Whether you’re planning an epic road trip across the South of France, or you just want an easy way of getting from A to B while abroad, hiring a car can be a great way to get around and see the sights on holiday.
With the convenience of your own set of wheels, you’ll have the freedom to take to the road whenever and wherever you choose – but deciding on the type of car to hire can be a challenge. In this post, we’re asking 6 key questions that will help you choose the perfect hire car for your next trip.
1. What size car do I need?
When it comes to car hire, size definitely matters. Not just in terms of price, but also with regards to comfort and practicality. While hiring a small, economical car may save you some money, you need to ask yourself whether it’s going to be a suitable size to meet your needs and comfort while on holiday. Small cars can be an ideal solution if you’re only planning on making small trips with very little baggage, but if you’re planning longer journeys with maximum passenger capacity or have a lot of luggage in tow, opting for a bigger model will pay dividends – giving you more room and extra comfort.
2. What are my payment options?
When hiring a car, it’s well worth exploring the various payment methods that might be available and any savings you could benefit from if you book through various methods. For example, are you a member of their loyalty programme? Can you save by hiring online? Is it cheaper to pre-pay than pay on pickup? You might also want to find out what the fuel options are, or whether there’s a deposit to pay, as well as the costs of adding an additional driver or extras.
3. What will the car be used for?
Whether you’re based in a Lanzarote villa in the heart of Playa Blanca or out in the sticks in the Austrian Alps, ask yourself exactly what you will use the car for during your trip – as you want to ensure you’re getting good value for money. For example, if you’re staying in a central location with very little need to use the car other than for transport to and from the airport or the occasional day trip, you might be better off opting for a smaller car. Alternatively, those who intend on doing a lot of driving may benefit from a bigger, more comfortable and more economical car for longer journeys.
4. Is there a rental mileage limit?
Depending on the nature of your trip, it’s always worth asking if there’s a mileage limit with the hire vehicle. While Europcar offer unlimited mileage options on many vehicles hires, giving you the freedom to drive as much as you like without paying any more, others may apply a maximum daily mileage allowance that incurs extra costs if exceeded. If your itinerary includes a lot of mileage, be sure to hire a car that offers an unlimited mileage plan to avoid any additional expenses.
5. Should I get additional cover/ insurance?
You want peace of mind during your holiday that you’re covered if the worst should happen and there are a number of additional protection packages available from Europcar – if you don’t feel as though your existing insurance policy meets all your needs. Start by reviewing your existing insurance documents so you’re fully aware of what you’re covered for, then you can explore your options. Customers currently receive our basic protection included within the price of their hire car which covers Theft and Collision Damage and reduces your excess. Our higher package levels include windscreen, tyre and glass and reduce your excess to £0-£250. While these higher level policies aren’t obligatory, they can offer extra assurance that you won’t be left with a bill following your rental, should any issues arise.
With so many things to think about, hiring a car definitely isn’t as simple as opting for the cheapest vehicle available. With personal comfort, practicalities and protection packages in mind, it’s important you book the right hire car for your needs.
