1car1 UK Car Rental News

Anyone who regularly rents a car in the UK will know that the experience can be a minefield of hidden extras and ways to get caught out. The price you see is rarely the price you pay and it can be all too easy to find yourself paying hundreds of pounds more than you expected. In order to try and help you avoid getting caught out, we have compiled a list of the 10 top ways to ensure that your rental goes smoothly and that you only pay what you are expecting. 

1.      Make sure that you are fully aware of all costs before making a reservation. Ask whether any road fund tax costs and fuel deposits are required or included. 

2.      Make sure that the rental company are aware of what you are using the vehicle for and where you are travelling. If you are planning on take the vehicle out of the UK make sure that they are aware of this and allow it. Also check if any additional insurance is required. 

3.      Make sure that you are fully aware of what identification is required in order to hire a vehicle. Most UK car rental companies will require a full valid driving licence for everyone who will be driving the vehicle. Other identification such as a valid passport is often also required. 

4.      The majority of car hire companies will require a credit card in order to rent a vehicle and most do not accept cash or cheque, Make sure that the method of payment you intend to use is acceptable. 

5.      There will normally be an insurance excess on your hire vehicle. Make sure you are aware of what this is and under what circumstances you might be liable for charges. 

6.      You will be required to sign a hire agreement when taking collection of your vehicle. Make sure you read this and are fully aware of what your responsibilities are. 

7.      When taking collection of your rental vehicle, make sure you inspect the car for damage with a member of the rental company staff. Ensure that any existing damage is noted by the company so that you will not be held responsible on returning the vehicle. You should also follow this procedure on return in order to avoid potential disagreements later. 

8.      Before leaving the rental depot, make sure you are familiar and happy with the controls for the vehicle. Make sure you are aware of how the vehicles locking system works, how to open the petrol tank etc. 

9.      Make sure you know what to do in the event of a breakdown. There will normally be vehicle recovery details in the car or on your rental agreement. Make sure that you have these before leaving the depot. 

10.  Clarify whether there are any mileage restrictions on your hire. Many rental companies have a policy where you only receive a certain amount of miles with the rental after which you pay an additional charge. 

It is obviously impossible to for see every potential problem that you might encounter during a rental but by following these simple steps you should find that your car hire experience is a pleasant and trouble free one. 

If you have any tips or advice from your UK car rental experiences, we would love to hear them.