Hiring a car has become a minefield in recent years. The emergence of price comparison sites has made the market more competitive than ever. It is important to compare prices before you book, but don’t be fooled by headline prices. It is important that you check exactly what the rental includes as there are often hidden extras included with the cheaper rates. Therefore, we have enlisted the help of leading car hire broker, Economy Car Hire, to give us some inside tips what to look for when hiring a car.
What to look out for
Fuel policy
It is important to be aware of the fuel policy for your booking. Some suppliers offer a ‘fair fuel’ policy which can mean one of three things.
- You collect your vehicle with a full tank of fuel, leave a deposit for the fuel and then get it refunded when you return the car with the same amount of fuel.
- You collect your vehicle with a quarter tank of fuel and return it empty.
- You return your vehicle with the same amount of fuel as when you collected it.
If a ‘fair fuel’ policy is not offered then it is important to note the extra fuel charges that will be applicable. Vehicles that come with a fair fuel policy are usually slightly more expensive but the additional cost of fuel does not have to be taken into account.
Insurance policy
Be aware of the excess amount on your insurance policy. Some cheaper vehicles come with hefty excess charges and in the event of damage to the vehicle it can be very expensive. It is less risky to book your vehicle with no excess or excess reimbursement insurance. This is where you have to pay the excess but you can claim it back when you return. Many companies will offer you an additional excess reduction insurance which is worth considering.
If you are using a car hire broker you will have the option to purchase their top-up insurance package. If you have done this be aware that you may be asked to buy another additional insurance policy by the supplier when you get to your destination. It is important to know exactly what your insurance policy covers as you might get persuaded to buy insurance that you already have.
Additional extras
It is always prudent to have a plan of where you plan to go in your car hire and when, before making your booking. It is not uncommon for certain companies to charge for border crossings or for out of hours collection.
Trade tips
- On departure, take the time to completely inspect the car on each side. It can save you a lot of time and stress further down the line if you make a comprehensive check of the vehicle and take photographs of the body work and fuel gauge as evidence.
- When you return the car, take the time to take more photographs of the condition of the vehicle from the same angles as before, including the fuel gauge.
- Always try to get the vehicle signed in on return, rather than leaving the keys in a drop box, as the condition of the car is your responsibility until it has been signed in. It is normal for a supplier’s office to be closed late at night and so if you are flying late you would put your keys in a drop box and leave the vehicle in the car park over-night. Not only are you liable for any damage that may occur overnight, it is also very hard to prove the condition of the vehicle.
So what do I do?
The choice is up to you. Often a lower headline price can come with more hidden costs and additional extras. In some circumstances this might still work out cheaper, but it is important to analyse the areas of the booking which will benefit you. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you are aware of exactly what you are paying for and what is not included.
