We know for some people, picking up your rental car can be a stressful time—fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for things you must remember before, during and after your rental.
When Arriving at the Pickup Desk
Finding Your Supplier:
Check the reservation before heading to the car rental company, review your reservation details to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies and verify the pickup location, date and time to avoid any confusion or inconvenience. Suppliers can be in the terminal, provide a meet-and-greet service or be a short shuttle bus trip away.
When Arriving at the Pickup Desk:
There are four things you need when retrieving your car:
- Credit card listed in the driver’s name. It’s important to understand that the name on the credit card and lead driver’s name must be the same. Unfortunately, a spouse’s card will not be accepted.
- A credit card is required by suppliers so that they can block an excess on your card.
- Often 'hold', 'block' or 'pre-authorise' is the security deposit on a credit card, rather than actually charging the amount. This means that while the deposit is held, you will not be able to use that part of your credit allowance. It also means you will not pay interest on that part of the balance.
- Drivers license—view our article HERE on everything you need to know about getting your International Driver's Permit or if your trip requires one at all.
- A passport is now required when picking up a rental vehicle.
- Voucher (if applicable).
Some essential questions to ask at the desk:
When collecting a car from a rental company, it's essential to ask the right questions to clarify any doubts and ensure a smooth rental experience. Here are some important questions to ask:
- Are there any additional fees or charges not mentioned in the reservation?
- What is the fuel policy? Do I need to return the car with a full tank?
- What are the mileage limits or restrictions?
- Is there a minimum age requirement or any additional fees for younger drivers?
- Can I add an additional driver to the rental? Is there a fee for this?
- What (if any) navigation services are included with my rental?
- What insurance coverage is included in the rental? Are there any options for additional coverage? Do check that the policy covers you for all areas of the car, including its tires and windshield.
- Are there any specific restrictions or rules for the rental vehicle, such as geographical limitations or prohibited activities?
- How do I contact roadside assistance or customer support in case of emergencies or issues? Take note of emergency contact information: keep a record of the car rental company's contact information, including their emergency hotline or roadside assistance number. In case of any unforeseen events or emergencies, you'll have the necessary information readily available.
- Are there any special instructions or recommendations regarding the vehicle's operation or features?
- What is the procedure for returning the vehicle? Are there specific drop-off instructions or requirements?
Asking these questions will help you clarify any concerns, understand the rental terms and ensure a smoother rental experience. It's important to be well-informed before driving off with the rental car.
Picking Up the Car
- We advise you to take the time to inspect the car thoroughly before driving off. Carefully look over the rental car for any existing damage or scratches. Note any issues on the rental agreement and take photos as evidence. It's crucial to report any pre-existing damage to the car rental company before leaving to avoid being held responsible for it upon return.
- Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Take a few moments to review the car's features and controls. It’s better to try the indicators in the car-park rather than figure it out while driving on the motorway. Adjust the mirrors, seats and steering wheel to ensure a comfortable driving position. If you're unfamiliar with the vehicle's specific features, ask the car rental staff for assistance or consult the owner's manual. Once you are ready to go, remember which side of the road you are due to drive on and have a great time.
- Drive responsibly and follow the traffic laws. Treat the rental car as if it were your own. Obey traffic laws, follow speed limits and avoid any reckless behavior. It's important to maintain a good driving record to prevent unnecessary penalties or insurance complications.
In Case of a Car Accident
If you are involved in an accident during the rental or somehow damage the vehicle, call the rental company immediately.
Traffic Violations
When you rent a car, it's important to be aware that any traffic violations or citations incurred during the rental period are always the responsibility of the renter. This means that if you receive a speeding ticket, parking violation or any other traffic-related offense, you will likely be held accountable for the consequences, including fines or penalties.
If you are pulled over by law enforcement or receive a traffic violation notice, it is your responsibility to handle the situation and address any associated fines or legal obligations.
Additionally, it's important to note that some car rental companies may charge administrative fees for processing traffic violations or citations incurred during the rental period. These fees are separate from any fines or penalties imposed by the authorities.
Returning Your Hire Car
Return the car on time. Adhere to the agreed-upon return date and time stated in your rental agreement. Late returns might result in additional fees or charges. Plan your trip accordingly to allow enough time for drop-off procedures and potential traffic delays.
- Refuel the car: check the fuel level and ensure the car is returned with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. If the rental company operates on a full-to-empty policy, it's best to refuel the car shortly before returning it to avoid expensive refueling charges.
- Check for personal belongings: double-check the car thoroughly to ensure you haven't left any personal items behind. Check the glove compartment, seat pockets, trunk and other storage areas. It's easy to overlook small items, so take your time during this process.
- Inspect for damage: conduct another inspection of the car's exterior and interior to check for any new damage. Compare the condition to the original inspection report or photos you took when picking up the car. If you notice any damage, report it to the rental company before returning the vehicle.
- Complete necessary paperwork: when returning the car, ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. This may include signing off on the return inspection report or any other forms provided by the rental company. Make sure you receive a final receipt or confirmation of the return.
- Ask for receipts: request a receipt or proof of return from the rental company. This document should indicate that the car has been returned and any final charges have been settled. It's a good practice to keep this receipt for your records.
By following these tips when returning a rental car, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free conclusion to your rental experience and minimize the chances of any disputes or misunderstandings with the rental company.
For other information related to self-drive tours or travel in general, please visit other pages of our Knowledge Base, which is equipped with tips on accommodations, flights, currency and other more to help you prepare!