Things To Look Out For When Renting A Car
When booking car hire you need to pay attention to avoid any unnecessary mishaps, hidden fees or mysterious charges you may not have anticipated. Here is a guide to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls in the car hire process.
Book your rental as early as possible: Due to the crises in the Middle East (Egypt) there is unprecedented demand for holiday hotspots like Spain in 2011. This will impact demand and therefore result in higher rates. By booking early you can avoid higher rates. Do not make the mistake of arriving at your destination to book on spot. You may find unbelievably high car hire rates or worse still find that there isn’t a vehicle available.
Fill the tank with fuel yourself before drop-off: Check out the rental car company’s policy on refuelling the vehicle. If you are requested to return the car with a full tank of fuel, make sure you do so at a station some distance from the airport. Many stations near airports can charge higher rates for fuel, taking advantage of the car rental company policy. Also, car hire companies often charge higher prices for fuel if they fill the tank themselves.
Mileage: Always check the fine print to see if you are receiving unlimited mileage in your car rental agreement. Many smaller car hire companies may impose a charge if you exceed a daily quota in mileage.
Age Related Charges: Age related charges are common and all drivers need to be aware of this. If you are under 25 years old for example, many firms charge a n extra daily rate. This can be substantially higher if you are under 21, where in some cases some hirel companies refuse rental. Charges can also be common for those over 70.
Insurance: Collision Damage or Loss Damage Waiver insurance are probably the most common additional fees incurred when renting a car. For an extra fee, you can avoid liability for damage to the vehicle. However, check with your regular insurance company to see if you are covered for rental cars also. It is also wise to check with your credit card company to see if they provide the insurance you need.