Car Rental Advice

​If you are a regular hirer, you will often see during the booking process or on your booking voucher that as well as providing two forms of identification including your valid driving licence, that you are also required to present a credit card in the driver’s name. Providing a valid credit card in the driver’s name is a fairly standard requirement across most vehicle rental companies. So, why a credit card and not a debit card?

A thorough inspection of your rental car is essential to identify any pre-existing damage, ahead of commencing your hire. The video provides you with a guide of the 5 key damage hotspots to be aware of and shows you how to check these areas properly.

When travelling abroad it is advisable that you research the local road safety and traffic rules before you travel. While you may have the best intentions, if you don’t know the rules of the road in the country you’re driving in, you could inadvertently break the law, resulting in a fine or your licence being confiscated.

When hiring a car through a price comparison website, you will often be given the option to purchase “Full Insurance”. Below is an explanation of the difference between the insurances offered by third parties, and insurances that are offered directly by the car rental company, so that you can make a knowledgeable decision regarding which option is best for you.

When renting a car from any car hire supplier it is advisable that you inspect both the interior and exterior the car to establish the condition of the vehicle prior to commencing your rental. Before signing off on a rental car, you should make sure you are happy with the condition of the car as stated on the vehicle condition report, and that it is a true and fair representation. Typically, regardless of the supplier, you will likely be held liable for any noted change in the vehicle’s condition whilst it is in your custody.

​Damage to hire cars and the costs charged by car rental companies to repair them are common topics discussed via social media and in the press. What is often overlooked or not asked is why these costs are so seemingly high and how they can be avoided. When hiring a car, as customers, we are given the option to fully inspect the vehicle prior to hire and ensure that the condition of the car is in line with the vehicle condition report that is completed in our presence. However, we are so often in a rush to get to our final destination that this major step is not given the time or detail that it requires.

​Search engines and price comparison sites offer great deals in terms of finding a rental car that meet our requirements and budgets. When booking online we are often so ‘blind-sided’ by the price that the terms and conditions of the rental are often overlooked. When booking a hire car, it is essential to read and review the terms & conditions, as well as the details of the rental contract so that you know what to expect when collecting your car and that you are fully aware of any terms or restrictions.