Holidays are supposed to be a time of relaxation or adventure. To ensure a stress-free break you should plan as much as possible in advance. This includes any transportation you may need.
Whether it is to get you from the airport to the hotel or to take on wild adventures, many holidaymakers choose to rent a car. But is it worth it? Here are some things for you to consider.
Do your research
Just like everything else for a holiday, research is key. Take your time to look at different companies offering car rentals and compare the prices. Comparison sites are great for getting an overall idea of how much renting a car will cost, however they often do not include any extras.
Fuel and insurance will add cost so you will need to factor that into your budget. If you are hiring a car within Europe, basic insurance is included but you may want to opt for a more comprehensive policy. Look into getting your own temporary car insurance policy that you can be confident in.
Mistakes to avoid
With budgets tight, the last thing you want is to be unfairly penalised by your rental company. One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is not inspecting the car fully before leaving the rental garage. Unfortunately, this could lead to you being fined for damage to the car that you did not do. To be extra careful, take photos of every angle of the vehicle before you drive off. Time-stamped photos will be great evidence should you need them.
You should also be aware of the refuelling policy that comes with the car. Some companies will expect you to return the car with a full tank whereas others will ask you to pay for a full tank up front and return it however you like at the end. If you fall foul of this policy then you may find yourself having to pay a top-up fee to fill the tank as well as a stipulated penalty. This wouldn't be a great way to end your holiday!
What to do if you have been treated unfairly?
It can happen when companies add additional fees or charges to your end bill which can come as a shock. If this does happen to you, contact the company directly and ask them to explain these charges.
If you are still unsatisfied that these charges are reasonable then inform the company as such and start a conversation with your card company. Paying by credit card will give you some protection as you can claim the company using section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Debit card users should also contact their bank and see if they can do a chargeback.
Should the banks be unable to help then seek out the responsible complaints resolution service for rental agencies. In the UK it is the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and in Europe, you should search for European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS). It is worth noting that the company will have to be a member of either organisation to help you.
