Car rental has more catches than a corset, however, you can unhook them effectively and save a lot. Car rental experiences during our travels taught us. Knowing a bit about car rental pricing strategy, it’s feasible to find low-cost car rental hacks by booking early. Read my suggestions on how you save on car rental, avoid high-cost excess insurance and beat hidden nasties. Learn how you save rental massively without the risk of high excess costs!
Also read our information about travel insurance, which you can still book even if you are already traveling and which has almost the same name as we have. It specializes in World Nomads.
Don’t Pay Too Much For Additional drivers
Book in advance if two or more of you want to split the riding. Don’t leave it until you’re there. it’s well worth checking on comparison websites too, to see if you can get a better deal. The extra driver fee on top of the car rental can swallow up the savings easily.
At many overseas banks or shops at airports, you can choose to pay in local currency or the currency of your overseas credit card. Opt for the local currency. Your credit card provider offers a better currency exchange rate.
Do You Need an International Drivers License?
A driver’s license of a European country is familiar throughout Europe and North America and vice-versa. However, if the language on it isn’t English and if you‘re planning a road trip further afield, order an International Driver License. You may not need it, but it can save you hassles if the rental car company or if the police ask for it.
Discounts on a Package to Save Car Rental
A few websites provide extra reductions in case you‘re hiring a car with flights and hotel in a package. The primary one is Expedia. Car rentals, flights or hotels are not automatically discounted if booked collectively, though. A comparison is required. Airport or airline websites every so often offer special discounts. Once you’ve executed an evaluation. take a look at these web pages to see if it’s beatable.
What to Check at your Hired Car
Worldwide vehicle lease can be tricky. Save yourself problems by following these tips:
Look at and take photos of the car‘s condition
Reports of overcharging and claiming damages are rife. So snap a few images of the car and make notes of its condition on the rental car’s form especially any scratches or dents. These are the top reason for disputes.
Check the gas type the car takes
Take a look at if the auto calls for petrol or diesel. If you damage the automobile through the usage of the wrong kind, it is unlikely you may be reimbursed for damages.
Going Off-Road?
if you‘re going to be adventurous, read what’s protected. If you have a mishap while racing via the Sahara’s desolate areas, you can cough up for damages. Take a look if the spare tire is fully operational.
Local Legalities
Some countries have legal requirements such as in-car first aid kits, high-visibility jackets, breakdown and spare bulb kits which, if you don’t have them, invalidates the insurance. The car hire company should be well aware of this but check anyway.
Check country-by-country driving regulations on the AA website to ensure you’re familiar with local rules before you leave.
Emergency Number
Most Rental Car Companies have a 24-hour emergency number, in case the auto breaks down or in case you‘re in an accident. Ensure you know where it is (and other Emergency Numbers as well).
Bring your Car Back in Time and Clean
Stick to the policies and bring the car back on time and in the cleanest state possible to avoid additional charges.
- Stay around for inspection. Minor scratches can be blamed on you and lead to charges.Take pictures if you don’t have time.
- In case of an accident, Repair bills are essential. Keep them safe. You need them for your insurance claim.
- Sort your paperwork. All paperwork should be completed with the returning of the car. Keep it in a safe place in case any disputes arise. The credit card slip for the deposit you’ll need to keep, too.
Check your Bank Account when You Return Home
The final little bit of vigilance of checking your credit card or bank statement when you get back is needed. Make certain that no extra charges were added to your bill without your knowledge, and ensure you’ve been refunded your full deposit. If there’s a problem in contacting the company to sort it out doesn’t work, remember that your credit card company provides a secondary back-up in case of a dispute.
