Five steps to hire car heaven
Research by Enterprise Rent-A-Car shows that the over 50s holiday abroad more than any other age group, and that they tend to rent cars for a bit longer. Brian Swallow, Assistant Vice President at Enterprise, gives his top five things to remember when hiring a car to help you get the best deal. Research shows that the over 50s holiday abroad more than any other age group, and that they tend to rent cars for a bit longer.
So here are five key things to remember to help you get the best deal when hiring a car.
– Check what’s included in the quote when you are comparing prices online
What you are looking for here is a “drive-away” price. In other words, make sure that you will not be charged anything additional in order to drive the car away when you arrive at your destination.
– Think about how your vehicle needs might change during your trip
It’s tempting to get the smallest car you can to save money, but it’s a false economy if you find yourself having to upgrade if it doesn’t meet your needs. Consider paying a bit more up front for a more flexible car to save you time and money in the future
– Check the level of protection included in the daily rate
Nearly half of people automatically take out the lowest available level of protection, but many don’t consider how this will affect them if they have an accident. Check what costs you will be charged – such as an excess – if there is damage to your car.
– Make sure you understand the damage policy, repair policy and how much you will need to pay in each case
Car rental companies will typically charge customers the agreed excess, which is the amount the customer pays if a vehicle is damaged and they are at fault. Customers who have taken out excess protection to reduce the excess will be charged a lower amount. If the repair costs are less than the excess the customer will be refunded the difference
– Check on any fuel restrictions
Many companies have their own fuel policies, so it’s worth checking before you book. Some companies will impose a one-off “mandatory fuel” charge to cover a full tank of fuel which you will have to pay when you pick up the vehicle. This is in addition to the cost of the car hire. Our research shows that this is typically around £66 (€80) and if you’re booking online, this fee may not be clearly flagged up on the web site.
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