10 TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR

Renting a car on vacation gives you a great deal of freedom. But if you don't pay attention to certain details, this freedom on wheels can quickly turn into a nightmare! So remember these ten tips ...

1. Look at the offers online

Renting a car online allows you to better take the time to analyze and compare offers. But choose the site you are surfing wisely: the comparators that promise you the lowest prices are often full of hidden advertisements that try to influence you. And online, it's more difficult to negotiate prices or change a reservation.

2. Monitor insurance

The minimum insurance you should have when renting a car is liability insurance. For other coverages, you will almost always have to pay extra. Take the time to analyze the offers and read the conditions carefully, preferably before signing and before collecting the car. Rental companies have a knack for charging you last-minute surcharges when you're in a rush to get behind the wheel.

3. Read the fine print carefully

Don't sign your rental agreement directly, but take the time to read everything. And the more the lessor is impatient, the more time you have to take to read the contract carefully…. Is there a mileage limit? Do I have to pay for a second driver? Can you cross a border with the car? Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to avoid unpleasant surprises during the trip.

4. Carefully check the condition of the car

When you receive the car, take the time to examine its condition with the rental company. Ask him to note every scratch or other defect. Check that all the documents are on board, as well as the spare tire or the puncture-proof kit. And do the same when you return the car. If you are returning the car outside of office hours, take photos that can prove the vehicle's condition. This will avoid complicated discussions and requests for repairs.

5. Return the car with the full tank

Read the rental conditions to find out if you need to return the car with a full tank of fuel. If this is the case, fill it up yourself because if the rental company has to do it, he will often tend to overcharge the price of this operation.

6. Avoid the GPS option

If you rent a car online, you will often find the navigation system in the options. Ditto when you rent directly on site, the lessor will offer you this little extra. But if you look closely, the cost of this option is often higher than the price of the new device, while it is possible to download the maps on your smartphone and read them offline, so without roaming costs.

7. Choose the right car

Of course, we often want to keep the rental price as low as possible, and we think that a compact car will be enough for the family. Until we are in front of the trunk without being able to fit all the luggage, and there, the lessor rarely offers a free upgrade ... Also choose the suitable engine: not sure that a small three-cylinder is a good option for a vacation in the mountains ... Also pay attention to the mention "or equivalent": this means that you will definitely not receive the car shown, but an equivalent model from the same segment.

8. Make sure you have the necessary license

Our new driver's license in the form of a bank card is normally valid in most countries. But check anyway. As for the old paper license, it is not always accepted everywhere. And in some countries, an international license is imperative. Check it out.

9. Know exactly when to return the car

Read the rental agreement carefully to know exactly when you need to return the car. Some rental companies quickly charge you for an extra day… For example: if you pick up the car the first day at noon, make sure you bring it back at 12 noon as well. If you postpone it until 12:30 p.m., it is very likely that the rental company will charge you for an extra day ...

10. Look beyond the airport

Many rental sites offer you to pick up the car directly at the airport. It's true that it's simpler, but it's also often more expensive. So see if the rental company has a reception center a little further away. It is often less expensive ...