Top Tips for Canny Car Hire Recommended By carrentals.co.uk

With the summer holidays just around the corner and the growth in independent travel boosting demand for car hire, getting the best deal on the right car and avoiding additional charges can prove a challenge. Online car hire specialist carrentals.co.uk recommends the tips and tricks of the ‘Canny Car Hirer’….

1)Book early
Booking early will help ensure the right size and style of car is reserved for you. The larger your group, the more space you will need, but larger people carriers or mini vans can be limited in number compared to small economy vehicles. Similarly, special vehicles such as 4x4s, diesels or cabriolets tend to be available in smaller numbers. If you know you want, or need, a specific type of vehicle; book early.

2)Book extras at the start
Items such as child seats or snow chains in winter can book up fast. The best option is to consider what items you need when you make the original booking and include everything on the reservation. You can add extras to the booking later, but doing this may mean you miss out.

3)Read the documentation before you travel Once the booking is made confirmation details will be sent to you by e-mail, post or even text. Read these carefully and contact the company you have booked with as soon as possible about any changes or queries you may have.
4)Take your Car Hire details with you
Remember to always take the details of your car hire reservation with you. That way, once you arrive to collect your vehicle, you have everything to hand in case of any queries.

5)Check for bumps or scratches
Once the keys have been collected, check around the vehicle for any bumps or scratches and ensure you highlight these to the staff at the collection point. Failing to do this may result in you being charged for damage not caused by you, so take time to have a thorough check of the vehicle.

6)Check the fuel level
Switch on the ignition and check the fuel level before you set off. It is usually cheaper to agree to bring the car back with a full tank, but make sure you start with a full tank first!

7)Check emergency numbers and kit
It’s also worth checking you have details of the local emergency numbers and roadside assistance or your car hire company, plus check the emergency kit included with the car, which may include a reflective triangle or jacket. This way, if the worst happens you will be more prepared.

8)Take Time and Allow Time
Driving a strange car in a strange country needs far more concentration. To get your journey off to the right start, take the time to get to grips with the car – check where indicators and lights are, check the mirrors and position of your seat, and tune in the radio to a suitable station before you set off. Also allow yourself an extra half hour to hand back the car at the end of your stay. The paperwork is minimal but there may be a queue.

9)Plan your route
Many accidents can be caused by drivers concentrating on finding the right way, rather than on their driving technique and other traffic. To minimise the risk of accident, or getting lost, plan your route before you set off - the journey will be safer and more enjoyable.

10)Fill up with fuel before you return the car
Most of us have been stung at some time by the cost of petrol at many airports. To avoid having to fill up in a last minute rush near the car hire returns area, fill up shortly before you arrive at the airport and you’ll find prices more reasonable. It’s also worth noting that unmanned petrol stations may not take international credit cards, especially if you don’t know your PIN code. Try locating a suitable petrol station on the way out so there are no surprises on the way back.

Doug Scott, managing director of carrentals.co.uk, said: “While carrentals.co.uk is simplifying car hire by offering easy online booking, there are areas that can cause concern, particularly once the car has been collected. We hope that these tips will help customers get the most out of their car hire and avoid any difficulties.”

Carrentals.co.uk is an online car hire specialist, offering low cost car rental in over 4,000 locations around the world through leading car hire providers such as Hertz and Europcar.
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