Car Rental Tips 

Things to Consider before you Book.....

1. Reserve in Advance! To get the best rate when applicable, reserve your car at a weekly rate instead of at a daily rate if possible, and reserve in advance. Rates are based in part on how many cars the agency has available at your pick up location. Be responsible and cancel your reservation if you have a change of plans. Car Rental Rates can Change Quickly. Bear in mind, quoted rates are only snap shots for reservations made on a given day and these rates usually change, according to availability, level of bookings and other factors.

2. Reserve with Weekly Rates Rather than Daily Rates. It is always best to stick with the dates and time period you have reserved. If you're not sure when you will be returning a car because you may have to stay longer, it may be much better to reserve in advance for a longer time and return it early than pay the "premium daily rates" for returning a car a few days late. 

3. Child Safety & Infant Seats are Usually Available. Most car companies offer child safety, toddler and infant seats. Since there may be limited availability or these you should reserve these well in advance. Be aware that at some locations, the rental car company may not guarantee that a child seat will be waiting for you upon arrival. They are usually EUR 5 - 7 per day to rent. Some agencies cap the charge at a maximum per rental.

4. You can't Reserve a Specific Type Car. When you reserve, you are holding down a Car within a CAR GROUP, not necessarily a specific make or model. 

5. Beware of the 24 Hour Clock ! When obtaining your car rental quote be aware of the "24 hour clock rate". This means if you rent your car on Wednesday and return it on Thursday, you are charged for one day only if you return it within 24 hrs. You are usually charged for 2 days if you return it more than 25 hrs after picking the car up. The policy for most companies is that an hourly rate is charged for the first 2 hrs after 24 hrs. Returning the car after the hourly rate period means a whole extra day is usually charged. Be aware that this procedure can vary from company to company and that some companies use a calendar day billing policy wherein you have until midnight to return your car before being billed for a full extra day.

Things to Consider when you Collect your vehicle.....

1. Do I Need to Buy their Coverages, Insurance or Damage Waivers at the Counter? Check to see if your personal or business car insurance covers you in a rental car. This will save you worry and money when they ask "Do you want coverage/insurance?". Some upper level credit cards have rental car coverage, too. Your personal or corporate auto insurance may cover Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Physical Damage Waiver (PDW). It may also cover Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) and Additional Liability Insurance (ALI). Most of the time these are optional coverages. "Loss Of Use" or "down time" coverage may be offered at some locations but may be covered under CDW, LDW or PDW mentioned above. These charges (income the car would have generated if it was available to be rented) is an additional fee that might be accessed in the case of damage to your rental. Some companies require that you show proof of insurance. Also be aware that your personal insurance probably does not apply to your rental car when traveling overseas. All this is somewhat complicated and at times confusing because there are no industry standards for terminology and policies vary by locations. 

2. Unlimited Mileage? Most major rental car companies allow for unlimited MILEAGE in the same Country, but it's a good idea to check their policy before confirming. Many smaller local independent companies charge mileage after 100-200 free miles per day.

3. Gasoline Charges. Be sure and fill your car up before you return your car. In most cases you will pay a high premium if you forget.

4. Taxes & Airport Surcharges. Vary from country to country, airport to airport and are additional expenses that can increase your overall bill substantially. "Off airport" car rentals may mean lower surcharges for you.

5. Minimum Age Policies will Differ. Besides needing a valid drivers license and credit card in the same name, most large agencies require renters to be at least 25 years old. Many smaller local companies as well as Alamo have a minimum age of 21. 

6. Do I Need a Major Credit Card? Yes, most rental car agencies accept only major credit cards and do NOT accept debit cards or cash. Alamo accepts debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo only. There are a few small independents that allow cash deposits. With the use of a debt card, the agency may require a credit check.

7. Check Out the Condition of your Car. It's a good idea to get out and inspect the vehicle with the attendant for scratches, dents or other damage before you take off. Any damage or unusual dents or scratches should be noted on the contract before you leave the lot. Go back to the rental office if need be to have this acknowledged in writing. Some companies may enforce a hard line policy regarding this.

8. Look at a Map Before Taking Off. Be sure you get a MAP and look at it before you take off in your rental car. If you need to ask questions do so before you leave the agency. Take note of the location so you can easily return your car.

9. Renting in Another Country. When renting a car in another country, your personal insurance coverage probably will not extend to a car rental. In this case, your best option is to buy the collision damage waiver from the rental agency which may be expensive but very useful.

10. Can I Let Someone Else Drive the Rental Car? In most cases, you will need to list additional drivers on your contract at the time of pick up. Some companies will allow your spouse to drive at no additional cost, but check first. If someone else drives the car without the rental car agency's permission your contract maybe voided for protection and even claims against your personal insurance coverage.