Car Hirers Share their Tips for Trouble-Free Rental

15 May 2007 – Reports of varying service levels at car hire pick up points around the World have led price comparison site Carrentals.co.uk to introduce a new advice page where customers can add on their own, little known tips.

Gareth Robinson, marketing director of Carrentals.co.uk, said: “While we work with many reputable car hire providers we recognise that within each country there can be very different attitudes and approaches. We want to ensure we offer as much advice as possible to our clients, and some of the best tips come from people who have experienced hiring a car in a particular location.

“We already offer a range of advice for different countries, but hope that by introducing advice from customers themselves we will help ensure a positive car hire experience not just during the UK booking process, but also in the overseas resort service and care.”

Current top customer tips include-
1) When you pick up your hire car be sure to check the vehicle thoroughly for scratches, dents or damage, and ask the rental staff to note any damage before you leave. This way the damage can’t be attributed to your driving.
2) Look out for petrol stations when you leave the rental location so you know where they are when you’re rushing to return the car at the end of your hire period. Filling up in advance of the airport can save quite a bit on the cost of fuel, so plan your return stop.
3) Many rental providers offer additional services when you pick up the car in resort, for example personal accident insurance. If you do add anything on to your reservation in resort, many companies allow you to cancel these extras within 24 hours of purchase without charge if you change your mind.
4) Be sure to take photographs of any damage that may occur during your rental. It helps to have a record to explain and support any claim you need to make.
5) If you leave your car near a beach, be very careful with the keys. Thieves watch people and wait until they are swimming before stealing the keys and helping themselves from the car. Some destinations are worse than others, but it’s worth being careful wherever you are.
6) Local rental staff can be on commission to sell you their insurance. Find out exactly what it covers before you purchase it – you may already be covered from your UK booking, so don’t feel pressured
7) In some countries you may be charged for petrol even when the car is returned with a full tank. Make sure you get a staff member to check and sign the level off to confirm it is full.
8) When returning the car ensure you hand in your rental keys to a representative of the car hire provider whenever possible. Some locations will have a drop off box for returns made late at night, but, if you can, deal directly with a member of staff.
9) It’s always worth taking photocopies of your driving licence and passport with you. In Europe many countries work with photographic ID cards, so in case you have your driving licence and passport stolen you will have back up to help with things like credit card checks and organising alternative transport.

For more information or to add a tip visit http://www.carrentals.co.uk/advicetips.html

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About Carrentals.co.uk
Carrentals.co.uk was launched in February 2003 and grew to become the UK’s leading online car hire company by 2006, when it also booked its 100,000th customer.

In 2007 the company re-launched its site to create the first genuine online price comparator in the travel industry. Using the latest technology the new Carrentals.co.uk site now searches over 40 different car hire websites, providing an impartial comparison of the best prices available.

Websites searched include Alamo, Thrifty, Sixt, Holiday Autos, Opodo, EBookers, Carrentals.co.uk and EasyCar, with the Carrentals.co.uk site quickly comparing prices and allowing customers to refine their search by car type or provider.

The Carrentals.co.uk site also features over 6,000 links to useful tourist information sites, plus over 2,700 pages of travel information in a mini-guide format.

To book or for further information visit www.carrentals.co.uk

Press Contact:
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Carrentals@contextpr.co.uk
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