Ensuring a smooth car hire experience
When it comes to booking car hire, the rental agreement is designed to protect both parties involved but there are many precautions you can take in order to make sure that your experience is a happy one.
Firstly, when you come to pick up your vehicle, make sure that you check it both inside and out for signs of even the slightest of damage. In the present day, the vast majority of car hire firms will record every small fault, dent and bump on an inventory and they will run through this with you when the time comes to collect your keys. However, by doing your own check you can give yourself complete peace of mind and be safe in the knowledge that you won’t be held responsible for somebody else’s bad driving.
Once you’re on the road, you will, at some stage have to top up with some fuel. The likelihood is that the hirer will provide you with a full tank of fuel when you start out and they will ask you to top up yourself when the car is returned. If you don’t adhere to this, you could be faced with an additional fuelling charge so it makes sense to abide by the rules.
When the time comes to buy fuel, make sure as to whether your hire car takes petrol or diesel. Misfuelling is a common issue with car hire contracts and the financial implications can be very costly indeed. A simple check at the start of the agreement can avoid any heavy penalties at a later date.
It goes without saying that you need to drive carefully and the majority of drivers who arrange car hire are even more diligent when they get behind the wheel of a rental vehicle. But it’s important to bear in mind that even the slightest of damage will need to be recovered by the hire car firm and even if you scuff the tyres, the hirer will look to you for reimbursement.
So take time and extra care whenever you’re driving a rental car.
Obviously, you will need to establish the hirer’s terms when it comes to insurance excess and the collision damage waiver. It’s purely your decision as to whether you are prepared to pay an insurer’s excess in the event of a fault claim or whether you want to pay an additional charge to have it removed.
Finally, when you’re arranging the hire in the first place, make sure that your hirer is aware of your correct age and whether you have any motoring convictions or an accident history. By being honest at the very outset, you can avoid any unnecessary problems further down the line.
Arranging care hire online has never been easier and by being able to see the contract and read it in your own time is a huge advantage these days. Once you’re on the road however, it’s over to you but by following these useful tips, you can make your vehicle rental an enjoyable experience.
Categorised as: Travel News