| Car hire companies have a bad reputation for | | | | damage. With this in mind, check over the car |
| over-charging customers and piling on extra | | | | thoroughly before you drive it away. Some |
| surcharges for damages, fuel consumption and | | | | firms will present you with a written list of |
| mileage that has nothing to do with the | | | | existing damage, so compare this to the car. |
| renter. Hopefully, this quick guide will let | | | | If you notice anything that isn't on the |
| you know what to look out for when renting a | | | | list, point it out, and try to take pictures |
| car abroad. | | | | with your camera (showing the date) or mobile |
| | | | phone. This will prove that the damage didn't |
| First of all, shop around before you go. The | | | | occur while the car was in your possession. |
| internet is an invaluable tool for this, and | | | | |
| you can ask friends which rental companies | | | | If your car hire contract promises a full |
| they've used too. Booking well in advance can | | | | tank, check this too before driving away. |
| get you great discounts, and if you book with | | | | Some hire companies charge you for the |
| a popular group, you may be able to get a | | | | difference between the fuel level on return |
| free upgrade. | | | | and the amount to fill up. This is almost |
| | | | always more than the pump price, so by |
| Check the stated times of collection and | | | | filling it up yourself and keeping the |
| return. This is where many unscrupulous | | | | receipt, you can avoid this charge. |
| rental companies can sting you. If your | | | | |
| return time is even half an hour later than | | | | If you're travelling with a small child, it |
| your collection time, you could be charged | | | | may be a legal requirement for there to be a |
| for an extra day. Try and make sure you | | | | child seat fitted. These are usually added |
| return the car on or before the collection | | | | onto the cost of car rentals, and fitted by |
| time to avoid this. | | | | the hire company. When you pick up your car, |
| | | | check that the seat is secure. |
| Decide who is going to be driving the car. As | | | | |
| in the UK, drivers between the ages of 25 and | | | | Finally, before driving away, perform some |
| 75 are seen as the safest, so keep this in | | | | perfunctory maintenance checks. This includes |
| mind when selecting your main driver. Some | | | | checking the brakes, headlights (in some |
| car rental firms will rent to 18 year olds, | | | | countries it's mandatory to have them on at |
| but the costs are likely to be higher. | | | | all times), wipers and washers, indicators |
| Likewise, having an additional driver on the | | | | and locks are all working. It's also worth |
| rental agreement can bump up the cost, | | | | looking at the oil and water levels, and |
| regardless of age. | | | | checking the tyre pressures at the nearest |
| | | | garage. If they haven't already been offered, |
| One of the biggest scams pulled by car hire | | | | ask for the car's manual and contact numbers |
| companies is charging you for existing | | | | in case of any problems. |