There are many tips to consider when you arrange your car hire. Whether you are arranging car hire in your own country or abroad many of these car hire tips are still relevant.
Car Hire Tip 1) It is very important to shop around for the best car hire deal and the internet offers the perfect opportunity to research the best car hire deal at your finger tips.
Car Hire Tip 2) Many car hire companies will offer very attractive rates to upgrade your car hire locally at the pick up point. Some companies’ will even a complimentary upgrade if the model you have selected is in strong demand. It is always worth asking at the rental counter if there is any possibility of an upgrade at the collection point.
Car Hire Tip 3) It is always prudent to pay for your car hire online including all extras. Some car hire companies ask for a deposit with balance payable upon collection of the car at your destination. However you will probably have to pay the balance on a credit card in the local currency, which is then subject to the penal currency conversions rates charged by the credit card company which can have a real impact on the amount you actually end up paying for your car hire. The tip here is to try to pay in full at the time of the car hire reservation and in the currency of your credit card.
Car Hire Tip 4) You should always check the terms and conditions of your rental contract prior to confirming the reservation, especially the amount of the insurance excess. As it may appear that you have got the best car hire quote but the insurance policy may be subject to a prohibitly high insurance excess which could prove to be very costly in the event of an accident even a minor prang.
Many car hire companies also offer an option to purchase additional insurance to reduce the amount of excess you are responsible for. Some companies will even provide a Nil insurance excess for a small additional insurance premium.
Please also check the position regarding breakdown cover and what you are liable.
Car Hire Tip 5) Always book your car hire as early as you are able, as it is very unusual to find late availability reservation offers. Book your car hire early, especially if you have a specific vehicle or type of car hire in mind. For example minibuses, people carriers, 4×4, automatic vehicles and the like are in much demand. Car Hire Tip 6) Automatic car hire or manual transmission? If you have a preference please ensure that you make this request when you make your car hire reservation. This tip is crucial if you only drive automatic transmission cars.
Car Hire Tip 7) Many car hire companies request for the rental car to be returned at the end of the rental period with a full tank of petrol. It is a good idea to fill the car with petrol or diesel close to the return location, as if the car hire company has to fill the car when you return the vehicle, they usually charge a much higher rate per litre than you would be charged at a petrol station.
Some car hire companies ask you to return the car empty and charge you for a full tank of petrol. This can work out to be an expensive option, unless you are going to be completing a lot of miles and are in a position to return the car with a fairly empty petrol tank. Which can in itself be dangerous as you would not wish to run out of petrol whilst driving.
Car Hire Tip 
Please always remember to take your passport, driving licence and credit card with you when you collect the rental car. You will need to have the driving licences of all named drivers and these drivers will need to be included on the rental contract.
Car Hire Tip 9) Always plan you route and journey from your pick up point. The car hire company will be able to provide maps and directions to your destination when you collect the vehicle. However it would be prudent to work out your route in advance. Please bear in mind that if your route involves motorways or toll roads, you will need to have sufficient local currency to cover these toll charges.
You could also consider a hiring or taking a Satellite Navigation system. You will then need to have the full postal address or Post or Zip code of your final destination.
Car Hire Tip 10) Please remember to pre book any extras when you make your reservation, especially childrens equipment such as baby seats and booster seats. Baby seats are in great demand during school holiday periods and remember to be specific should you require a forward facing or rear facing baby seat.
By: Michael J Lee
Posts Tagged ‘Additional Insurance’
Where to Find the Best Car Hire Tips
January 13th, 2010Sex, Lies and Car Rental
September 7th, 2009I came across this guide to car rental today and felt I should set the record straight on some of the issues raised as it was misleading (just like my title, no sex here I’m afraid).
RUMOUR: You probably won’t get the car you booked.
TRUTH: Rental companies do not guarantee specific models – we cannot guarantee you will get a Hyundai Getz 1.5L for example, but if you pay for an economy car, manual transmission with air conditioning – you will get an economy car, manual with air conditioning (unless of course you get an upgrade!). Our reservations are based on car SIPP codes, vehicles are given as examples only.
TIP: Book based on SIPP code, not actual vehicle. Peugeot Leasing is an exception – models ARE guaranteed.
RUMOUR: It’s likely you’ve paid too much.
TRUTH: Walking off the street to pick up a car in a foreign country, you probably will pay more. Book before you go to ensure the best possible price and remember to compare like with like when researching prices. Look closely at what the price includes, what is extra and how much the extras will cost. Often, an all inclusive rate may appear more expensive but can save you money as there is no more to pay when you pick up the car.
RUMOUR: Your “fully-inclusive deal” won’t be as comprehensive as it sounds.
TRUTH: An Insurance Excess is applicable in the event of any accident or theft to the rental vehicle, regardless of fault. The Excess amount varies between countries and car group. The additional insurance offered by the car rental company is optional and is charged per day on top of an inclusive rate. Read more about insurance excess here.
TIP: You may be covered through your own insurance so double check before you book.
RUMOUR: You may face hefty add-ons.
TRUTH: There are some extras that will be added on to your bill e.g. children’s seats, additional drivers, young driver surcharges and GPS units may be charged separately and on a daily basis, which can add up, especially if it is a long trip. You should be made aware of these charges before you agree to anything, so be aware of how much exactly you have to pay.
TIP: Always ask what the extra charges will be before you agree to them.
RUMOUR: Breaking down could be a disaster.
TRUTH: Not when you book with DriveAway! Our rates all include 24 hour roadside assistance. We also have 24/7 customer service with a toll free number from across the globe so you can speak to someone (in English) no matter where you are.
TIP: Book with a reputable company who have a number you can call in the case of an emergency.
RUMOUR: You could be stung by cancellation penalties.
TRUTH: Not at DriveAway! We do not charge amendment or cancellation fees on car hire.
TIP: Always check at the time of booking if there are cancellation fees in case of an emergency. Sometimes it can be as much as the price of the rental if it is within a short time frame.
Always read your inclusions very carefully when you book a rental car (DriveAway list the inclusions with each vehicle during the booking process online and our reservations consultants will inform you of these if you book over the phone). Terms, conditions and costs all vary depending on the supplier and location. Remember to read your rental agreement carefully before signing it.
Holidays are precious. Researching and organising your car rental before you go can save you headaches and money.
By: Car Guru
