When you hire a car from one of the major rental companies online you want to be 100% sure that the price you have paid upfront for your rental period is the final price you pay. For many motorists, additional charges can arise throughout the process; many of these are very easy to avoid by following a few basic hints and tips.
In this guide, we show you how to avoid additional charges from the major hire companies, and also give you peace of mind when hiring a vehicle from any provider.
Pay in advance
Many people leave it until the last minute to rent a vehicle – or even just turn up at a rental outlet or airport hire desk without making an advance booking. Prices charged for customers walking through the door will invariably be higher, and discounts will almost certainly be greater when booked well in advance. If you know you’re going to need a rental car, don’t leave it until the day; buy online for the best price. Advance booking should also ensure you get the size and specification of the car you want rather than by taking a chance on what’s available at arrival. The so-called “airport surcharge” is a hefty price to pay when it can be avoided by a bit of advance planning.
Similarly, pay for any extras upfront – extra policies and cover are generally cheaper when bought in advance.
Refuel the car before return
One of the more common reasons that people are charged extra for is completely avoidable. Usually the rental car or van will be supplied with a certain amount of petrol or diesel – often the vehicle will be fully filled up. The rental company asks you to return the vehicle with an identical amount of fuel in it after the hire period. However, consumers often fail to do so, leading to an additional charge. Additionally, the cost of refuelling the vehicle may not be the friendly supermarket price you normally pay, but be at premium prices – and could even incur a processing fee or additional VAT. Some companies like Nationwide Hire UK have a clear fuel charge replacement policy but some do not! By making a stop at the cheap local garage and topping the vehicle up before you drop it off, this is one nasty sting that’s easy to avoid.
Don’t sign anything until you’re happy
One area that can catch out a customer is minor damage or unexpected scratches that are only spotted after the vehicle is returned. When hiring a car it’s extremely important to walk round it with the salesperson and make a close note of any defects, scratches, dints and so on – and make sure it is noted in writing. If you want to be extra cautious, take photographs of any damage on your phone; that way you will have evidence should the company attempt to blame you for the damage when the vehicle is returned. Do not sign anything until you’re completely satisfied that all damage and defects are noted down and clearly indicated on the form.
Damage waivers
Of course damage can happen. Most rental cars come with a standard damage waiver that covers you for more serious issues, but usually has a hefty excess. Figures of £500-£1,000 are not uncommon. If you return a car with damaged tyres, scuffs, scratches or dints you will be charged. However, most companies offer an additional policy which reduces the excess significantly, sometimes completely. While this can often be 10 pounds per day or more to take out, it’s worth it for short-term rentals; few things cause more aggravation or distress than having to pay out a significant sum for a couple of minor scuffs. Looking after the vehicle is of course very much your responsibility – try and avoid running tyres against kerbs or taking any unnecessary risks.
Don’t litter inside
Companies will also often charge you if the car is returned in pristine exterior condition but with less care afforded inside. Don’t leave food wrappers, spills or dirt for the rental company to deal with: aside from being discourteous, they’ll pass on the cost. It’s well worth spending a few minutes looking around the car inside and out before you take it back to avoid any unnecessary clean up bills.
Double check the return time!
A majority of cars come with rental periods in 24 hour increments from the time you pick up the vehicle. If you pick it up at 11am, try and make sure you return it before 11am on the return day or you face paying for an additional day’s rental; companies are within their rights to bill you for an extra day if you turn up just a few minutes late. If you are unexpectedly detained, such as by a major traffic incident, for example, phone the company and explain; you’re more likely to be let off a late return if you’ve proved good reason, and explained in advance, than after returning the vehicle. Again, if possible it’s worth checking with online road traffic services to see if there are problems in the area before setting off.
Note that some companies may also charge an early return fee should you decide you don’t need the car for the full period after all. While this may seem ridiculous, bear in mind that the company has not been able to offer that vehicle for advance booking and may even invalidate any discount rate you were offered, such as a weekly rate.
Don’t upgrade if you don’t need to
Many companies will offer upgrades and extras on the day; if you have pre-booked a car of a certain class and the booking has been accepted, the company is obligated to offer the vehicle you asked for, or an equivalent alternative. Forcing you to pay extra because the car you ordered is not available is not acceptable. Most comapnies will offer upgrades, but you are under no obligation to take them. As mentioned previously, this is a very good reason to book in advance, either online or on the phone; the company should then provide the type of vehicle you booked, at the right price.
Avoid penalty charges
If you drive at excess speed or in a dangerous manner, chances are you’ll be caught on camera. Penalty notices sent to a hire company will be passed directly onto the hirer, often with a hefty processing or admin fee added on top; don’t assume that once the car has been returned that you’re off scot free as this is not the case. Using another vehicle doesn’t mean you can flout road rules.
Breakdown Cover – yes or no?
Many companies also offer an extra charge for roadside breakdown cover, for around £5 a day in most cases. If you already have personal cover, which is tied to an individual and not a specific vehicle, this should cover you for any rental car; don’t take out additional cover unless it’s necessary. If however you don’t have breakdown cover in place, it may be worth taking this out when hiring the vehicle, as you may not only be hit with the recovery or roadside repair cost, but also with an admin fee on top.
With advance planning and adherence to a few basic guidelines, renting a car should be simple and stress-free. Use these hints and tips, and some common sense, and you should be able to avoid the pitfalls and added costs that some motorists can encounter.
