Vehicle Rental Tips
Things to consider before you book
Reserve in advance! Quoted rates are usually only snapshots for reservations made on a given day and these rates may change, according to availability, level of bookings and other factors. Be responsible and cancel your reservation if you have a change of plan.
Unused days - No refunds are issued on unused rental days. Do not plan to book for the longest possible period and return early. If you find you need to keep your rental vehicle longer than planned, extensions can be done quickly and easily over the telephone.
Child safety & infant seats are usually available - Most car companies offer child safety, toddler and infant seats. Since there may be limited availability on these you should reserve these well in advance. Be aware that at some locations, the rental car company may not guarantee that a child seat will be waiting for you upon arrival. They are usually EUR 5 - 7 per day to rent. Some agencies cap the charge at a maximum per rental.
You can't reserve a specific car type - When you reserve, you are holding down a car within a car group, not necessarily a specific make or model.
Beware of the 24 hour clock! When obtaining your car rental quote be aware of the "24 hour clock rate". This means if you rent your car on Wednesday and return it on Thursday, you are charged for one day only if you return it within 24 hrs.
Things to consider when you collect your vehicle
Do I need to buy their coverages, insurance or damage waivers at the counter? You may be offered additional insurances (e.g. Personal Accident Insurance) at the time of arrival, however these are entirely optional.
Unlimited Mileage? All of the companies we deal with offer unlimited mileage. This may vary in Australia, according to collection location.
Gasoline Charges - Be sure and fill your car up before you return your car. In most cases you will pay a high premium if you forget.
Taxes & Airport Surcharges - These vary from country to country and are usually included in the rate.
Minimum age policies will differ - These will differ from country to country. Surcharges/restrictions may apply for drivers aged 20-25 and 70-75 years. The main driver will need a valid drivers licence and major credit card in the same name.
Do I need a major credit card? - Yes, all of our rental car agencies accept only major credit cards and do NOT accept debit cards or cash.
Check out the condition of your car - It's a good idea to inspect the vehicle prior to leaving the rental depot. Any damage or unusual dents/scratches should be noted on the contract before you drive away. Go back to the rental office if need be to have this acknowledged in writing. Some companies may enforce a hard line policy regarding this.
Look at a map before taking off - Be sure you get a map and look at it before you take off in your rental car. If you need to ask questions do so before you leave the agency. Take note of the location so you can easily return your car.
Can I let someone else drive the rental car? In most cases, you will need to list additional drivers on your contract at the time of pick up.