General Car Rental Tips
- Before You Go
Always read the terms and conditions of the car hire providers website and make sure you read what is included in the rental agreement and check whether you have been charged for extras, such as Sat Nav, child seats, insurance and taxes. If these extras have been added and you don´t need them, see if you can remove them form the policy.
Remember ALWAYS decline additional excess waiver insurance, buy that from us Columbus Direct and you should save money and get a better deal. - Do you have children?
If you do, be aware that child seats are compulsory throughout the EU so either ask the car rental company to fit one for you, or take the cheaper option and to take your own seat. - Pay on a credit card
If possible always pay by credit card as provided the total hire costs over £100, you get the additional protection provided by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act; which roughly speaking, means the credit card company is equally liable with the car hire company if things go wrong. This can be very valuable if you end up having problems with a car hire firm. - Inspect the car's condition before you sign for it
It might sound like common sense but its amazing how many people don't do this and then get hit by the car rental company when they return the car for damages that were not their fault. Our best advice would be to always take pictures of the car and of any scratches, damage or dents and make notes of its condition on the hire company's form. - Check the fuel policy
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. You should also always check what type of fuel type the car uses - diesel, unleaded etc - because if you damage the car by using the wrong fuel, it's unlikely you'll be covered. - Keep the Car Hire Company's contact details
In case of accident, emergency or breakdown you will need to contact the car hire company so make sure you've got their number before you leave with the car. Also check if there is any breakdown cover or what to do and who to contact in the event of breakdown. If you do have an accident ensure you keep all repair bills! - Handing over the car
On returning the car, always be present when the car is being inspected - don't just drop the car off, hand in the keys and walk away - that way you can't have any damage to the car unfairly assigned to you. If you can't be there, again take photos and notes to prove there were no problems and record the mileage. - Return the car on time
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. You should also check where you need to return the car to. For example if it is off the airport site, make sure you allow enough time to drop the car off, get it checked over and get to the airport check in on time. - Paperwork
Get your deposit credit card slip back so they cannot apply any charges at a later date and keep all paperwork for at least 3 months in case of disputes that may arise. - When you get home
Check your credit card or bank statement when you get back to make sure no extra charges have been added to your bill without your knowledge and ensure you've had your full deposit back.
