Car hire tips from BudgetTravelinc.com

By ContentNow
January 26, 2012

When choosing a rental company it is essential to find a company that is clear about their terms and conditions. These can vary from company to company so even if you have rented a car before, it is best to check. There may be extra charges for additional drivers or taxes. Many hire companies will provide extras such as child seats or ski racks at a small charge.

When you collect your car it will be a similar size to the advertised car, not necessarily the exact car advertised so it is important that you check it has enough room for your belongings. Check out the prices of the other cars the rental company has to offer, you may find a less popular or larger car at a cheaper price.

Before driving your car away double check details such as insurance excess and what will and won`t be covered. Some damage to the car may not be covered even if you pay extra to reduce excess if it can be argued that it was your fault, such as damage to the windscreen. If you plan to take the car off road you may not be insured or may have to pay an additional charge. You should also make a note of how much petrol is in the car when you collect it and check if it needs to be returned with a full tank.

Check the car thoroughly for scratches and dents before you drive it away as you are liable for any damage to the car whilst it is in your possession. Keep details of breakdown cover and the car hire company close to hand should you need them.

Make sure you are clear about the car drop off details; is it a different location from where you collected the car? What time does it have to be returned? Are there any fees for late delivery? If you need the car for a one way journey it is possible to arrange a drop off point suitable for you, there may be an extra charge for this.

You can save money on your rental car by making changes to the way you drive. If you can avoid making lots of short journeys you can save money on petrol, other ways to preserve fuel are driving at a slower speed, erratic and fast driving will increase your petrol consumption. Other simple ways to reduce your fuel costs include not leaving the engine idling for longer than necessary, keeping weight to a minimum and turning the air conditioning off if you can comfortably do so.

Rates for car rental change regularly and the cost will depend on where you are travelling to, whether it is a peak season, such as the summer holidays or a weekend. Cheaper rates are generally available mid-week as less people hire cars for leisure at this time. If you can travel in an off peak season or during the week you will find it easy to get a great bargain. Shop around for good deals and check reviews for cheap car hire companies with great customer service.

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