Written by Jonathan Pearce
27 March, 2020
Many drivers are apprehensive when it comes to renting a car, as many hire companies have a reputation for trying to catch customers out or being deliberately unclear on the rental agreement. Additional charges, unforeseen insurance costs and lacking customer service are all common complaints around car hire – but there are some surefire ways to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your rental agreement and are hiring from a reputable provider.
Whether you’re hiring a car to help you get around town or are looking for a vehicle to drive while on holiday, our blog looks at the top ten tips for successful car rental to help make your experience easier.
A car rental or car hire refers to borrowing a vehicle over a predetermined period at an agreed price from an agency or provider. Unlike leasing, car rental takes place over short periods of time – such as a couple of days or a week – and generally serves customers who need cars for holidays, may need a larger car for a particular journey, or have lost access to their usual vehicle after an accident. All in all, having a rental car is preferable for most over managing public transport or relying on taxis to get around.
When renting a car, there are some things you need to know. For example, all rental cars require insurance in order to drive on UK roads, with the policies provided within an agreement often coming with limitations. The price you’ll be quoted will vary by manufacturer, model and contract type, as well as your age, driving experience and location. It’s also crucial to read the small print at the bottom of your rental agreement before signing to ensure you’re not agreeing to any costs that you haven’t factored into your hire period.
The key to cutting the cost of car rental is preparation – avoid getting off a plane or being caught unprepared and jumping to sign the first agreement you see. Here are some of the sure-fire ways to save money on your next rental car.
Overall, it’s really important to know exactly what you need from a rental car, when you’ll need it, how far in advance you can sort an agreement out, and what’s included in the small print of the agreement. Car hire can be a really convenient and cost-effective way to drive a prestigious model while on holiday or while between cars – as long as it’s done correctly.
At AMT, we’re advocates for safe and responsible rental car use and pride ourselves on providing a service that’s tailored to you. If you want to find your ideal rental car, contact our dedicated team today to discuss your requirements.