10 things to watch out for when renting a car

When renting a car in a foreign city or even country, you should pay attention to some important things so that you are not caught off guard and ruin your holidays.

Car rental may be an easy task for most, but it still hides risks that can prove catastrophic!

First, book your flight tickets to your destination, and then let's look at how you can ideally manage a vehicle rental, as well as the 10 things you absolutely must pay attention to!

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1) Vehicle Type 

With most rental companies, you don't choose a specific vehicle, but a vehicle type. This means that you might choose a 1000cc Fiat Panda type, but the vehicle given to you could be a Nissan Micra of the same or similar engine size. Companies do this for fleet management reasons and better availability.

You simply choose the vehicle type more according to the space you want in the vehicle (e.g., a small car or a larger family car or even an SUV), as well as the engine size you prefer.

In some cases, you can confirm over the phone which vehicles are available, so you can make your choice or change it on the spot, subject to availability.

 

2) Pick-up and Drop-off Location

The pick-up and drop-off location is particularly crucial. Most of the time the location is the same – the port, the airport, or the city centre.

However, other times the location can be completely different – another city! In this case, make sure there are no extra charges for different pick-up & drop-off points.

For example, car rental in Santorini can be arranged with pick-up at the port if you arrive by ferry, and drop-off at the airport if you are returning by plane!

Several companies charge extra for vehicle transfer if the pick-up/drop-off locations are different.

 

3) Pick-up & Drop-off Time

Although the pick-up time is not of such great criticality, the drop-off time, on the other hand, is!

It is good for both times you declare to be accurate. On the one hand, you will help staff expect you exactly at the time you declared for vehicle collection, and on the other hand, when you return the car, you will be charged exactly for the days you have used it.

For example, if you have stated that you will return the vehicle at 10:00 in the morning and you actually bring it back at 13:00 in the afternoon, it is very likely that there will be an extra charge for the delay.

 

4) Insurance Terms

Perhaps the most important part of vehicle rental – its insurance terms! There are 3 (usually) types of insurance for car rentals. With the help of the insurance website asfaleies24.gr, let's analyse and clarify the insurance terms for each type of rental insurance.

Basic insurance: Covers the basic legal coverages. You pay for any damage that occurs, such as a collision that is your fault, theft, and so on.

CDW: CDW car insurance is a partial damage and theft insurance. So if damage occurs to the vehicle or theft covered by CDW insurance, you will only pay the excess amount (each company has its own policy and its own excess amount).

Full insurance: Full insurance covers what its name suggests: Everything! (almost).

If you book a car with comprehensive insurance, then you are covered for almost all damages. What you are certainly not covered for is if you are involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In any other case, comprehensive insurance will cover you even in an accident that is your fault.

Generally, comprehensive rental insurance is the surest and safest option when renting a car so that you can be carefree and avoid anything that might spoil your holiday!

 

5) Vehicle inspection for damage upon collection

When collecting the vehicle, especially if you do not have full insurance, you should thoroughly check the entire vehicle for minor damages and scratches.

Any damage should be reported so that it is noted in the contract.

It would also be a good idea to photograph the vehicle from all sides so that when you return it, you know what damage was present before you.

 

6) Always carry the necessary documents with you

Always, when renting and using a vehicle, you should have the required documents with you in the car, such as the rental agreement and any other documents provided by the company, as well as your driving license.

If you do not have these documents, you give the police every right, in a potential check, to fine you.

 

7) Pay attention to the car's fuel

You might usually drive a petrol car in your daily life, but the rental vehicle could be diesel, leading to confusion during refuelling.

Usually, the fuel type is indicated on the fuel cap. Pay particular attention, as using the wrong fuel may lead to you having to pay for the damage.

 

8) Drive calmly and relaxed for the first 1-2 hours

No matter how experienced you are at driving, a new vehicle always holds surprises. For the first 1-2 hours, drive calmly and relaxed, and avoid unnecessary manoeuvres or high speeds.

This way, you will get used to driving the new car and avoid the possibility of an accident.

 

9) Pay attention to extra items like GPS

If the car has extra equipment such as a navigation system, it's a good idea to remove it at night to prevent any theft (if it's removable).

Usually, extra equipment is not covered by any insurance, and you will be liable for any damage or loss.

 

10) Request extra equipment in advance!

If you require extra equipment such as a child seat or roof racks, request them in advance so that, on the one hand, they are installed when you pick up the car and you don't experience delays, and on the other hand, to ensure their availability!

By following these 10 simple tips, you will enjoy your car rental experience without stress or potential problems.