How to avoid the pitfalls of hiring a car this summer?
This year the hire car availability has been reduced by around 40%, thanks to two reasons.
- Many companies were forced to sell off much of their fleet to make ends meet at the height of the COVID pandemic.
- The global scarcity of semiconductors.
Table of Contents
1- Make your booking as soon as possible.
As soon as you know your holidays dates, book your car. With the evident shortage of cars, it makes sense not to hang around.
If you plan ahead, you can make sure that you get the car you need.
2- Compare prices.
The cost of renting a car can vary between companies or places.
As always, small, local, reputable car rental companies can be cheaper than the big ones.
In any case, before committing, make sure to check the fine print for any additional charges.
3- Choose the right car.
Rental companies usually have a large and varied fleet of vehicles. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
4- Check contract conditions and cancellation policy.
Each company has its own policy conditions for the rental contract. Some give various options, in terms of insurance, additional drivers, fuel policy …..
Before signing anything, you should check the clauses of what you have chosen, to avoid surprises. Of course, you should also stick to them. If you choose a basic contract, and there is a problem, don’t try to claim for cover that you didn’t take out.
Likewise, and even more so in these times, you should be clear about the flexibility they offer in case of a possible cancellation. Costs that may be incurred, minimum time to do so…
With these two points clear, you will avoid unpleasant surprises.
5- Insurance.
This point depends on the previous one.
Depending on the type of contract you have chosen, you will have one type of insurance or another.
In case you choose an insurance with excess:
- – What amount will be withheld from your credit card?
- – At the end of the rental period, when will you get this amount back?
If you choose an insurance without excess:
- – What extra costs are involved?
- – Are there any exceptions in the coverage?
It is highly recommended, especially in the first case, to take photos of the car, even before opening the doors, and to examine it very well, notifying the company staff of any damage that we find.
As well as the fuel situation.