Helpful tips for hiring a car on your holiday

Hiring a car for your holiday can give you the freedom and flexibility to travel and explore the entire area you’ll be visiting.

However, car hire, beyond its many advantages, can be a difficult and complicated affair, especially during the high season of summer.

Prices are significantly higher, whilst insurance terms differ from company to company.

There are important things you need to consider before finalising your car hire for your holiday, and we’re here to help you!

Read our practical tips and you’ll be able to secure the best possible deal, saving you a good amount of money and helping you avoid potential problems.

 

Choosing the type of car

Think very carefully about the type of car you will hire. If you are travelling with children and have a lot of luggage and items, then opt for a larger car that will fit your baggage as well as the everyday things you need to carry for the beach.

If you’ll be covering a lot of kilometres to explore the area, you might consider hiring a petrol or diesel car – these cars consume less fuel, so you’ll benefit more if you drive longer distances!

However, the size of the car isn't the only factor you should consider.

If you cannot drive a large car or a car with a manual gearbox, then you should make the appropriate choice.

Finally, don't forget to check if the company from which you’re hiring the car can provide any extra equipment you might need, such as a GPS, child seat, etc.

 

Booking your car

For your car hire, you will find several companies and websites that offer tempting prices and packages for car rentals.

Before making your choice, you should read reviews from previous customers to see if what the company promises truly delivers!

Most websites offer extra insurance packages which they call comprehensive insurance.

Here you should pay particular attention, as this extra, comprehensive insurance is offered by the website and not by the hire company itself.

This means that if you are involved in an accident, you will have to pay for the damages as normal, and then seek compensation from the website based on the agreement you signed.

Please note: This happens on most websites, but not with CarNMotion, which offers car hire without a credit card, with full comprehensive insurance and unlimited kilometres.

We will discuss more about Carnmotion at the end of the article.

 

Pay attention to the terms of agreement

When you make an online car booking, you agree to certain terms, which you also sign when you collect your car.

Read these terms in detail and pay special attention to the details and the “fine print”.

Several companies, even for a minor accident, may charge you a huge amount, citing legal and garage expenses.

 

The actual cost of car hire

When hiring a car, make sure the price you pay is final – meaning it includes all fees and taxes, as well as any potential costs such as cleaning, etc.

Confirm the price and, if possible, ask them to send you a written, stamped offer to your email.

Don't forget that the earlier you book your holiday car hire, the better prices you will get.

 

What to do when collecting the car

When you go to collect the car, walk around it and note any existing damages, so you can show them to the company and avoid being charged for them when you return the car.

It would also be a good idea to photograph the car so you have evidence.

Check any damages and scratches together with the person handing over the car, and both you and the company should sign the handover document, which will list in detail any damages the vehicle has before delivery.

Also pay close attention to the fuel level – you should return it at the same level on the day of handover.

Once you have collected the vehicle, spend a little time to see where the main buttons and functions are, then adjust the mirrors and slowly start your journey to your destination.

Within 1-2 hours, you will have familiarised yourself with your new car and will feel comfortable.

 

What to do when returning and handing over the car

When returning the car, check the condition of the vehicle and the fuel level together with the company.

Sign the receipt, confirming you owe nothing, and you're ready to depart.

Do not delay returning the vehicle as you may be charged for an extra day.

Return the vehicle exactly at the agreed time stated in the contract, or earlier.

If you paid a deposit by holding a sum on your credit card, this will be refunded within 3-10 business days. 

 

Car hire without a credit card and deposit

In Greece, there is a company that offers car hire without a credit card or deposit, and with comprehensive insurance!

You simply choose where you want to collect your vehicle and what type of vehicle you want, and you pay online via bank transfer or card.

You pay no deposit and no amount is held on your card!

This way, you can have a car for your holiday without having to tie up your credit card or needing to get one just to be able to hire a car.