With the emergence and popularity of price comparison websites, it has made the car hire market competitive.
When you need to rent a vehicle, don't just go for the cheapest option, consider all the other areas too.
Here are some tips on what to look out for when hiring a car and what to do when you find the right one.
1.
Flexibility Choose a rental company who offers flexibility.
You want to be able to book car rentals over the phone, by email or perhaps through their website.
You also want the flexibility to choose a route that is suitable and a drop off point that you can reach easily.
Some companies may charge an early return fee, so try and give exact dates of the hire.
2.
Fuel You want to choose a car hire company that offers a fair fuel policy.
This could mean one of the following: • You return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel as when you collected • You pick the vehicle up with a quarter tank (or less) and then you return it empty • The vehicle has a full tank of fuel and you will pay for what you use 3.
Support Does this supplier have 24 hour support? You want to ensure that if you break down or have an accident in a rental vehicle, there will be someone to turn to, someone to ring.
Some vehicle leasing companies do offer this so it's definitely worth finding this out, as you never know when it may come in handy.
4.
Insurance When renting a car, be sure to check the terms and conditions of the hire agreement before you drive away.
The insurance policy should cover theft, but you may want to check what the situation will be if you are in an accident or if the car is damaged.
5.
Check the Car Before you drive away, make sure you check the car for any dents, scratches or other damage.
The rental company will probably initiate this anyway and walk around the vehicle with you but look at the tyres, lights, seat belts, wipers and brakes.
If there is any damage, ensure sure you or the hire company make a record of it.
The choice is up to you, just remember the costs may not always be as low as they seem.
Hidden costs and additional extras can crop up when you start adding certain things.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure you are aware of what you are paying for and what is and isn't included.
When you need to rent a vehicle, don't just go for the cheapest option, consider all the other areas too.
Here are some tips on what to look out for when hiring a car and what to do when you find the right one.
1.
Flexibility Choose a rental company who offers flexibility.
You want to be able to book car rentals over the phone, by email or perhaps through their website.
You also want the flexibility to choose a route that is suitable and a drop off point that you can reach easily.
Some companies may charge an early return fee, so try and give exact dates of the hire.
2.
Fuel You want to choose a car hire company that offers a fair fuel policy.
This could mean one of the following: • You return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel as when you collected • You pick the vehicle up with a quarter tank (or less) and then you return it empty • The vehicle has a full tank of fuel and you will pay for what you use 3.
Support Does this supplier have 24 hour support? You want to ensure that if you break down or have an accident in a rental vehicle, there will be someone to turn to, someone to ring.
Some vehicle leasing companies do offer this so it's definitely worth finding this out, as you never know when it may come in handy.
4.
Insurance When renting a car, be sure to check the terms and conditions of the hire agreement before you drive away.
The insurance policy should cover theft, but you may want to check what the situation will be if you are in an accident or if the car is damaged.
5.
Check the Car Before you drive away, make sure you check the car for any dents, scratches or other damage.
The rental company will probably initiate this anyway and walk around the vehicle with you but look at the tyres, lights, seat belts, wipers and brakes.
If there is any damage, ensure sure you or the hire company make a record of it.
The choice is up to you, just remember the costs may not always be as low as they seem.
Hidden costs and additional extras can crop up when you start adding certain things.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure you are aware of what you are paying for and what is and isn't included.
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