Renting a car for your holiday or business trip can be highly stressful, expensive and full of hidden costs and charges. Not only that, but you have to choose which model, which distance plan, which company, drop off points, luggage space, as well as insurance options and damage deposits. Feeling a little dizzy?
You are not alone! Well don’t worry; this information will take the weight off of your shoulders by giving you an excellent set of tips and advice to consider when hiring your next car.
Which Company?
Choosing which a car hire company can be a tough decision. There are two main choices, local or national. Depending on how long you are planning to rent the car for and also how brave you are, will determine which company you hire from. Most holiday makers will use some of the big name companies and this is definitely a good decision. Most big companies will have high mechanical standards as well as breakdown opt-in scheme, definitely a must for any one travelling with children. There is financial security but also flexibility with hiring from a big name brand such as Sixt Rent a Car, as there are drop off points at almost every major airport across Europe and the US.
Which Car?
This is important. Do not just opt of the cheapest or flashiest car you can find, you need to consider what you will be putting in the vehicle, whether it be two children or a pile of scuba gear. Think about how many miles (or kilometres) you will be driving, a little sporty number may not be the right car to drive across Europe. Also, remember that in the US most cars have automatic transmission, is that acceptable for you or would you prefer a manual?
A radio is not always standard with some cheap car hire, if you want music, remember to double check there is a radio!
Booking Your Car
Always browse the market when thinking about car rental. The normal websites and travel search engines are excellent but you can also get great deals on actual car rental company’s websites such as www.Sixt.com and there is usually no booking charge! Discount codes and vouchers are also always to be found online. Just type in the company you’re thinking of hiring from into a search engine with ‘Coupon Code’ or ‘Discount Voucher’ and you could get 5-25% off your quoted price!
Do You Need Sat Nav?
When travelling in a foreign country sat nav can be an extremely useful tool, saving your partner from trying to decipher a map in a foreign language, or even worse, you trying to the read the map and drive at the same time! Although a useful piece of kit to have in your hire car, sat nav can be temperamental. If you are told to turn left into a field, drive through a river or the wrong way along a one way street, its probably not telling you the right information.
Loyalty Programs
If you frequently hire a car for business or leisure, it’s worth finding out about any loyalty schemes put in place by car rental companies. These can often give great benefits, such as queue hopping and as well as building up points for that free car rental. Credit card companies also sometimes have car rental schemes, so it’s worth checking it out.
The True Cost of Car Hire
Always be aware of advertised car hire prices. With local taxes, airport surcharges, driver fees, reference fees....The price can double in a very short amount of time. Remember if you haven’t signed anything you can back out at any time.
Pick-ups
This is very important. When picking up your car check for any body damage and any interior stains etc. Anything you can see, ensure you report to the agent or to the office before you get in and drive away. This is will stop any unfair charges when you return. If you are not happy with the state of the car you are within your rights to request an alternative. Do no settle for something rusty dirty and smelly, make sure you get what you have paid for.
Drop Offs
When returning you car, double check to see whether you need a full tank of petrol or an empty tank. This can vary between even the large rental companies. If the company requires a full tank, make sure you double check you leave the company garage with one. Especially late at night, some attendants can forget to ensure you have your full tank.
Returning your car early can actually cost you more with some companies, of course returning it late will earn you a fee as well!
Finally, remember to check all the pockets, cubby holes, seats and floors for anything that might have dropped out a pocket or rolled under a seat. Imagine trying to unlock your front door after a eight hour night flight with two tired children and not finding your house keys in your pocket!
Car Rental is simple and easy once you known exactly what to ask for and how the system works. When you are driving ensure you try all of the controls before you leave the company garage, relax and keep checking you’re on the correct side of the road!
