Plan ahead to enjoy smoother rental experience

 Those planning on renting cars this summer are being urged to plan well in advance and to take a few easy steps, in order to make their car hire experience much smoother and more pleasant. According to Ireland’s Independent newspaper, the best option is to do online research ahead of a planned trip, in order to ensure that one receives the best rate and also knows about any unexpected restrictions or requirements when hiring a car. For example, it is vitally important that renters have a valid credit card on their person when they go to pick up their reserved vehicle. In many cases, rental firms will permit clients to quote their debit card’s number when booking a car online, but this will not be accepted as a form of payment at the rental outlet. As such, having a credit card is always the wisest option.

Renters should also be wary of the excess on all rental cars. In most cases, it may be well worth it to take out extra insurance in order to decrease one’s liability, but at the very least, clients should confirm with their own credit card issuer to what extent they may be covered if their rental vehicle is damaged. An increasing number of travel experts are also pointing out that taking a few, quick photos of one’s rental vehicle with a mobile phone prior to driving off with a car can potentially save the customer a great deal of trouble in the end, as he/she will not be held responsible for any damage that the vehicle may have suffered under a previous driver.