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Even if you are a seasoned traveller, it is worthwhile considering exactly what you need from a rental car. After all, no two journeys are the same and a 'city car' which may be suitable for business trips will almost certainly be impractical for a vacation with the family...or even the extended family.
- When considering the type of vehicle you wish to hire, consider the passengers and the luggage. Hiring a Suzuki jeep for 4 people with luggage could really be a problem. All too often hirers count the seats, but not the luggage.
- If you are going on holiday and want to relax consider carefully whether you want a manual or automatic gearbox.
- Most cars have air conditioning as standard, but some of the economy vehicles may not, therefore if this is important to you, check carefully before you book and upgrade to the next model if necessary.
- If you are not familiar with the country you are travelling to, then you need to think ahead. Planning the journey from your arrival airport to your destination is often overlooked. Do you need a local map, SatNav or will you take written directions? There is nothing worse than arriving at the airport in the middle of the night and getting lost!
- Do you need booster seats, child seats or a ski rack? These are often available from the hire companies at an additional charge, but they have to be booked in advance.
- Will you be the only driver? Some rental companies will allow a second driver at no additional charge (or for a small fee), but this needs to be booked in advance.
- It is recommended that you remove the identiying tag from the car key ring and keep it in a safe place until the termination of your hire to avoid highlighting that you are a tourist and using a rental car.
- One Way Hires or dropping the car off at a different location can be convenient, but expensive. Most car hire companies allow this option, but it is worth checking the difference between these options and returning the car to the airport terminal.
- Check the terms of your hire carefully. Some rental companies will supply the car with a full tank of petrol and will expect you to return it with a full tank. If you don’t, then there could be additional charges levied and the cost of fuel may not be the most competitive. If your car is not provided with a full tank of petrol then you should plan to stop as early as possible refuel.
- Before you accept the car, make sure you check the condition carefully, noting any damage, including scratches, dents, tyres or windscreen damage. You should ensure that these are written on the handover form to avoid any arguments when the vehicle is returned. Also remember that, as the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that the hire car meets local road and traffic regulations, this includes, but is not limited to tyres, lights, wipers and brakes. If you are not happy, reject the vehicle and ask for an alternative.
- Above all, familiarise yourself with the car before you drive. Being in a different country with an unfamiliar car can be stressful. Take your time.
- Rules of the road and more specifically traffic laws and regulations vary enormously between different countries. Therefore, whilst your drivers licence may be valid, your appreciation of local driving laws may not. To avoid frustration, fines, arrest or accidents, all travellers would be well advised to familiarise themselves with the local driving regulations before they embark on their journey. Many European countries also impose 'on the spot' fines for offences such as speeding. Also worth noting is that the car hire company will hold you personally liable for any fines incurred whilst you are using the vehicle, for example, parking fines
