Tip No.: 1
We would firstly recommend that you book your car in advance rather than turn up at your destination and request a car. The main reason for this is that leaving the car hiring activity until the last moment could leave you without a hire car. And you wouldn't want to risk that!
The internet is replete with car rental websites that allow you advantages such as comparing quotes and getting you the best of car rental deals.
Tip No.: 2
Make sure that you complete all car hire documentation. You need to make sure that you have all of the following documents ready to go before and during the trip:
Tip No.: 3
Collecting your auto rental (s) is where it gets really important. Make sure that any dents, scratches, etc are highlighted to the representative. Check for the following when availing the car:
Tip No.: 4
Be very organized to ensure a hassle free journey. Before you set off make sure you are happy with the car, satisfied that any accessories have been fitted correctly and check your petrol levels. Not all car hire companies provide a full tank of petrol. Do you now need to visit the nearest petrol station?
Tip No.: 5
Sat Navs can turn out to be as much a trouble as they can offer you help. If you hire a GPS system take extra care with it because it can be an invite for thieves. When you leave the car, take the Sat Nav with you. Do not leave the cradle on the car window. When you remove the cradle from the screen, use a wet wipe to wipe off the sucker mark that has been left. You probably think this advice is crazy! But thieves can spot you have a GPS from the sucker mark or the cradle and will assume the SAT Nav is in the glove compartment. Believe it, sometimes even the best car rental rates cannot protect you from thieves.
Tip No.: 6
Toll tax payments can be less challenging if you make yourself acquainted with them in regard to your trip location. Whilst in Spain you have the option of using toll roads to reach your destination. You don't have to take them but if you do you will find them quiet. Very different to the motorways in the U.K.! Also remember that tool booths do not usually entail credit card payment and the tolls that take Credit or Debit cards only are clearly signposted 'tarjeta' and are identified by yellow signs.
Tip No.: 7
The unhappy case of a breakdown can fall on you anytime and anywhere. Some of the car hire companies have a 24 hour breakdown service. Make sure you always have the number to hand.
Tip No.: 8
Register the importance of documentation and remember to carry your Passport and Drivers License with you at all times and keep them safe.
Tip No.: 9
When returning the car make sure that you get a representative to check the car thoroughly. Ask them to sign that it has been returned in the same condition as it was when it was hired out. Also note that if you need to return the car with an empty tank and you return it with petrol in the tank, you will not receive a refund on your car rental rates.
Tip NO.: 10
Once you have returned home remember to check your credit card statement that you used to book the hire car. Make sure that you have been charged correctly and that no extra auto rentals have gone through after you returned the car.