Car Hire Abroad?

snerkler

snerkler

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I'm off to Sicily in a couple of weeks and looking at hiring a car for the week, picking it up and dropping it off at the Airport. I've never hired a car before and wondered what I should look out for in terms of 'extra' insurances and waivers they like to add on and which to avoid. I've been informed I need to contact DVLA for a code so will look into this.

How does it work with regards to insurance and excesses. Is insurance included in the hire price? Do you have an excess to pay? Should I have to pay a deposit? Also, do they provide sat navs?

Any help would be appreciated, I don't want to pay for unecessary add ons, but I don't want to risk the chance of a hefty bill should the worst happen.
 
My advice is watch out for the full to empty rip off :D
You pay the hire etc, then when you pick the vehicle up they charge for a tank of fuel on the understanding that you return it empty. Obviously that can be avoided with other more expensive packages
 
Basic collision damage waiver will be included in the price where you will be liable for the first x amount of any claim - usually about £1000-1500. The car hire company will offer their own insurance which will waive that excess, but this can be very expensive - sometimes as much as the car hire itself. Better to arrange your own insurance through somewhere like insurance4carhire (single trip or annual policies are available), which will also have the added benefit of cover for wheels, underside of car and roof which never seems to be included in the car hire company's insurance.
If you don't take out the car hire company's extra insurance they will require a credit card where they will reserve the amount of the excess.
Look out for the fuel policies - best to go for full-to-full ie pick up and return with a full tank, so you don't get screwed with overpriced fuel.
Some companies can provide satnavs at extra cost but car may have it built in. Or why not use your mobile phone with an app where you can download the map beforehand.
Take a look at some of the broker websites like autoeurope or holidayautos.
 
nickEnackEnoo said:
My advice is watch out for the full to empty rip off :D
You pay the hire etc, then when you pick the vehicle up they charge for a tank of fuel on the understanding that you return it empty. Obviously that can be avoided with other more expensive packages
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, most I've seen have been full to full though.
 
You need to get the code as said before from the DVLA website.
it allows car hire companies to get a quick check of your licence status from andwhere in the world via the website.
it lasts 30 days.
 
f1charlie said:
Basic collision damage waiver will be included in the price where you will be liable for the first x amount of any claim - usually about £1000-1500. The car hire company will offer their own insurance which will waive that excess, but this can be very expensive - sometimes as much as the car hire itself. Better to arrange your own insurance through somewhere like insurance4carhire (single trip or annual policies are available), which will also have the added benefit of cover for wheels, underside of car and roof which never seems to be included in the car hire company's insurance.
If you don't take out the car hire company's extra insurance they will require a credit card where they will reserve the amount of the excess.
Look out for the fuel policies - best to go for full-to-full ie pick up and return with a full tank, so you don't get screwed with overpriced fuel.
Some companies can provide satnavs at extra cost but car may have it built in. Or why not use your mobile phone with an app where you can download the map beforehand.
Take a look at some of the broker websites like autoeurope or holidayautos.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this, useful stuff (y)
 
Mr Bump said:
You need to get the code as said before from the DVLA website.
it allows car hire companies to get a quick check of your licence status from andwhere in the world via the website.
it lasts 30 days.
Click to expand...

I've hired a car a couple of times since this came in and neither asked to see it, but better safe than sorry. :)
 
Also remember to check car thoroughly when you pick it up so that any damage is noted and make sure they check it when you return and sign it off as having no damage (other than that previously noted).
 
Depends on the car hire firm, but ensure you know about how they want the car returned on fuel. Usually the same amount as it left with, as you usually return it with more.
Insurance excess isn't usually that much but worth having if you're unsure about driving abroad. I think it was around £30 for driving in Italy for 4 days (handy as I drove into Rome in rush hour), I think was $60 extra for a v8 Mustang for ten days (and 1600 miles) in the US.
Worth having, as it stopped any issues when the scooter rider rammed the car.
Sat navs - check before hand how much. Sometimes it's £60-80 which is as much as buying a cheap one, or you may find it's covered on one you have if it's got europe maps.
 
+1 ^ to what Nick says but that is IMO all part of the "know what the headline costs are and what extras do I pay for...."

In my limited experience and it does vary by place and hire company. The headline price is with the minimum basic cover insurance, though (all should show it but not all do!) there should be a summary before you book/pay stating what you are buying. All other things like SCDW (the cover that means you pay no excess ~ can sometimes be called other names) but beware to read just what the SCDW covers as I once saw damage to alloy wheels excluded!

Plus ~ additional drivers, child seats, sat nav etc are normally "extras"

All extras are paid locally not when you are booking. Oh, local taxes and tolls etc are extras

Also, though I have yet to be asked for it (cannot recall exactly what it is called) but print out the DVLA 3rd party code that allows the hirer access to a limited subset of your driver record ~ this shows any speeding points.

I think that covers it......................in the past I have used the bigger names but they depending on location use a local partner under their branding e.g. EuropCar

Lastly, afaik all will take a blank copy of your credit card to cover follow-on costs such as parking fines..............so keep all the docs and watch your CC statements for the next few months ;)

Like buying anything keep your 'your at home brain in gear' and do not let 'your holiday brain' forget to keep an eye on everything that involves your safety, security & money.

A hint if you have never driven abroad ~ stick postit note on the steering wheel reminding you "They drive on the right....."

Stay safe and have great time :)
 
Thanks all very much for the replies, very useful and appreciated.
 
snerkler said:
Thanks for this, most I've seen have been full to full though.
Click to expand...

Full to full can be a bigger rip off. Rented a car in mainland Italy on full to full. The only petrol station within 10 miles of the airport mysteriously didn't take non Italian credit cards or anything under a €50 note. It went back about 2l under full and the fine (in addition to having to pay to fill it) was more than the week's rental.............

In Sicily I rented a Smart car from Holiday Autos (despite the warning above I always use them as they are cheap and just sub the job out to a local firm) and it was perfect. Rent cheap and don't crash ;)
 
Also, watch out for the milage / kilometres, most big companies limit the amount you can do that is included, ie 1500 klm after that you could pay a fair bit per klm so read the small print before. I used a company, something like car3000 and milage was unlimited although the car I got was still with Europecar who had a cap on milage.
 
Have a look at the Trip Advisor forums and do a search for Sicily car hire, there's usually plenty of decent advice on the best companies to use and the ones to avoid. IME some of the cheapest co's can be great value for money and the expensive places aren't necessarily the best option.
 
Thanks again guys much appreciated. All the ones I've looked at are full to full and unlimited mileage, but will be sure to note all of the pitfalls and document/photography everything.
 
Coincidently, I'm in Rome tomorrow evening and will be doing just as you; picking up the car at the airport. It was a very reqisbaje cost, however having checked the considerable amount of "terms and conditions" I do have to pay large deposit (refundable) which will naturally go on the credit card. They request to see license and passport, obviously I will have those with me. I will also be taking photos (just with my iPhone) all around the car prior to pick up to ensure that all things are checked. Since you pay on credit card, there is ntbing to stop the agent "charging" when you're back home in the U.K. I speak from experience, this has happened to me, however thank to AMEX exemplary customer service, the issue was resolved. Hope this helps!
 
On the topic of fuel - it will apparently be supplied half full, and they request you to return it with the same - if you don't, there is a 50€ charge PLUS the fuel cost.. so yes,& will be "on it".
 
Take out excess insurance before you go, it'll be £20 for the whole trip rather than that much a day
 
stickytape said:
Coincidently, I'm in Rome tomorrow evening and will be doing just as you; picking up the car at the airport. It was a very reqisbaje cost, however having checked the considerable amount of "terms and conditions" I do have to pay large deposit (refundable) which will naturally go on the credit card. They request to see license and passport, obviously I will have those with me. I will also be taking photos (just with my iPhone) all around the car prior to pick up to ensure that all things are checked. Since you pay on credit card, there is ntbing to stop the agent "charging" when you're back home in the U.K. I speak from experience, this has happened to me, however thank to AMEX exemplary customer service, the issue was resolved. Hope this helps!
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I've seen some have huge deposits, I'll be steering clear of them if I can.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Take out excess insurance before you go, it'll be £20 for the whole trip rather than that much a day
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Are there any companies you can recommend for this? I assume after taking this out and making sure I have fully comp cover on the hire car there's nothing else I need to take out?
 
In most places they get you on the fuel and the insurance. It's good advice to get a policy here I have done this on several occasions when hiring in Spain. Beware they will put a lot of pressure on you to take there's and also put a charge on your credit card. You have to accept that it is normally just a holding fee and it's cleared when you return the car. Good luck
 
Yeah, they will try and pressure you into taking their reduced damage waiver, but as long as your excess cover is higher than their maximum excess, don't let them do it. No point at all.
 
Not sure what the cost is in Sicily but we've got a F1 for, 23 € per day for 10 days in Crete. Full insurance including few and unlimited mileage. Not an airport pickup and drop off. Local business and the owners are friends of the family who own the hotel we've stayed at for many years. Have been ripped off by a big company after booking and prepayment in the UK - lots of added extras that we had to pay before we could have the car. Would have gone to a different company if the desks had been open at 2am.

Have a great holiday.
 
Nod said:
Not sure what the cost is in Sicily but we've got a F1 for, 23 € per day for 10 days in Crete. Full insurance including few and unlimited mileage. Not an airport pickup and drop off. Local business and the owners are friends of the family who own the hotel we've stayed at for many years. Have been ripped off by a big company after booking and prepayment in the UK - lots of added extras that we had to pay before we could have the car. Would have gone to a different company if the desks had been open at 2am.

Have a great holiday.
Click to expand...
Thanks, all booked now. Cheapest was £120 is for the week, but gone with Avis for the week as a lot of the others go bad reviews so thought it worth the extra £30.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Full to full can be a bigger rip off. Rented a car in mainland Italy on full to full. The only petrol station within 10 miles of the airport mysteriously didn't take non Italian credit cards or anything under a €50 note. It went back about 2l under full and the fine (in addition to having to pay to fill it) was more than the week's rental.............
Click to expand...

I had the same experience at an unmanned petrol station on the way to Milan airport.
Thankfully it was not too bad in terms of being charged for fuel.
 
Much cheaper to take your own satnav with you.
 
snerkler said:
Thanks, all booked now. Cheapest was £120 is for the week, but gone with Avis for the week as a lot of the others go bad reviews so thought it worth the extra £30.
Click to expand...

We hired through Avis in Spain, was fine, but they insisted on full to empty. I didn't object as I knew we'd be using a full tank anyway.

Turns out we spot on used a full tank, had so little petrol in it'd given up telling us the range at 15miles.. I'd have been amazed if they'd got it to the petrol station under its own power.. :D
 
My one bit of advice, no matter where you rent from, whether you take their insurance or have your own, when you collect the car, check it thoroughly for any marks, get your phone out and take photo/video of the car and make damn sure they notice you doing it and insist that every mark, no matter how small, is listed on the sheet before you drive off. On returning the car, talk to any of the other customers present mentioning how you video'd the car when you collected it so that the attendants hear you before it's your turn to hand the keys back, it'll could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

I've hired loads of cars abroad, a lot of the 'brokered' agents make a bit of a killing selling the insurance. I have witnessed a few who seem to 'find' the smallest mark to charge the customer the excess especially if you haven't taken out their waiver insurance as they know you will then be able to claim the excess back via your own insurance but it's just a scam. Last year the bloke in front of me got charged the 1000 euro excess for a chip in the windscreen! Make enough noise about how you have evidence of the cars condition prior to collecting it and everything seems to go a lot smoother.
 
Mikesphotaes said:
Much cheaper to take your own satnav with you.
Click to expand...
Well I've just found out that as of tomorrow I can use all my O2 mobile services, data included, in Europe as part of my plan ie no more extra charges in Europe. Therefore I'm just going to use my iPhone and google maps if I need a satnav (y)

KitsuneAndy said:
We hired through Avis in Spain, was fine, but they insisted on full to empty. I didn't object as I knew we'd be using a full tank anyway.

Turns out we spot on used a full tank, had so little petrol in it'd given up telling us the range at 15miles.. I'd have been amazed if they'd got it to the petrol station under its own power.. :D
Click to expand...
Definitely full to full for me, and there's a petrol station just outside the airport. Now whether it'll be open on a Sunday morning is a different matter ;)

PaulF said:
My one bit of advice, no matter where you rent from, whether you take their insurance or have your own, when you collect the car, check it thoroughly for any marks, get your phone out and take photo/video of the car and make damn sure they notice you doing it and insist that every mark, no matter how small, is listed on the sheet before you drive off. On returning the car, talk to any of the other customers present mentioning how you video'd the car when you collected it so that the attendants hear you before it's your turn to hand the keys back, it'll could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

I've hired loads of cars abroad, a lot of the 'brokered' agents make a bit of a killing selling the insurance. I have witnessed a few who seem to 'find' the smallest mark to charge the customer the excess especially if you haven't taken out their waiver insurance as they know you will then be able to claim the excess back via your own insurance but it's just a scam. Last year the bloke in front of me got charged the 1000 euro excess for a chip in the windscreen! Make enough noise about how you have evidence of the cars condition prior to collecting it and everything seems to go a lot smoother.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice. I plan on documenting everything (y) I have taken out extra insurance with a 3rd party already so got that all covered.
 
Annual excess insurance is the best, £44 covered me in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and will be covering me in N Ireland and Switzerland in the next few months. Whenever the agent mentions any optional extras, I always wave my hand and say "please keep everything standard." That lets them know you know what you are doing and don't need the sales pitch. Helps to speed things up.

As mentioned, document your pickup and return. Insist on noting every single imperfections in the hand-over booklet and get a signature. On return, some likes to do check-out while you hand over the keys, it doesn't hurt to park in a dimly lit spot. ;)

Remember your phone charger and suction cup. I always use my phone as sat-nav. I've got a small bag (one of those small make-up bag) and in there is two 12v phone chargers, genuine charger cable and a good quality phone holder. It's ready to go, and easy to grab from luggage on collecting the car.

Finally, this is a good source of information: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire#insurancetrick
The link should take you middle of page, directly to a list of recommended car hire excess insurance companies.
 
wuyanxu said:
Annual excess insurance is the best, £44 covered me in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and will be covering me in N Ireland and Switzerland in the next few months. Whenever the agent mentions any optional extras, I always wave my hand and say "please keep everything standard." That lets them know you know what you are doing and don't need the sales pitch. Helps to speed things up.

As mentioned, document your pickup and return. Insist on noting every single imperfections in the hand-over booklet and get a signature. On return, some likes to do check-out while you hand over the keys, it doesn't hurt to park in a dimly lit spot. ;)

Remember your phone charger and suction cup. I always use my phone as sat-nav. I've got a small bag (one of those small make-up bag) and in there is two 12v phone chargers, genuine charger cable and a good quality phone holder. It's ready to go, and easy to grab from luggage on collecting the car.

Finally, this is a good source of information: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire#insurancetrick
The link should take you middle of page, directly to a list of recommended car hire excess insurance companies.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yeah it's the annual excess cover that I got (y)
 
snerkler said:
Definitely full to full for me, and there's a petrol station just outside the airport. Now whether it'll be open on a Sunday morning is a different matter ;)
Click to expand...

Try looking on google maps to find it sometime such info is available.
Or use street view its aazing wht can be seen.
 
just to add on the sat nav get the tomtom go mobile app and download the maps offline
14 quid unlimited for a year
 
Mr Bump said:
just to add on the sat nav get the tomtom go mobile app and download the maps offline
14 quid unlimited for a year
Click to expand...
Sounds good, but I'll just use google maps for free (y)
 
Mr Bump said:
yeah i tried that in Greece with offline maps.
tom tom version much better but each to there own.
Click to expand...
But that was my point about O2 allowing you to use your data abroad, I wont have to use it offline. My plan has 20gb of data (y)
 
 
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