Top tips for Stress-Free Car Rental!

The summer has definitely arrived, and with the school holidays around the corner, many of you will be preparing for your annual get-away! Here are our top tips to make your car hire a stress-free experience:

• Read the terms and conditions thoroughly.
• Take 2 copies of the car hire voucher with you, as often the supplier will keep the copy given to them.
• When collecting the vehicle, pay for any extras such as child seats with a credit card and always get a receipt. If you do pay the supplier any funds in cash, make sure you get a receipt!
• Check the fuel level matches what is stated on the paperwork, if not, make sure this is amended. Photograph the fuel gauge before returning the vehicle, if you fill up at the fuel station prior to returning it; make sure you get a receipt.
• Check the car for any marks or damage, including the tyres and the glass parts and ensure this is noted by the car hire representative, take photos of the vehicle, especially any dents or scratches before you take it away and when you return it.
• Do not take out the supplier’s additional insurance if you have purchased ours! Often the suppliers will offer their insurance regardless. Our top-up insurance is a standalone policy, unrelated to the supplier, but will cover you for the tyres, glass parts, underside of the vehicle and more. If you need to claim on the top-up insurance, you will be reimbursed for costs incurred.
• Be aware that the supplier may authorise a security deposit on your credit card. This provides security against damage to items such as the tyres, glass parts or underside of the vehicle, it is also used in the event of parking fines or traffic offences. This deposit will be released at the end of your rental.
• If you are unhappy with the condition of the vehicle on collection, this is the time to say so. Explain to the car hire company that you want a different vehicle, if there are any problems, please call us and we can liaise with the supplier on your behalf.
• Query any charges that you are unsure of on collection. Phone us so that we can make sure that you are not charged for anything in error at the time of collection.
• If you experience any problems with the vehicle during your rental, in the first instance, contact the supplier, or contact us if you can't get hold of them.
• If you want to stay longer than expected and want to extend your car hire, always do so directly with us, which will normally be much cheaper than extending the rental directly with the supplier.
• Allow up to 21 working days for any expected refunds for fuel deposits to show back in your account.
• Remember to take a note of our number +44 (0)1362 853938 in case you need to contact us, and most of all, relax and enjoy your holiday!

Things to Remember Before You Get to the Airport!

When you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and car hire here are the top 7 things to do before you get to the airport:

• Arrange travel insurance. Do this as soon as you have booked your holiday to maximise the cover available to you. Check the terms and conditions to make sure all the benefits you require are included in the policy.
• Book airport parking as early as possible, the sooner you book, the cheaper it will be.
• Currency exchange rates can be volatile, so if you are happy with the rate, buy at least half of your requirement early to avoid any changes against your favour.
• It sounds simple, but write a list of things you want to take with you, to ensure you don’t forget anything.
• Print off all paperwork, flight details, accommodation details and your car hire voucher and make a note of any phone numbers you may need.
• Do not pack all of your clothes into one suitcase. Spread them across two or more to limit the inconvenience of losing baggage.
• Don’t forget your passport, or your driving licence!

* Prices quoted in this email are based on a 7 day rental airport collection with a 5% online discount and are subject to change.

† Exchange rate based on Marks and Spencer currency exchange rates obtained on 16/07/2010.