Ten tips to avoid high additional costs
With a rental car, you are much
more flexible on vacation. However, to protect yourself from expensive
surprises and enjoy a relaxed trip, there are a few things to consider. But
then: have a good trip!
Summertime is vacation time. If
you want to discover a country while on holiday, you can easily do so with a
rental car. But there are always obstacles and pitfalls that can tear a hole in
the holiday budget.
So keep your eyes peeled when
looking for a rental car: The cheapest offer does not always guarantee the best
price. In addition, many unexpected extras can be hidden away.
Here you will learn ten things
that will protect you from unpleasant surprises.
Book smarter: as early as possible
The best thing to do is to book
in Pakistan. Admittedly, this is not always the cheapest option. However, it
protects you from nasty surprises resulting from an incomprehensible contract
in a foreign language. Incidentally, many Pakistans car rental companies' early
booking discounts can often compensate for country-specific price differences.
Therefore: do not hesitate long!
Not just because of the cost. Because especially at popular vacation spots,
there are often bottlenecks during the holidays. If you want to make sure that
the car you want is available, you should take care of it as early as possible.
Terms and Conditions: Read - and always have it
with you
Car rental companies usually
already provide information about general terms and conditions, conditions, and
costs on their websites. Well worth reading this carefully. Because often
additional costs are hidden here.
Just in case, it is better to
have this information with you at all times, as the employees of the car rental
companies abroad rarely speak. Printed out or stored in a central (not
internet-dependent) location in the mobile phone. This also makes sense because
the conditions for individual offers often vary in the high season. It is
helpful to be prepared if you suddenly ask for a higher price than when
booking.
Rental cars for young drivers?
Do you have your driver's license
fresh in your pocket - and now you want to roar straight into the sunset while
on vacation? Then it is all the more important to consider some special
features when booking a rental car. Because: Many car rental companies have a
minimum age and special conditions for young drivers.
They consist of twelve months of
driving experience (from receipt of the driver's license) and a minimum age of
21 years. However, this varies depending on the provider, country, and vehicle
category.
Driver's license - not valid everywhere
Are you driving a car in
Pakistan? Then check beforehand whether a driving license is accepted there!
Because: If this is not the case, you need an international license. However,
this is often only valid in conjunction with the national driver's license.
International driving licenses
are issued by the driving license authorities and can be applied for at the
respective district or citizens' office, or the city administration. However, the
period and costs for the exhibition vary - so it is better to ask in advance!
Over and over: Crossing borders in a rental car?
When planning your trip, it is
also worth knowing whether the rental companies allow cross-border trips. If
not, this can sometimes be arranged for an additional charge - but not always.
Therefore, the following applies here: If you would like to travel from one
country to another, you must clarify this beforehand.
Cash and carry? Never without a credit card!
As a rule, there are two options:
Either you pay online in advance when booking (by credit card or bank transfer,
or direct debit) or when you pick up the rental car on site. In case of doubt,
this can even be done in cash in some countries. However, card payment with
debit or credit card is more common.
In most cases, you will need the
latter to verify your identity (in addition to your passport) and for the
deposit because many lenders block a deposit amount on the credit card until
they have received the car back.
Insurance: a book with seven seals ?!
Rental car insurance is a science
in itself. Because: Conditions and costs depend not only on the rental company
but also often on the vehicle chosen. So it is best to read the conditions
carefully beforehand so that you do not have to pay extra costs when you pick
it up - or experience unpleasant surprises in the event of an accident.
Cheap comprehensive insurance is
rarely without a deductible. However, if 500 $ or more, the dream trip can
quickly become a nightmare if repair costs eat up the holiday budget.
Therefore, think twice about whether you would prefer to invest in fully
comprehensive insurance for your protection.
Particularly important to know:
If the rental company on-site is
different from the one on the Internet, it often insists on (usually expensive)
additional insurance - despite having fully comprehensive insurance. This can
be avoided if you block a deposit (usually between 1,000 and 2,000 $) on the
credit card. So make sure you have sufficient coverage beforehand!
·
Driver change, mileage, and
gasoline: Attention, cost traps!
·
Illustration: car next to the
gas pump
·
Bargain deals are always
appealing. But there are often hidden costs behind them.
The most common can be found here:
Many car rental companies set a
mileage limit. Calculate as precisely as possible whether the specified number
of kilometers will be enough for you. Be realistic about it! Because: If you
exceed this number, it can quickly become expensive. It is best to plan a
buffer. You are on the safe side if you book without a mileage limit.
Particularly favorable offers
usually only provide the contract holder as the driver. But especially on longer
journeys, it makes sense to take turns with a co-driver to avoid accidents.
Therefore: treat yourself to insurance cover for a second driver!
"Full-to-full" usually
applies: you get a vehicle with a full tank and have to return it with a full
tank. If you forget that, you usually pay the much more expensive landlord's
fuel price. On the other hand, in many other countries, you buy the first tank
of fuel from the car rental company and return the car empty.
Other (unforeseen) price drivers include:
·
Child seats,
·
Navigation systems and
·
Air conditioners.
Ideally always in the same place:
pick-up and drop-off points
Whether it is an airport, train
station, or hotel, there is usually an extra charge if you do not return your
rental car to the place where you picked it up. Above all, however, you have to
expect an extra fee if you have the car brought to (or picked up) at a certain
location.
Last but not least: the protocol
Before and after: Protect
yourself against unjustified repair claims by checking the condition of the
vehicle! Take a close look at the rental car before departure. Insist on
recording all damage (no matter how small) in a takeover report.
If you fail to do this, you risk
paying for someone else's damage later. The same applies to the return of the
car: Document the vehicle's condition together with an employee of the rental
company - and then have a signed copy of the protocol handed over to you. Then,
if you want to be sure, you can take photos with your mobile phone.
Now you know the most common cost
traps when booking a rental car. But it also always helps to get someone else
to recommend a good rental company. Or you can look up the relevant opinion
portals on the Internet.
You want to enjoy your vacation
and find the best rental car service; carlay car rental provides you the best
offer to rent a
car in Islamabad.
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