Top Tips For Hiring A Rental Car In Europe

Are you planning on going to Europe some time soon and looking to rent a car while there? If so, the following car hire tips should help smoothen out the experience:

Choosing the right vehicle
Before approaching a car rental agency, it is important that you first have an idea of the type of car that you need, based on your requirements. For example, if you are travelling as a family, hiring a van is a great idea because of the extra space, and if you need to go offroading getting an SUV is the better option. The choice of the car should also go hand in hand with your budget and while considering this, it is important to note that in Europe smaller cars – and those with manual transmissions – are usually cheaper.

Booking
Booking a car in Europe, while on another continent is now significantly easier thanks to the internet, and major car rental companies feature websites that enable you to select the car you want and reserve it just by the click of a button. You can also book by making a call to the agency, but the online option is best as it allows you to compare rates with other agencies and consider the best option. It also enables you to check out the range of cars available beforehand, you can also take advantage of any discounts and special offers available.

That said, if you work for a company that regularly rents cars from a specific agency, you could ask if it is listed in one of the special discount programmes and get a negotiated rate.

On to the terms and conditions, it is crucial that you read the fine print before confirming a reservation as you could end up paying a hefty fine if things don’t go according to plan. Factors to look for are, for example, issues related to penalties for no-shows, the amount of time that the car will be held for you after the pickup deadline, if there is a fee for additional drivers and whether their names should listed in the contract.

Picking up the car

It is always advisable to request to pick up the car a few miles away from major cities. This will reduce any stress related to traffic congestion, directional guidance issues, and more. On receiving it, it is recommended that you carry out an inspection for damages, note the mileage displayed on the odometer and check if features such as the lights are working properly.

Returning the vehicle
When returning the car, always make sure that you fill the tank so you only pay for the gas you used. Also, avoid gas stations near the airport as they usually tend to be pricey, and if the agency office is located away from the city with a petrol station nearby then all the better. You should also ensure that the vehicle is inspected in your presence and any credit deposits to your card made while you are in the office in case there are any unforeseen disputes that need to be settled. Lastly, remember to check if you have left any belongings in the boot of the car.