Everything about renting a car for your vacation

It is handy to rent a car for your vacation. It means no more lugging hefty baggage across town or waiting for public transportation. Travellers simply pack up a car and go wherever they want, whenever they want. You can go to destinations that are only accessible by car, and depending on how you use it, car rental is typically less expensive than using the bus or train. There are, however, some hazards to be aware of to properly avoid them.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CAR HIRE? 

As soon as you can. Six months before departure is best. Because hardly everyone schedules international travel six months in advance, consider renting a car at the same time as planning a vacation. In general, the lower the price, the earlier you book. You're also more likely to receive the car you want in the category you want. A tiny car, for example, is ideal for zipping around a metropolis. If you wait too long, great demand may mean that all of those automobiles have been reserved, leaving you with an option of larger, more impractical vehicles. If you're travelling with the family, a regular five-door with luggage space in the trunk is preferable.

HOW MUCH DOES HIRING A CAR FOR YOUR HOLIDAY COST?

A holiday automobile can be rented in Europe for as little as £10 per day. It's realistic to expect to pay more than £30 per day in a popular tourist destination. Location – such as an airport or a town; destination; country; how far in advance you book; category of vehicles you choose, such as compact or luxury; the number of cars available; any extras you need, such as car seats, sat navs, and additional drivers; and the rental company you book with all affect the price. If you rent a car for a few days to a week, you'll receive greater value for money because the distance you travel isn't limited - this is known as 'unlimited mileage.' If the rental agreement includes a mileage allowance, you will be charged an extra fee for any additional kilometres driven during the rental time.

HOW DO I FIND THE BEST DEAL?

Compare prices and book early. Use a vehicle rental comparison website to obtain a wide range of pricing, then compare them to offers from a travel agent, a hotel booking website, or an airline booking website. You should also study the policy detail to acquire the finest overall offer. Prices on comparison websites may be for deals that have been pared down to their bare essentials. The beginning price rises as more necessities are added. Examine details like mileage allowance and fuel policy. The latter may require you to purchase a tank of petrol at the rental company's rates upfront. You might also get a full-to-full arrangement, which means you get a full tank of gas and must return it in the same condition. If you keep expensive accessories to a minimum – for example, carrying your car seat from home for an infant – our rental will be less expensive. Instead of obtaining a sat nav from the car rental business, you can download maps to your phone and use them offline. Once you've decided on a car rental provider, see if it offers a free loyalty club with additional benefits. Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program, for example, includes a free additional driver for a spouse or civil partner.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT IN MY RENTAL CAR? 

The bill for damage to the car's body should be paid by the car rental business. But only after the motorist has paid the 'extra,' which is a one-time payment. When renting a car, check to see if the firm includes a 'collision damage waiver,' as well as theft protection and third-party liability for damage to someone else's property. This is the most basic level of coverage, but the excess can be substantial, ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. Car rental companies will try to offer you extra insurance that reduces your excess to a lower amount, or even zero pounds, and covers things like tires and the windscreen. This is likely to be a costly add-on. Another alternative is to get automobile rental excess insurance before your trip. These policies will compensate you if you have a prang and are assessed an extra fee. They usually provide coverage for tire and windscreen damage as well.

WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS COULD I EXPERIENCE WITH MY CAR HIRE?

Even if you get standalone excess insurance, the person who hands you your keys at the check-in desk will almost certainly try to persuade you to purchase the company's add-on insurance. Even if they don't want it or are already insured by another policy, some people grudgingly give in. For a security deposit, drivers will need enough money on their credit cards, and the name on the card must match the name on the rental policy. Some deposits are 'ring-fenced.' The amount is not deducted from the card as a payment, but it is also not available for the consumer to spend. After the vehicle is returned, it is discharged. However, some firms require a deposit, which is subsequently refunded if the automobile is returned in good condition. During the renting time, customers are liable to currency fluctuations on that sum. For scratches or damages, a car rental firm may deduct a portion of the security deposit – or even the entire amount. This might exceed £1,000 in value. Poor-practice companies have been known to criticize clients for dents or scrapes that were already there. As a result, before signing the paperwork and driving away, drivers should photograph their rental automobiles and make a formal note of any flaws. Anyone claiming standalone excess insurance will still be responsible for paying the automobile rental company for damage and then reclaiming the money from the insurance carrier later.

ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN FEES THAT I SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR?

If you agree to a car upgrade when you arrive on vacation, you will be responsible for the cost. Unless the company doesn't have your selected vehicle in stock, in which case you may be offered a free upgrade. If you incur any toll road costs or speeding fines, for example, you may be charged for damage that isn't covered by insurance as well as administrative fees. If you cancel too close to the pick-up time, you may be charged a cancellation fee, and late or early drop-offs may also result in additional charges. Surplus fees apply to younger drivers as well as accessories such as a child's car seat.

WHAT SHOULD I BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR IN A HOLIDAY CAR HIRE BUSINESS?

A good track record. With millions of vehicles rented each year, all automobile rental firms are subject to a wide spectrum of complaints. They're all over the internet review sites. When doing your research, seek complaints against the same car rental provider, for the same difficulties, at the same place. This will reveal whether the issues are isolated or systemic. In addition to a low price, seek policies that have flexible cancellation in case plans change, as well as a reasonable excess fee in the event of a collision. It's also worthwhile to seek other benefits, such as a free additional driver on the insurance.

HOW CAN I COMPLAIN ABOUT MY CAR HIRE COMPANY? 

If you have a complaint and are unable to resolve it with the automobile rental business, a dispute resolution service may be able to assist you. The European Car Rental Conciliation Service is a free service aimed at resolving disputes between rental firms and dissatisfied clients. Europcar, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt are among the participants.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO HIRE A HOLIDAY CAR AND DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

A valid, up-to-date driver's license is required. You may also need an international driving permit, which may be purchased from the Post Office, depending on your destination. When renting a car, you may be requested to provide a 'check code' that reveals your driving history. Before you leave the UK, you can receive this information online. It has a 21-day expiration date and can only be used once.