Rent a car ahead of time
The best way to save money is obvious. The earlier you book your car, the lower the price will be. And, more importantly, you’ll have a better chance of getting what you want.
Booking three months ahead for a car rental could save you up to £60 when compared with booking the week before your trip.
Renting a car at the airport is not your only option
Renting from a company that’s not in the terminal could be a better option.
It can be tempting to rent a car from a company located inside the terminal when you are flying to your destination. Rental companies located outside the terminal are often a cheaper option.
To make it as simple as possible, many providers offer free shuttle services that will take you to and away from the airport.
It’s worth checking out rental companies in the suburbs if you are picking up in an urban area. They are usually cheaper than those in the centre of the city.
Check your vehicle thoroughly for any damage
Damage is not an issue if you have paid for the zero excess waiver. If you don’t have a zero excess waiver, you need to take the time to protect yourself from extra charges. For Car Hire Excess Insurance, visit https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/insurance/vehicle-hire/car-hire/excess-insurance/
Always check for scratches and dents on the inside and outside of the vehicle when you pick it up.
You will be given a diagram showing the damages to the vehicle by the rental company. However, you should check the damage yourself and report any that are not shown on the diagram.
You can also take pictures of any damage that you notice. If you arrive late at night at the desk, ask that the car be moved into a well-lit space so you can check for any damages before stepping inside.
