Car Hire Tips
Tips - Booking Car Hire
- Work out your journey - start when & where? finish when & where?
Bear in mind your pick-up location doesn't have to be the same as the drop-off location with the larger car rental firms
- Use the Internet to find the best deal for your jouney. Shop around as prices will vary and companies will offer different special deals.
You can use a service like Argus Car Rental to help you, as they'll search the major rental companies for you for the cheapest deal.
- Book online or by telephone to ensure your car is reserved.
- Keep a record of your booking reference.
- If you book with a small local rental company, phone them the day before you pick-up the car to confirm your booking.
Tips - Picking Up the Car
- Bring your booking reference and ALL required documents (driving license, passport, ...).
Please note that for UK travellers you may need to bring the paper counterpart of your plastic driving license card as well.
- Ask for any hiding extra costs you may incur, such as congestion charges if your pick-up location is in a town.
- Agree rental conditions and sign rental agreement.
Most rental companies will have quoted you their cheapest rate, which includes minimal insurance cover and some excess. They will ask you whether you'd like to increase cover, which is often recommended for short rental periods as it doesn't normally cost that much extra.
- Confirm the drop-off time, location and procedure. Some locations may be closed but will allow you to drop-off your car anyway - make sure you know where to leave the car and the keys.
- Inspect the car (outside & inside) for any scratches or defects, and report them before driving away. Otherwise you'll be liable for them on your return.
- Familiarise yourself with the car's safety equipment before leaving the rental place. I.e. headlights, hazard lights, door locks and spare tire.
Tips - On the Road
- Know your route.
PBefore leaving the rental counter, ask for specific directions to your destination, including applicable expressway entrances and exit numbers.
- Keep your car doors locked and the windows up when driving or when parked.
- Lock purses, wallets, mobile phones, luggage and other valuables in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Always park in well lit areas and make sure you have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
Tips - Returning the Car
- If the drop-off location is open, ensure the car is inspected and you receive a copy of the sign-off rental agreement (stating no damage was noted during the inspection).
- If the drop-off location is closed, ensure you follow the drop-off procedure and leave the car keys (often these need to be drop in a designated letterbox).
- Ensure you pay any additional unpaid charges (e.g. parking fines you encured or congestion charges).
- If a deposit was paid, ensure you get it back.
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