At first glance, booking a car is easy peasy… but… be aware of the hidden costs hiding in the small print of the rental contracts. Below a few helpful tipps to avoid costly mistakes that might spoil your holiday feeling.
To avoid high prices and limited choices, it is advisable to book the rental car well in advance. This is especially worthwhile during peak season, when it pays to search for a suitable vehicle in a timely manner.
Child seats, navigation systems etc. can incur additional costs. Equally, the age or previous driving experience of the driver can also affect the price. A precise comparison of additional costs among different providers is worthwhile to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Some car rental companies offer what’s called the “Full-Empty” option, where the car is picked up with a full tank and returned with an empty tank. However, this model is often more expensive and therefore not recommended. It’s better to choose the “Full-Full” option, where the car is picked up with a full tank and also returned with a full tank.
Before you sign the rental agreement, you should thoroughly read it. Especially in Southern European countries, rental agreements can contain hidden costs that need to be considered. Pay attention to mileage limits, additional insurance, and breakdown service to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Comprehensive collision damage waiver insurance without a deductible is recommended to be protected in case of damage. Damage to the undercarriage or stone chips should also be insured. Although comprehensive insurance is somewhat more expensive, this protection is worth it in serious cases.
Take your time to thoroughly inspect the vehicle upon pickup. If you find any defects, immediately inform the landlord and it’s best to also document the defects with photographs to be secure upon return.
The return time of the rental car should be planned carefully to avoid additional costs. Make sure to return the rental car on time to avoid unnecessary expenses. Also, when planning your arrival times at the car rental, make sure you leave yourself enough time for your onward journey (e.g. catching a flight or train).
9,32 €
429,00 €
