Car rental: what to watch out for
May 2008
With the arrival of Summer, many of us are counting down to the annual holidays. Cheaper air travel has meant that many consumers now arrange their own transport and accommodation and may also hire a car.
Whether you holiday at home or abroad this year, and you plan to hire a car, then follow these steps before you drive off in a rented car.
1. Check the price
Even if the price claims to be "inclusive", there are a number of items and services that may not be included in it such as:
- Childseats
- Including additional driver(s)
- No distance limits
- Returning the car outside of business hours
- Crossing international borders
- Returning the vehicle to a point other than the pick-up point or to an airport
2. Check your deposit
Make sure that any deposit you pay will be deducted from the total price and will not appear as a separate, additional charge on your credit card bill.
3. Check the contract
To understand what your rights and obligations are, always read the contract carefully. Don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand before signing it. Never sign a contract unless you are clear about its contents and are happy with all the terms and conditions attached to it.
Pay particular attention to the following:
- What exactly is included in the contract for the price quoted or advertised
- Fuel policy: is there a charge if you don't return the car with a full tank of fuel?
- Insurance policy: does it cover all the drivers who intend to drive the car, what type of cover is involved and do you have to pay an excess if there is a claim?
- Driver and age policies: are there restrictions on the amount of people who can drive the car and/or their age?
- Breakdown policy: is it clear what you should do in the event of the car breaking down? If not, ask the rental company for details. Never try to fix the car yourself or have any work done without checking with the rental company first
- Returns policy: is there a charge for returning the car to a different location than you picked it up at, or at an airport?
- Cancellation policy: is there one and what is required?
4. Check the condition of the car
When you pick up and return the car, make sure you get an employee of the rental company to confirm, in writing, any damage that's on the car before you drive it. You should also do this when you drop the car off to confirm that no damage occurred while you had the car.
Usually, you will be given a checklist or a diagram of existing exterior damage when you pick the car up. If not, make a list of your own and have it signed.
Check that the car's equipment (lights, air-conditioning, tyres and so on) and windscreen (a small chip can become a big problem) are in good order before setting off.
5. Check where you can go
Check if there are any limits on the distance you can travel in the rental period and also if crossing international borders is allowed. Also check if you need an international driver's permit or other documentation in the country you are renting in.
6. Check the insurance
Make sure the insurance you, and anyone who will be driving the car, take out is adequate for your needs and check if you will have to pay any excess in the event of something going wrong.
7. Check the car when you return it
It is never advisable to return a vehicle outside business hours as you can't get someone to confirm that no damage has been done. If you must do this, pictures showing the condition of the car may suffice as evidence that no damage occurred during the rental period. Leave yourself enough time to check the car and don't leave it to the last minute to return it.
Learn more
Read more about renting a car
Visit the Car Rental Council of Ireland's website
For car rental companies in other EU member state, read how the European Consumer Centre is tackling the problem