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Tips on Car Rental for Holidays and Travel!
To Rent a Car on Holidays and Business travel
Use an established rental car company
Use car rental companies that have a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. These companies have standardised policies, better customer support, and reliable service – when travelling overseas, it’s important to consider the importance of customer support. Reputable car hire companies have dedicated customer service teams that can assist you with any queries or concerns before, during, and after renting a car
Hire the right car!
The right car suitable for you will depend on the nature of your trip, the destination and road conditions whether you require automatic or manual transmission, the number of passengers, and the amount of space needed for luggage.
Check the vehicle first
It is absolutely importantto check any vehicle for pre-existing damage before renting a car and ensure the rental company is aware of it, to avoid being held responsible for damages upon return. Check the fuel level of the car to ensure this matches the information provided by the rental company. Double-check your rental agreement which details your personal information, vehicle information, payment method, coverages, and rental preferences. Read it carefully as it’s a legally binding document.
Check for minor or major accident
For all minor and major accidents, your first call (after any required emergency services) is to contact the rental company. Take pictures of the accident site and all vehicles involved, if possible. When renting a car abroad, take the time to carefully read the terms and conditions provided by the car rental company on any coverages. In some countries an excess generally applies. When selecting a car rental company, be sure to search what options are available in terms of excess reduction to help cover incidents.
Avoid late fees
Time and time again, customers return vehicles late, resulting in late fees. To avoid any unnecessary late fees, it is always best to plan a trip to allow for potential delays. If drivers are running behind schedule, they should contact the car hire company to extend their rental.
Can you hire a car in one country and leave it in another?
In places where many countries are clustered within easy reach of one another, such as Europe, some car rental companies may allow customers to pick a car up in one country, and drop it off in another. However, this isn’t a service provided by all rental car companies, and those that do provide it often charge additional fees for the convenience.
Requirements to rent a car?
Those who wish to drive a rental car will need to have a valid passport (for driving overseas), a valid full driver’s license that has been held for 12-24 months (depending on the car rental company policy), a credit card to pay the deposit and other fees and be at least 21 years old, and in some cases you will also need an international driving permit.
What does it cost to rent a car?
The cost of renting a car is determined by the supplier, the time of year, the type of car, the duration of hire, the pick-up and drop-off locations and other discretionary fees.
Do you need insurance when renting a car?
Anyone renting a car while on holiday should have insurance to cover accidental damage and theft, BOTH of which are usually provided by the rental car company. These insurance policies ensure that, aside from a previously agreed-upon excess fee, drivers aren’t responsible for the full cost of any damage or theft.
Cross-Border Travel
If you plan to drive into another country, check if the rental company allows it and what restrictions or fees apply.
Cancellation Policy
Understand the cancellation policy and any associated fees.
Emergency Contact - Keep the rental company's emergency contact number always with you !
To get the best car rental deal, compare prices across multiple platforms, book well in advance, consider off-airport pick-ups, and be mindful of insurance and fuel policies.
Compare Prices and Book Smart
Use comparison websites like Kayak, Skyscanner or Expedia to compare prices from various rental companies
Book well in Advance
Booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons, often guarantees lower prices and better availability.
Look for Flexibility
Look for flexible booking policies that allow free cancellation or changes to your reservation if your plans shift.
Location
Consider off-airport pick-ups, rental car rates are often higher at airports due to convenience fees. Explore options for pick-up locations outside the airport.
Explore Different Locations
Check for rental locations around the area as prices can vary significantly depending on location
Insurance and Fuel Policies
Review insurance options, carefully assess your insurance needs and compare the coverage offered by different rental companies.
Be Aware of Fuel Policies
Understand the fuel policy (e.g., full-to-full, half-full to full) and choose a policy that suits your needs.
Avoid Junk Fees
Always be careful about hidden fees and extra charges, and inquire about any potential costs before finalizing your booking.
Consider a Smaller Car
If you're traveling solo or with a small group, a compact car can be a cost-effective option.
Always Look for Discounts
Check for discounts through membership programs, airline programs, or third-party discount sites.
Designate A Driver
If you are traveling with friends, designate a driver to avoid additional costs associated with using multiple drivers.
Consider One-Way Rentals
If you plan to drop off the car at a different location, check for one-way rental options and associated fees.
Take Pictures and Videos
Before driving the car away take photos and videos of the car's condition to document any pre-existing damage