Renting a car is interesting if you fly to your destination and want to explore the area on site. But how do you avoid nasty surprises?
Book online or rent a car on site?
Many rental companies have a website where you can reserve a car in advance. This has advantages: you can compare the prices of different providers, carefully read the contract conditions and you save time on arrival. However, there are also disadvantages to renting a car online: the reliability of small, unknown rental companies is difficult to estimate, you cannot negotiate the price and if you want to change your reservation that is often not possible.
What do you want to be insured for?
Always check which insurance is included in the price. Normally, the minimum insurance for material and physical damage to third parties. You usually have to pay extra for all additional insurance (glass breakage, comprehensive insurance, physical damage to other passengers, theft luggage).
The fine print
Take the time to check the following:
- Is there an unlimited number of kilometers included?
- Who do you contact in the event of a breakdown or damage?
- Do you have to pay a surcharge if a second driver wants to drive the car?
- Is all possible material damage covered?
- Can you cross the border with the vehicle?
- Do you have to pay a surcharge if you deliver the car to a different office?
- How is ‘one rental day’ calculated? According to office hours or 24 hours after collection?
Use the car rental checklist
Do you want all the tips in a row? Then print the car rental checklist. Go down the list and you can be sure that you can drive around your holiday destination without any worries. For more details and getting the best cars on rent please check SUV rental Dubai!
Condition of the car before and after
Important: check the condition of the car in detail before you go. Record any scratches, blemishes or defects on the landlord’s form. Also check whether the first aid kit and spare tire are intact and which car papers you have. That way you don’t pay for damage that you didn’t cause. When returning the car, you and an employee of the rental company check the condition of the car again and have a proof signed. Do you return the car outside office hours? Make sure to take enough photos of the car to avoid discussions.
Full or empty tank?
Given the choice, a full tank is always better. Landlords usually charge a more expensive liter price or additional costs to fill a tank. Keep the proof of payment for your refueling and, if necessary, take a photo of the fuel meter and mileage.
More tips for renting a car
In the event of a claim, have a specification drawn up by a repair service to avoid being charged unreasonable costs.
Rent a car and under 25? Many car rental companies impose a minimum age, usually between 21 and 25 (sometimes 26) years. Sometimes you have to have a driver’s license for a year (or longer).
Many rental companies then block a certain amount, which lowers the spending limit of your card. Increase your limit temporarily if necessary Learn More
