermediate
F = 4-Wheel Drive
L = Luxury
J = All Terrain
M = Mini
K = Cargo Van
P = Premium
L = Limousine
S = Standard
P = Pickup
X = Special
R = Recreational
S = Sport
T = Convertable
V = Passenger Van
W = Wagon / Estate
X = Special
Why have a 2/4 door car?
A common second letter SIPP is the letter C. This is for a 2 or 4 door car.
You might say that a car is either one or the other so this does not make sense.
The reason for it is that car hire companies often use this because they can
substitute a 2 door car with a 4 door car if they run out of the 2 door ones.
People don't mind because they get a larger vehicle - they are effectively upgraded
to a 4 door car so they get more space.
If you book a 2 door car (letter B), you will get a 2 door car.
If you book a 4 door car (letter D), you will get a 4 door car.
If you book a 2 or 4 door car (letter C), you will probably get a 2 door car but you might get a 4 door car.
Abuse of SIPP codes
The SIPP code list is a voluntary standard set by the industry body ACRISS
(http://www.acriss.org/). Car hire companies
are encouraged to use the agreed SIPP codes but are not obliged to do so. If car
hire companies create their own codes, it removes standardisation and makes it hard
for consumers to compare cars.
Unfortunately, some car hire companies do make up their own SIPP codes in some
circumstances. We encourage our partners to use standard SIPP codes at all times.
