General Car Hire Advice
Fly-drive or any kind of self-drive holidays are often both
very economical and practical modes of transport whilst holidaying
abroad; you are free to travel to exactly where you want and
at whatever time suits you best, without having to rely on
the often untrustworthy coach excursions offered by holiday
reps and excursion organisers. However, in order to get the
most out of your holiday car rental, there are certain pieces
of advice, which will ensure that your holiday runs much more
smoothly.
Most importantly, you should plan in advance and take the
time to shop around, since often the best deals are to be
had for customers who book well in advance of their holiday,
and many car rental companies will offer special deals, including
free upgrades to more superior models of cars or even allocations
of free petrol. Also, by arranging your car hire in advance,
you have the security of knowing that you will have a vehicle
waiting for you on arrival, and will not be left stranded
or waiting for hours for a car, that might not actually be
suitable for your holiday. This is especially important during
the peak season and at the most popular holiday destinations,
where demand for rental cars is at its highest.
Before departing on your holiday always ensure that you have
remembered all of the necessary paperwork and identification
documents. Usually the minimum age for car rental amongst
the major companies is 21, and you must present a full, valid
driver’s licence. It is also very sensible to take note
of any reference numbers or provide evidence of any confirmations
you received, as this information will often speed up the
process of allocating your hire car. Insurance is vital for
the use of a rental car, and arranging your own maybe a cheaper
alternative. If you do succeed in securing your own cheaper
insurance, you must provide evidence of your insurance policy.
A major credit card is invariably required to secure the rental
agreement.
Different sizes, styles and standards of vehicle are always
on offer from car rental companies, and so the price will
vary accordingly. It may be tempting to squeeze your family
of five and four suitcases into a three door hatchback, for
the sake of saving a few pounds, but it is rarely that easy.
Firstly you will find that the rental companies will closely
monitor how you use your rental car, and what are presented
as recommendations for the number of passengers and baggage
for a particular car often turn out to be regulations. To
choose an unsuitably small car will also prove to be, not
only uncomfortable but unsafe for everyone on board. By all
means rent the smallest and cheapest car, but also one that
will be both safe and comfortable.
In order to avoid expensive extra charges and fines, you
must adhere as closely as possible to the policy of the rental
company, as far as the process of returning your vehicle is
concerned. Ensure that you return the vehicle with the required
amount of fuel, usually a full tank, or you risk incurring
huge additions to your total bill. Furthermore, it is important
to return your car on time and to the correct place, or yet
again you face further penalties. In fact even returning the
car too early could prove costly, since the rental company
could alter your rate structure and consequently the rental
charge per day will greatly increase.
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