Hiring a car when travelling can be a minefield. We bet you have certainly heard a horror story or ten in your time. From poor customer service to astronomical insurance fees. However, having hired cars all over the world we like to think that we have a few car hire tips that will help you should you wish to hire one. Luckily, we have never had a bad time and everything has always gone smoothly, but as with everything, it’s all about pre-planning and a lot of research. We hope that our 8 tips ensure that when you hire a car not only is it an easy process but you also get a great deal too. You certainly don’t want to let a bad car hire experience ruin your adventure.
Comapre Prices
The top of our car hire tips is to decide what size car you need based on the number of people/baggage it is needed for. It could be anything from a sporty two-seater through to a family-friendly SUV. You should then compare prices from several different car hire companies or a price comparison site. By doing this you will find the company that offers the car you want on the dates you want it for the lowest price. Therefore ensuring that you get the best deal. However, ensure that you read the small print to ensure that there won’t be any added extras with a particular company as you move through the booking process.
Rent a Car in Advance
Another way of getting a great deal is by booking your hire car as far in advance as possible. Most popular car hire companies allow you to book at least six to three months in advance. There are a couple of benefits of booking in advance if you are able. The first being you are likely to save a lot of money. Most companies charge more the closer to your hire date you hire your car. Also, the further in advance, you book your car, the more choice you will have. The last thing you want is to have to hire a gas guzzler because that’s all the company has left because you book last minute.
Book Round-Trips (Where Possible)
Most, if not all car hire companies offer the best deals if you pick the car up and drop it off at the same location. This is a round trip. By you doing this, it makes things easier for the car hire company with regards to stock levels and future bookings. However, if you decide to pick up at one location and drop off at another, perhaps you are doing a road trip as we did between San Fransico and Los Angeles? If so, then it is almost certain you will be charged extra, Sometimes this is simply not possible. But if saving cash is the aim of the game, and if it is possible, look at round trip car hire.
Do Not Pre-pay For Your Hire Car
Some car hire companies will show two prices when you search for a car. One will be a pay later price. You will usually pay for this when you pick up the car. There will also be a pay now (or pre-pay) price. The pay now price will be tempting as it is likely to be 5-15% lower than the pay later price. However, if you opt to pay now you will be tied into the hire. There will be very little chance of getting your money back if you have to cancel. It may look like a great deal but by choosing the pay later option instead you will be able to track your booking to see if prices drop and cancel if necessary without penalty.
Don’t Rent at the Airport
If you are flying somewhere, you may pick up your hire car at the airport. If you’re travelling on business or for a short time you may need to as time is limited. However, it’s important to note that car hire companies operating inside the terminal are likely to charge you more than those elsewhere. City centre locations are the next expensive option, granted they are not as expensive as hiring from the airport but will still cost you more than hiring from a suburban location. Therefore if you want to save money and get a great deal look for locations on the outskirts of cities and towns to hire your car from.
Discuss Insurance Terms and Fees
You must have insurance covering your hire car. The last thing you want is to get into an accident and not have adequate insurance. You need to ensure that you insure the car to cover the cost of any repairs to the hire car or someone else’s car. If you do not, it could leave you incredibly out of pocket. Therefore of course discuss insurance terms and fees with the car hire company. However, do not let them bamboozle you and try to sell you insurance that you do not need. Particularly if you’ve taken out your own insurance policy before travelling which they may try to convince you is not valid.
Discuss Upgrades
It’s always nice to get an upgrade and it applies to hiring cars too. Therefore, what is the harm in asking for one? Be on time and polite and you may be lucky enough to be offered a free upgrade. Especially if there is a high demand/overbooking for the vehicle you reserved. Even if you’re not lucky enough to get a free upgrade, the car hire company may offer you a substantial discount. This may sound like a great deal. However, you must consider fuel efficiency, level of insurance needed and whether you feel comfortable driving a bigger/more powerful vehicle before committing.
Research Where To Refill Your Car
You will likely receive your hire car with a full tank of fuel. If this is the case your contract will usually state that the hire car has to be returned with a full tank of fuel too. Unless choose to pay for the fuel at the outset of your hire contract. If you choose to drop your hire car off at the airport do not use the fuel station closest to the airport to refill. This is because the prices are usually higher. The fuel stations bank on people forgetting to fill up further out. Or not knowing that the prices will be higher. Therefore, if you want to spend more money than you have to, refill around 5 miles away from the airport.
We hope that these car hire tips help you when booking a hire car for your next adventure.
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