Hiring a car can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. There are so many things to consider – from the type of car you need to how much you’re willing to pay to the car rental company you choose.
To help make the process a little easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 things you need to know about car hire.
1. The Type of Car You Need
The first thing to consider when hiring a car is what type you need. Are you looking for something small and economical? Or are you looking for something bigger to accommodate a family or group of friends?
Think about the trip you are taking and the number of passengers the car will carry. Research cars that will fit your needs to check availability with the rental company. Once you’ve decided on the type of car you need, you can start looking at different rental companies and comparing prices.
2. How Much You’re Willing to Pay
The next thing to consider is how much you’re willing to pay for your rental. Daily rates will vary depending on the rental company and the type of car you’re hiring, so it’s essential to research and compare prices before making a decision. It’s also worth considering any additional fees that may be charged, such as for insurance or fuel.
3. The rental company you choose
There are a lot of different rental companies out there, so it’s essential to choose one that’s reputable and has good customer reviews. Take your time to read through reviews and compare prices before making your final decision. Friends and family can also be good sources for recommendations.
4. The Length of Time You Need the Car
When hiring a car, you’ll need to decide how long you need it. Most rentals are based on a daily rate, so it’s important to only rent the car for as long as you need it. If you’re still determining how long you’ll need it, give yourself some flexibility by booking a longer rental and returning the car early if necessary.
5. Where You’re Going to Pick up the Car
When booking your rental, you’ll need to choose your pickup location. Some companies have locations in major cities worldwide, while others may only have locations in certain countries or regions. Make sure there’s a location convenient for you before booking.
6. Whether or Not You Need Insurance
Most rental companies will offer insurance as an optional extra, but it’s important to check whether or not your own insurance policy covers rentals before declining this option. If your policy doesn’t cover rentals, then it’s worth taking out insurance with the rental company to avoid any unexpected costs if something happens to the car while it’s in your care.
7. The Company’s Fuel Policy
Be sure to find out what fuel policy the rental company has before picking up the car – some require that vehicles be returned with a full tank of petrol, while others will charge extra for this service. It’s usually cheaper (and more convenient) to fill up the tank yourself before returning the car rather than paying the rental company to do it for you, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
8. The Rental Company’s Driver Age Policy
Check to see if the rental company has an age policy – some companies only allow drivers over the age of 25 to rent cars, while others have no age limit. If you’re under 25, be sure to check the company’s policy before making your booking.
9. Whether or Not You Need a Car Seat
If you’re traveling with young children, you may need to hire a car seat from the rental company. This is usually an additional cost, so be sure to factor this into your budget. If you need a car seat, contact the rental company in advance to reserve one.
10. How to Make Changes or Cancel Your Booking
Before you make your booking, be sure to research the rental company’s policy for changes and cancellations. Some companies charge fees for making changes to your booking, while others may allow you to do so free of charge. Before making your reservation, be sure to familiarise yourself with the company’s policy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – 10 things you need to know about hiring a car! We hope this guide has been helpful and makes your next rental experience smooth and stress-free!
Companies like Zippy Rentals can make the process easy if you’ve never hired a car. Zippy Rentals is a great option for car hire, with a wide range of vehicles to choose from and locations all over Australia.
With the right car hire service, you will soon be on the road and enjoying your vacation!
