Our top tips for hiring a car on your next trip

There has never been a greater incentive to plan ahead. Often you’re hiring a car post flight. You could be running late, overtired or the victim of a tired and hangry family and you will literally do anything to get out of the car rental office asap.

As you lose the will to live, you throw your credit card on the desk, ignore the fine print and sign the 10-page contract. I mean what could possibly go wrong? Here are a few tips to avoid ghastly costs and widespread disappointment the next time you hire a car.

Full-to-full is the way to go. You collect it full and return it full. But, be sure to know where the nearest fuel station is on your return… often you’ll be rushing and think ‘oh bugger it’ and return it part empty, only to be stung with inflated refuel charges.

Policies vary across the car rental companies - Hertz for example offer 24/7 roadside assistance – but not in remote areas. Understand how far your policy goes and if you’re travelling off the beaten track, have a plan B (and plenty of food and water).

If you know exactly how far you’re travelling (A-to-B and return), this is not such a worry. But if you’re flying by the seat of your pants so to speak, be sure to understand the implications of racking up hundreds of kilometres before it’s too late. Most often there will be a limit and you can pay to increase the kilometres travelled.

You need to understand what is and more importantly what isn’t covered in the event of an accident. You hit a camel in Darwin… sorry, did you not read our ‘excludes camel carnage’ policy? Various accidents are not covered, regardless of whose fault it is. Likewise, some parts of the car are often not covered – this includes windscreens, windows and wheels. Naturally you can pay to rectify this.

Every sales person will try to sell you excess reduction (although they may call it something else). Check this one before you’re in the office – in some instances your credit card or travel insurance may provide better cover. Don’t be pushed into a cost that you may not need to incur.

Some companies will charge for additional drivers. And if you don’t detail these extra drivers, you may not be covered in the event of an accident.  Likewise, younger drivers may attract an additional fee.

Be sure to do a thorough walk around of the vehicle before you accept it. You may be given a check sheet detailing any damage or an attendant may walk around with you and then ask you to sign after – don’t feel rushed by this and don’t be shy to take photos of the vehicle for your records. In particular, check the windscreen, windows and wheels (which are often not covered by your insurance policy).

Car companies will slog you extra dollars for a GPS in the event the car does not have in-built satellite navigation. Find out what they charge per day and over the course of your hire period, it may even be cheaper to buy one. Alternatively, if you’re in phone range, maybe Google Maps is your best bet.

Safety should always be top of mind, so check the tyres have plenty of tread and that tyre pressures are correct. Check the spare, too. Don’t be shy on this one.

As any Tinder regular will attest, photos are not always an accurate representation of real life. That old ‘or similar’ phrase you’ll see while booking means the car you collect may not be the one pictured online… but one of similar size and amenity. A follow-up phone call may ensure an exact model.

This will undoubtedly incur an extra cost – everything child-related usually does. Be sure that the childseat you book is the right size for your child. Also, if you’re not comfortable fitting the seat, be sure to ask for it to be fitted prior to collection.  Sometimes, for peace of mind and cost, you’ll find it’s much better to BYO – even though it’s a chore to carry. Strap the kids in it while you’re queuing.

Most car rental companies offer membership and/or loyalty programs and they’re often free to join. You’ll benefit from minor discounts and often a more streamlined process come collection time as you’ve already divulged all the important details you’ll otherwise be scribbling down at the rental counter.

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