Tips for Renting a Car

Hiring a car can really grant you flexibility and independence on a trip and sometimes it is the only way to move around. But it can be incredibly frustrating - from finding the best deal, figuring out which options you'll need and reading small print about all hidden fees.

Decide on a vehicle

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You'll need to be careful when choosing a vehicle. Based on if you are vacationing with children or with lots of luggage, you should hire a SUV or a large sedan. If you want the best price, you should hire smallest model available. Additionally, there are other factors like environmental friendliness, manual or automatic transmission and optional accessories such as GPS or child seat.

Book your car

In case you are renting for less than 7 days, you'll usually be better with big rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget,... If you are renting for over a week, it usually is better to book with local companies or auto dealers.

It is usually smart to perform a thorough research. You can start on the web by using holiday search engines (for example Expedia) to get an overall feeling about the rates you will be thinking about. After that check out car rental companies' websites and compare them to those found by travel search engines. Often it will be cheaper given that companies tend to provide exclusive deals and offers right at their web sites. Then of course you'll want to do a quick search on discount codes and promotional codes to even lower hire price.

True cost

Finding true, final price can sometimes be very difficult or even impossible. That is because rental companies or search engines don't want to show you or simply just do not have details about state and local fees, insurance, extra driver fees, airport taxes, drop off charges,... The price you were displayed while searching and the one you pay can therefore be very different! Your best option is usually to make a booking by using a company/website which includes "No Hidden Fees / Final Price" policy. Also be careful when booking because prices can change from minute to minute. Unless you book immediately, you'll never be sure you'll get the same price when you return later for booking.

Returning the car

Unless stated otherwise, car hire companies are expecting that you return your car in condition it was when you picked it up at arrival. This means full tank and no damage in any way. Always fill the tank your self ahead of returning. If they get it done for you, you will usually pay far more for same amount of fuel as compared to at gas station.

Return car promptly. If you are overdue, some companies will charge you extra. In some cases you might have to pay more if you return the car ahead of time (yes, it sounds ridiculous but early return fee can sometimes be charged)!

Tips for Renting a Car

Mitja Kugnic is auto hire specialist. On his recent travel to Canary Islands in Spain he wanted to Car Hire Lanzarote Airport and found the following website very useful: http://carhirelanzaroteairport.org

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10 Rules to Follow When Renting a Car Online

The world has really gone cyber one can fly, find a date, buy a house, make arrangements to move and rent car online, great conveniences at the click of a button. As a consumer you must find out all the pros and cons of renting a car and carry out "comparison" shopping.

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1. Visit company websites to determine what is on offer. Look for competitive rates and great facilities.

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2. Try and locate a rental company close to where you intend to use the car it will save you money.

3. Before you proceed list your needs: what kind of car, how many people will travel, how many days you need the car and so on.

4. Use a reputed agency and call on their toll free number. Be sure to read all the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you use a safe payment gateway and that you receive a confirmation e-mail. Some well known companies are Hertz (https://www.hertz.com), Dollar, Alamo, and Avis (http://www.avis.com). Or, try travel sites many have great offers for clients who book hotels, air tickets, as well as cars.

5. Ask for packages and find out when rates are cheaper.

6. Be sure to ask for an agreement.

7. Ask about the age of the car, its condition, and how many miles it has been driven. If you expect to drive in bad weather be sure to check about tires, snow chains, and other equipment.

8. To rent a car online keep handy your driver's license, passport, photo-ID, and proof of address. Ask about travel insurance and whether the car has a current insurance.

9. Check the charges carefully and whether any additional payment will be charged for drop off and pick up.

10. Check whether your driver's licence is valid for the state/ country you wish to drive in or whether you need to obtain a new license.

It is a competitive world and online there are company's like Fox Rent a Car http://www.foxrentacar.com that offer discounts, reward points, coupons, hotel discounts and more. Check as many sites as you can to get a great deal. Popular companies are: Yahoo travels, priceline.com, and Travelocity. Be a discerning consumer and hire a great car at a great price. Many car rental companies offer special rates if you are a member of one of their affiliate clubs or professional organizations.

Before you drive away in the rental car find out as much as possible about traffic rules, laws where you intend to drive, and safety norms. If your family is with you then choose a safe and comfortable car that will accommodate luggage, boisterous kids, and pets. If you intend to drive alone then you could opt for a compact car. Gauge your needs before you make a choice and carry your driver's license and insurance papers with you at all times. As a precaution inform a friend, family member, or the office of your travel plans. Cary a mobile phone for emergencies or arrange to call in at specific times. Enjoy your rent-a-car experience.

10 Rules to Follow When Renting a Car Online

Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1866Cars.com, the premier website to find help on Cars including topics on car rental, national car rental, thrifty car rental, online car rental, pickup trucks rental, cargo van rental and more. He also freelances for the premier Car Insurance Quotes site http://www.1888Carinsurance.com

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How to Reduce Stress When Renting a Car From Alicante Airport

Once you've landed at Alicante Airport the last thing you want to do is trek miles to find your hire car with kids and luggage in tow. So for those about to embark on a family holiday the best way to keep everyones' smiles intact and reach your final destination as quickly as possible is to ensure the car hire company you booked with is based within the airport itself. This is also recommended for those who are infirmed or travelling as a large group.

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Among the plethora of Alicante Airport car hire companies, only 9 of them are actually situated within the airport terminal. The remaining rental firms are based on the outer perimeter of the airport. This can entail hanging about in the heat waiting for a courtesy bus to pick you up for the short but tedious journey to your car.

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The rental firms based within the terminal are Atesa, Auriga, Avis, Centauro, Europcar, Goldcar Europa, Hertz, Record, Solmar and Victoria. At the check-in desks you will find the staff speak good English and despite having general official closing times of 24.00, most stay open to accomodate late arrivals or those delayed. The cars are kept to a high standard and are generally replaced every 6-9months.

Depending on you're particular requirements, each of these companies has something different to offer. If you plan to regularly use car hire at Alicante Airport than firms such as Centauro and Hertz offer loyalty schemes which can result in huge savings and benefits over time. Once you have rented three times through Centauro you can become part of their Gold Club which means the collection process is speeded up, gives you access to special offers, preference over non-members (especially critical during peak periods) and even free upgrades (subject to availability).

Many offer roadside assistance, such as Goldcar Europa who also provide fully comprehensive insurance (invaluable when dealing with unpredictable Spanish driving), and optional features such as child seats, baby carriers, GPS Systems and even in-car DVD players. Most provide cars ranging from the absolutely miniscule through to 7 or 9 seater people carriers but Hertz, Solmar and Atesa - one of the largest car rental companies on the Iberian Penisula with over 25,000 vehicles - also offer industrial vehicles and trucks. Unlimited mileage is also a big bonus if you're planning to really do some sightseeing during your holiday and is offered by several of the companies including Record and Aurigacrown.

There are always deals to be had and many car hire firms have special relationships with certain airlines or will do one off deals from time to time with them, so it pays to ask when booking. Hertz for example works alongside Aer Lingus and Ryan Air to offer cheaper car rentals for their customers.

How to Reduce Stress When Renting a Car From Alicante Airport

Michelle Elkins lives in Estepona on the Costa del Sol and is a contributor to Spanish Airport Guide which offers great deals on Alicante Airport Car Hire with great information on all airports in Spain.

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