We were jetting off for last week's Finance Fridays and talking about airport charges. We're still thinking about trips this week and looking at car hire. Prices can vary a lot and there are plenty of extra charges you could fall foul of. Let's have a look at some of things you need to be aware of when hiring a car.
Book early – Usually
the earlier you book the cheaper it will be. Car hire companies put
the prices up the closer to the date. Don't wait until the day before
or when you get to your destination to book. If you are worried about
the price dropping then look for companies offering free
cancellation.
Shop around – Don't
just check the national firms but see what prices the local
businesses are offering as well.
Insurance excess –
One of the biggest worries when hiring a car is doing damage to it.
This doesn't even mean being in an accident just simply scratches and
dents that happen when other people walk past or open their car doors
onto yours. When hiring a car the insurance is known as Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW). As with standard car insurance they come with an
excess which can be excessively high! This means a tiny dint on the
car could easily cost upwards of £250. Car hire companies will be
wanting to push their own excess insurance but you can buy standalone
policies. If you do buy a standalone policy be prepared for the car
hire company to still take a large deposit from you on your credit
card. If they do make a claim against you and take some or all of the
deposit you will then need to claim this back from your own insurance
policy.
Check the fuel policy –
This is where many people can be caught out. Some companies will hand
over the car to you with barely in fuel in it but expect you to bring
it back with a full tank. Depending on the size of the tank this
could easily cost you another £50-80 to fill up. If you don't bring
the car back with a full tank you could be landed with a nasty excess
charge.
Check the fuel type –
Don't assume it will be a petrol car and also if you drive a diesel
remember to petrol in it!
Child car seats –
Check what the car hire company is charging and find out what it
costs to hire them separately. If you are picking up a car at the
airport there are often separate companies who hire out children's
car seats.
Check the car
thoroughly before you drive off – This means both inside and out.
Look for any obviously marks or dents however big or small. If you
spot anything go back and log it. Also make sure that if it says it
should have items such as a first aid kit, spare tyre, warning
triangle and hi-viz vest they are in the car. In some countries it a
legal requirement to carry certain items in your car at all times. If
you are stopped by the police and found to be without them you could
be served with a hefty on the spot fine.
Clean it – Before you
return it make sure it is clean. Sand in the boot and muddy
footprints on the car mats could mean you are landed with a valeting
bill when you bring it back. If you don't have access to an vacuum
cleaner find a valeting company as what they will charge will
probably be cheaper than the charge made by the hire company.
Snap it – Get your
phone out and take photographs of the car before you drive off and
when you deliver back to the car lot. Pay particular attention to
wheels and any hub caps or alloys, rear and front bumpers, doors and
wing mirrors. Mention when you take it back you have photographs of
the car – you don't want to be charged for any damage you are not
responsible for.
Upgrades – One trick
some car hire companies like to pull is to try and convince you that
the car you have booked in advance is too small for your luggage –
they probably haven't even seen your luggage! Don't be swayed by them
trying to charge you more then and there. You should also never be
charged more if you have booked a certain car and when you turn up
they haven't got any to supply to you. You should get a free upgrade
in this instance and certainly not a downgrade!
Do you really need car
hire? - If you're travelling around or staying somewhere remote then
the answer is probably yes. For city breaks or holidays to big
resorts you may find that the local public transport system will be
sufficient for your needs. Also look up the reviews on the local taxi
service.
Do you book car hire
when you travel? Have you ever been caught out by extra charges?
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There's certainly a lot to think about but sure worth shopping around for the best deals
ReplyDeleteSome really great advice there. I must admit that the cost always puts me off but it probably is worth shopping around as the big name companies are so expensive.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - definitely worth shopping around. When we hire a car we always by the yearly car excess insurance to cover us as its much cheaper than directly with the hire company. x
ReplyDeleteWe have booked lots of hire cars while travelling and always found it a relatively simple process, I think the biggest thing for us is paying for extras before hand and them not being added when you get there so always make sure you take proof of all things purchased - it can be especially tricky when you don't speak the same language to iron out any issues x
ReplyDeleteThis is such great advice. I have always worried about hiring a car, but it would be useful sometimes, so I might come back to this!
ReplyDeleteIt always surprises me how expensive car hire is. I will be saving these tips, thanks
ReplyDelete