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Things to be aware of and watch out for:

Check the booking confirmation. Make sure it is exactly what you expect. It will be far easier to
arrange changes at this stage than standing in front of the counter. Especially check the start date
. . . remember the International Date Line, if that’s applicable.

Check the insurance conditions. And the breakdown policy. Will they replace the car or require
you to wait while it’s fixed. Many companies have the right to cancel the contract in the event of a
breakdown. Lovely – leaves you stranded.

Make sure your credit card can take a hefty deposit hit and still leave enough for the holiday.
The card should be the same one used to pay the initial deposit or payment.

If your driver’s licence is not in English get an International Driving Permit.

Take two forms of photo ID – driver’s licence and passport will be enough.

The booking confirmation and the credit card to be used must be in the name of the main driver
or you may be asked to pay again.

Read the contract carefully, even if you have already signed it. Check that the total to be paid is
what you expect. If it is higher they may have added extra “services”. Now is the time to argue the
toss. If you drive away you will have to pay.

Check the fuel type. Remember some cars are diesel, some are higher than usual octane. The
wrong fuel can damage an engine and that won’t be covered by insurance. It’s just plain
negligence.

Make sure you understand the mechanical functions in the vehicle – is the park brake a handbrake
or foot operated? If the latter, how do you release it?

If it is a manual and you burn out the clutch you will have to pay to repair it. Check the clutch
condition in the company yard. With the park brake and foot brake hard on, ease the clutch out in
top gear. If the engine spins the clutch is weak. That technique should, in fact, cause the engine to
stall if the clutch is up to spec. Point it out to the sales agent and request a replacement vehicle.

Check that the car has a spare tire, jack and toolkit. If they are missing on return you’ll be charged.

When returning the vehicle have a company rep. check the car and if they claim new damage you
can compare it to your original notes and photos. If you are returning after hours take photos of all
four sides. The more detailed the better.

Fill the car at a nearby petrol station and keep a receipt. It reduces the chance of the company
later claiming that it was returned below full.

In the event of a dispute you can approach the British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Assn to act as
a mediator.

If you are dropping the car at an airport leave plenty – I mean plenty – of time to do so. Especially
at Heathrow. Just finding the rental office can take ages. The last thing you need is to miss your
flight because you couldn’t locate the rental office. If I have a morning flight I prefer to return the
car late the day before and take a cab to the terminal. More expensive, but safer and a lot less
stressful.

Conclusion: If this long, rambling exposition doesn’t save you money, nothing will.