Need a car for a day trip while travelling? Or do you want a car ready at the airport to drive to your hotel? When you shop online, you'll see that the headline prices for car hire are always easier to read than the small print. But what else is included in that so-called ‘all-in’ price? Adrem gives you the ultimate checklist.
You're going on a trip and want to rent a car. Of course, you can do this on the spot at the airport or at the local car hire company in the village. There's a good chance you'll be explained in broken English what's included in the price and that you'll miss out on a lot of what you're not getting. Hiring a car online saves you a lot of headaches and gives you the opportunity to review everything at your leisure, in your own language, to ensure you're not faced with unpleasant surprises.
Online comparison
Brokers (intermediaries who offer cars from other rental companies) are usually cheaper than traditional car rental companies with their own fleets. On the other hand, local rental companies are often much cheaper than global rental companies at an airport. An additional fee is always charged at an airport.
When comparing websites, at least consider the following:
Is the landlord's name, address and phone number clearly displayed on the site, in a logical place such as under ‘Contact’? Can you pay safely online, and are additional charges applied for this or not? Are the general terms and conditions, as well as the local rental conditions, clearly stated? Often, various product options are ticked by default. Pay attention to this and untick unwanted options so they are no longer automatically added to the price.
Books
Before you put pen to paper, at least go through this list, alright:
❑ Is the number of kilometres unlimited or is there a maximum (and therefore an additional charge)?
❑ What are the daily costs for a second driver?
❑ Are there any extra charges if the delivery address is different from the pick-up address?
❑ Are there extra cleaning charges upon return?
❑ What are the costs if you don't refuel it yourself before returning it? (A fixed amount or for example €3 per litre)
❑ Is the car at the airport where you arrive? Or do you first need to take a taxi into the city centre?
❑ What are the additional costs to waive the excess?
❑ Does this buy-back also apply to theft?
❑ Is cover for damage to the underside or roof lining also included?
Is passenger insurance included?
❑ Is the car rental inclusive of local taxes (e.g. VAT)?
❑ Is it possible to take out all-risk insurance, and what is included in it?
DONE Check if your liability insurance is also valid in the country where you are hiring the car or travelling through. And pay attention to local rules! Your insurance is often not valid if you drive too fast or under the influence, but sometimes also not on unpaved roads.
2. Collection
Naturally, you'll want to leave immediately, but please check the following first:
You will always have to complete and sign a number of documents. Always read the small print and check that the names of all authorised drivers are included and that all information is correct.
Check the car for dents and scratches and have them noted, even if the landlord says they are already aware of the scratch.
Nagaan welke items in de auto aanwezig zijn:
- creak
- spare wheel
- Instruction booklet
- insurance documents
3. Return
If you are required to return the car with a full tank of fuel, please do so to avoid hefty surcharges later.
Stay with the car while it's being checked, to avoid any unpleasant surprises afterwards, such as extra fuel charges or cleaning fees.
Record in writing whether there is damage or not, have the document signed and keep it carefully.
If you cannot check the car together, for example, if you are returning the vehicle outside office hours, then at least take photos of the car.
Always ask for your deposit or a blank imprint of your credit card back when settling the bill.
DONE Keep the paperwork for another six months or so. If anything is wrong afterwards, then you'll be in the strongest position. And keep an eye on your credit card statements.
Affordable and all-risk insured when travelling
An all-inclusive rental price usually includes at least third-party liability insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), a certain mileage allowance, local taxes and surcharges, and airport delivery charges. In almost all cases, there is still an excess amount, and you will need to purchase Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) and pay additional costs for cancellation insurance, driver insurance, and an additional driver on top of the price.
