Holiday car hire is a popular choice for families travelling out of town or overseas. It can be difficult to find the best deals and make sure that you’re getting what you need, but you don’t have to despair. Finding good value for your holiday travels can be easy. Just keep the following tips in mind:
Watch the excess insurance
In Australia, companies require so much insurance and lowering the minimum can add a small fortune to your daily rental rate. Consider checking what your own car insurance cover provides for rental cars. If you need more cover, shop online for rental insurance to save money. The online rental cover policies are often as much as 50% less than buying insurance at the counter.
Bring what you can
GPS systems and other premium upgrades are going to cost more. In many cases, the upcharge isn’t worth the product or service that you get in the first place. Plan to bring your own navigation system and other accessories so you aren’t stuck paying for them at the last minute. If you need a car seat, bring that with you because some countries don’t require them to be provided by rental agencies.
Understand the fuel policy
Some companies will mark where the fuel level is at the time of rental and expect it to be returned at the same level. Others may provide a full tank and advise that you don’t need to fill it unless it’s empty because you’ve already paid for the tank. This is a waste of money for short trips.
Watch for possible hidden charges or additional fees that you aren’t told about at the time of rental. These could include things like:
- Additional driver fees
- Mileage or fuel fees
- Young driver fees
- Relocation or one-way charges
- Late returns or pick-ups
Make sure that you work with a reputable rental agency to get the right car hire for your holiday. To find the best rates, book your car as soon as possible. This will also ensure that you get the type of vehicle that you want so that you can truly enjoy your holiday.
