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