Back to Car Hire 2006

Together with an employee from the car rental company, check the car for damage before signing the rental agreement and when you return the vehicle. Have the damage-free condition confirmed in writing. Clarify the refuelling procedure in advance. Keep your fuel bills – if necessary, as proof of a full tank when the vehicle was returned. Check insurance coverage carefully: Third-party liability insurance is a must – the minimum statutory cover differs in some European countries and in Turkey. If this sum is not sufficient, you will be liable with your private assets.  You may have to pay extra to increase the coverage sum. Additional insurance is advisable. If possible, always choose comprehensive damage cover without a deductible. Check what is in fact covered. Such insurance often excludes damage to tyres, rims, underbody or damage caused by stone chippings. Take out theft insurance if this is not included in the comprehensive damage cover. Make sure to receive all agreements and the rent agreement in writing. Ask for an English version or a version in a familiar language. It is impossible to rent a car without a credit card. Find out in advance which documents you will need (driving license, ID card, credit card). Check the individual prices and the total price carefully. Look out for hidden costs: o Handling fees and limited mileage are not customary o Extra fees for young drivers under 25 and additional drivers are customary o VAT is often added to the rental price o Cleaning costs may be charged extra, but should be included o In some countries, like Italy, for instance, additional road use charges (other than a toll) may be charged o Service and refuelling charges are customary if you fail to observe the refuelling rules o Extra costs for accessories such as child seats are customary Check for age restrictions. Some car rental companies require a minimum age of between 21 and 25, others have a maximum age. In Spain, this is 79 on average. Anyone failing to meet with these age restrictions will have to pay more or may not be able to rent a car. It is also necessary to be in possession of a driving license for at least one year. Ask about what to do in the event of a breakdown, accident or theft. Do the police have to be notified, is an accident report required, or is it sufficient to notify the car rental company immediately? Talking about accident reports: Take a European accident report with you. These reports are available in many languages from the automobile clubs. Take a good look at the condition of the car. In some countries, the motorist is liable for defects, such as worn tyres or brakes. Any tickets which may result from this should still be passed on to the car rental company. You do not in fact have to pay these because you are not responsible for these defects. Recommendation: Take a photo of the defect in question or make notes. If you are not certain about the car or if you discover apparent defects, exchange the car for a different one.