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Key general Car Rental Information
You can book from three sources - the large multi-nationals, local companies at your destination or brokers sometimes called consolidators.
+1/ Multi-nationals. Realise that most do not run all their car rental services themselves, they often franchise out to local companies. Also many do not have a central UK emergency helpline number to contact, so in many countries if you have a problem you will be forced to deal with the office where you collected the car. They do have advantages if you are driving long distances because in case of trouble you can usually obtain a replacement car from a different office.
+2/ Local Car Hire. Can be cheaper but cars may not be as reliable and you are on your own if you hit problems. Can be good for just local driving and if you only need a car for only a few days.
+3/ Consolidators. These brokers use their bulk purchasing power to negotiate deals with the market place. They do not own any cars themselves nor do they have local offices - for instance at airports. A good place to start when you are shopping around. Holiday Autos or Leisurecars often offer good value - see links below.
BEFORE YOU GO
+ Price. Shopping around is essential because prices are always changing and a company that is cheapest in one destination maybe the most expensive in another. Don't be afraid to negotiate (for tips on this go to our negotiation page). Make sure you carefully state your required specifications to ensure that you are comparing like for like quotations. For instance do quotes include unlimited mileage, and adequate CDW (collision damage waiver)? Are the insurance excesses comparable?
+Identity. You will need a valid driving licence and at least one type of other ID for each driver. Check to see if you also require an International Driving Licence - countries such as India, Japan and Egypt. The RAC and AA can supply them - cost around £4. Age limits vary, in some countries (including the USA) under 25 year old's cannot hire a car. Most car hire companies also have an upper age limit.
+ Paperwork. Check the documents from the car rental company very carefully, reading the small print is absolutely essential. Some companies do not have the best of reputations and have been known to cut corners on the agreement you think you have already made. For instance if you asked for air conditioning and is not specified in writing by them you probably will not get it.
+ Local driving laws. It is worthwhile doing some research before you go, for instance speed limits, warning triangles you must carry, child seat requirements for both babies and toddlers, instant fines etc.
+ More Advice. Check out our Travel Planning page
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
+Picking up - avoid the queues. Sometimes the queues at the collection desks are horrific. However if there are two or more of you, get one (who knows about car hire) to head straight for the hire desk whilst the other/s wait at the carousel for the luggage.
+ Booking in. Take your time as you need to thoroughly understand and agree the contract you are signing up to. Sorry - small print checking again.
+ Rules. Understand the rules for returning the car. E.g. you may pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and if you do not return it full you will be charged a fortune for the fuel and also them driving it to a garage to top it up.
+ Kids.  Is the car child friendly - seating, childproof locks etc.
+ Comfort. You will need air conditioning that works in hot countries.
+ Contact.  Ensure that you have effective contact telephone numbers for the car rental company, including out of hour's numbers. Do you know how to use local public phones?
+ Checking. Check the car thoroughly and make sure any damages, scratches etc. are noted in their documents. A test drive is nice if you can arrange it but in any case at the first possible opportunity thoroughly check that everything works properly before you drive too far away from the depot. It is much easier to obtain a replacement car at this stage. Also make sure you also know where all the controls are - lights, windscreen wipers etc.
+ Alarms. You had better know how the car alarm or immobiliser works.
+Doors. A useful security precaution is to keep the doors locked at all times.
+ Security. Don't advertise that you are a tourist by leaving tell tale signs when you park. Never leave valuables in the car. All luggage and personal belongings need to be in the boot even if you only leave the car for an instant.
+ Drop Off. You may pick up the car at the airport terminal but perhaps you will have to return to a depot that is off airport. It is worthwhile knowing where the depot is and how long it takes to return to the terminal. Many people lose flights because they do not know where the depot is and how long it takes.
+ Luggage. If you have passenger/s drop them off at the terminal with the luggage first before returning the car to the depot.
+ Driving. See also our Driving Abroad page for loads more info.

LINKS
Consolidators/Brokers
Holiday Autos - online booking discount available
Opodo - owned by a number of airlines
Suncars - owned by First Choice - online booking discount available
Leisurecars.com Independent broker offering discount car hire worldwide. View current rates and book online.

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