Top tips for car hire
- Always read the terms and conditions of the car hire provider's website carefully.
- You may not be given the exact car you ordered - most car hire companies make it clear it will be a particular car or 'similar' and reserve the right to upgrade you to a more expensive model if they cannot supply the one you ordered.
- Before taking the car away, check the petrol situation. Have you paid for a full tank? How much is actually in the tank? How must you return the car? If you need to return with a full tank check where the nearest petrol station is to the car hire return depot.
- Clarify the excess situation. Even if you pay to reduce the excess to zero you may still be liable for damage to certain parts of the car i.e. tyres/windscreen.
- Check the insurance covers you for all aspects of your trip, especially if you plan to take your car off road, on unsurfaced or gravel pathways, as you may not be covered.
- Make sure the paperwork states clearly what you have paid for i.e. insurance, taxes and charges for additional drivers and car seats etc.
- Ensure you reserve the correct type of car for your needs i.e. is there enough space for you luggage, pram, have you pre-ordered infant seats and given the correct age details?
- When you collect the car, make thorough checks for any damage to ensure you are not blamed for any you have not done on your return.
- Ensure you keep the car hire company's contact details with you in case of emergencies. Check if there is any breakdown cover or what to do / who to contact in the event.
- Check where you need to return the car to. If it is off the airport site, make a note. Make sure you have enough time to drop the car off and get it checked over.
- Most car rental agreements are made on a '24 hour' hire basis. Therefore returning your car late may incur an extra day's rental to be added to your bill.
- Check your credit card statements after your hire to ensure that no unauthorised extras have been charged to your card. If they have, request a full explanation of the charges immediately via the broker, or car rental company, keeping a record of any correspondence.
Source: Moneysupermarket
