Guide to renting a vehicle
Renting a car or van should be straightforward and hassle-free. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about renting a vehicle in your home country or abroad.
Booking a vehicle
If you are booking a rental over the telephone pay close attention to what is and isn't included. You can ask for further information to be emailed to you, or for directions to a website where you can access the rental terms and conditions. Pay close attention to what is included in the rental rate and what isn't, for example:
- Does the rate include unlimited mileage?
- What is the damage excess payment?
- Does the rate include VAT?
- Is there a location surcharge (many airport sites have one)?
- Are there any restrictions applied to the rate (e.g. weekend rates will normally require you to return the vehicle before a specified time on Monday morning)?
- Is there an extra fee to pick up and drop off the vehicle in different locations?
- Is there an extra fee for travelling into another country?
It is important to select the right vehicle for your needs. Whilst a rental company cannot always guarantee a particular make or model of vehicle, you should select the vehicle category group that best meets your needs, especially if you are carrying luggage and passengers. If you wish to hire additional products e.g.child car seats, snow chains or satellite navigation, ask about these when you make your booking and be aware of any additional costs.
At the rental desk
Signing the rental agreement
The rental agreement is a formal contract between you and the rental company and sets out the details of the terms and conditions of using the rental vehicle. It includes details of the vehicle, what you've agreed to pay for the rental, any additional items purchased and when the hire period begins and ends. Always allow plenty of time to collect your vehicle and read the rental agreement. Make sure that you understand the terms of your rental contract before signing it.
You should also be aware of the following:
Mileage
If you are required to pay for excess mileage please ensure that you understand the daily allowance and the basis on which any excess mileage will be calculated and charged. When collecting and returning your vehicle please make sure that the mileage is recorded properly on the rental agreement.
Collision and loss damage waiver
You are liable for any loss and the full cost of any damage to the rental vehicle until you return it or is collected and has been fully inspected by a rental company employee. In order to protect yourself against this potential cost the rental company may offer you collision and loss damage cover, details of which will be shown on the rental agreement.
If you have accepted this cover, it will reduce what you are responsible for to the excess amount shown on your rental agreement.
Theft waiver
Theft waiver provides cover if the rental vehicle is stolen or someone damages it while attempting to steal it. If you have accepted this cover it will limit what you are responsible for to the excess amount shown on your rental agreement.
Exclusions to the theft or damage waiver cover
You should check if there are any waiver exclusions to the theft or damage cover. For example windscreens, tyres or roof damage. Always make sure you are clear about what is and isn't included in the waivers provided by the rental company.
If you do not understand any aspect of the waivers or you are unsure of what is covered, ask the rental company for an explanation before signing your agreement.
Fuel
The majority of rental companies will offer you various options for fuelling your vehicle. There are usually three options to choose from:
1. Purchase a tank of fuel from the rental company and return the vehicle empty
2. Drive the vehicle away with a full tank and return it with a full tank
3. Pay the rental company for the fuel you use
Always check with the rental company before you hire a vehicle what their refuelling policy is and check the fuel levels on both collection and return. When you pick up the vehicle check the type of fuel it takes.
A large number of vehicles use diesel. Putting petrol into a diesel engine or diesel into a petrol engine causes severe damage, for which you will be liable. If you are unsure which type of fuel your vehicle requires check with the rental company before starting your journey.
Checking the vehicle for damage before rental
Your rental company should provide a clean, modern and safe vehicle that has been thoroughly checked before each hire period.
Inspect the vehicle carefully on collection by walking all the way round it looking for any signs of any damage. Look out for any scratches, bumps, dents or scuffs, no matter how small, and make sure these are noted on the rental agreement. Also check the interior of the vehicle including whether there is a spare wheel and tools. Make sure any damage is noted on the rental agreement and that you are fully satisfied with the condition of the vehicle before you sign for it.
If you are unable to inspect the vehicle due to poor weather or bad light make sure this is noted on the rental agreement. However, you must inspect the vehicle within a reasonable length of time after you accept the vehicle and ensure you inform the rental company immediately if you discover any damage. Failing to do so could mean you are held responsible for any damage found on the vehicle at the end of the agreement - in other words, any damage that was not noted on your rental agreement at the start of your rental.
During the rental
What happens if the vehicle breaks down?
Most rental vehicles are covered by roadside assistance. If this is provided, you should check which roadside assistance company is used by the rental company and make sure you're given their contact details. If roadside assistance is not included, speak to your rental company about the options available.
What happens if I have an accident?
If you have an accident you must not admit responsibility to any third party involved in the accident. Get the names and addresses of everyone involved, including any witnesses, and call the nearest branch of the company from whom you rented the vehicle straight away. You must also complete an accident report form when you return your vehicle.
Road traffic offences
If you commit a road traffic offence whilst in a rental vehicle you may be liable for additional costs on top of your fine. Each offence is handled and processed differently, dependent on the type of fine and which rental company you have rented from.
Returning the vehicle
You will be required to return the vehicle in good condition. You are liable for any repair or refurbishment costs in the case of any damage incured while the vehicle was rented by you.
Checking the vehicle for damage after rental
Allow plenty of time, particularly at busy rental sites such as airport locations, when checking the vehicle on return. Make sure the vehicle is inspected by a rental company employee and that you both agree on and note and sign for any damage on all copies of the rental agreement. If you have had an accident you need to complete and sign an accident report form.
If you have caused minor damage to the vehicle, the rental company may not repair the vehicle straight away and may use a pre-calculated estimate of what it will cost to repair the vehicle. Alternatively, some rental companies may obtain an estimate from their garage for the actual cost of repairs. If you return the vehicle with damage that renders the vehicle un-rentable you may also be charged for loss of use. This is a charge levied by the rental company to cover lost income when the vehicle is out of service.
What happens if I return the vehicle out of opening hours?
Some rental companies allow you to return the vehicle when the rental office is closed. However, you should be fully aware of the risks and implications of this before doing this. We strongly recommend that you always return a vehicle within normal opening hours.
If the rental company allows you to return the vehicle out of hours, you will remain responsible for the condition of the vehicle until a member of staff is able to carry out a full inspection. This means that the cost of any damage caused to the vehicle while it remains unattended is your responsibility. In order to mitigate this risk it is strongly recommended you take photographs of the vehicle inside and out once it is parked at the drop-off point.
After the rental
Following completion of your rental you may receive additional charges relating to damage or road traffic offences. If you want to dispute any of these charges please ask the rental company for supporting documentation.
How to make a complaint
Each vehicle rental company will have a dedicated customer service department for complaints regarding any step in the rental process. Depending on the company the preferred method of contact will be either email, phone or registered letter. Please refer to the company's website for additional information.