The summer holidays are just around the corner, and we are all going on holiday again en masse. Whether you go on holiday in the Netherlands or abroad, renting a car on holiday makes it much easier to explore the area at your own pace. After all, you are not dependent on public transport or expensive trips from local tour operators. Renting a car can be expensive, but here are eight tips for saving money.
Use a car rental comparison site
Nowadays, almost everything is a comparison site. So also for renting cars worldwide. We find Auto Europe ideal, a car rental broker with over 60 years of experience! The big difference here compared to a direct supplier is that you are not dependent on just one car rental company. Auto Europe cooperates with all well-known providers such as Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget and many more. Here you can easily compare prices, choose the best car to suit your travel needs, and quickly book a car at up to 24,000 collection locations in 180 countries around the world. In addition to cars, you can also rent motorhomes and luxury cars and take advantage of many promotions. All conditions are clearly indicated, so you know what to expect. One of the other advantages is that there is no cancellation fee up to 48 hours before the pick-up of the car.
Avoid renting at the airport
While the airport may be the ideal place to pick up a rental car when arriving by plane at your destination, it is not the best place to find a deal. The price for picking up a car at an airport location is often considerably higher than if you rent a car a few kilometers away in a city or town. A saving worth taking a
bus, train or taxi to your accommodation.
Note the time
Weekend rates are often the cheapest, but you can also find good deals by renting the car for a week. So always compare the rental prices for a weekend or a few days with those for a week. But watch out for additional costs if your plans change mid-trip and you end up returning your car later than you planned. You may be charged a full extra day if you are just an hour late on the return, and sometimes even a surcharge on top of the rental rate.
Forget the extras
A navigation system is useful when driving in an unfamiliar area, so many rental companies offer them for a daily fee. Child seats are also offered as an extra option. But be aware – these are all additional costs that can add up quickly. Instead of renting a navigation system, you can bring your own device or use your smartphone to map the driving routes. And if it's not too annoying, take a child seat with you on your trip to avoid extra costs.
Hand in the car at the agreed location
Make sure that you return your car at the agreed location, otherwise it can also cost you more money. The car must then be brought to the original agreed location, and the costs
for the transport there will be for your account. As well as the rental rate for the duration of the transport and any surcharge.
Note the fuel policy
Many airlines work with an arrangement that you drive away with a full tank and return the car with an 'empty' tank. This is not as convenient as it seems. The cheapest option is to pick up with a full tank and return with a full tank. So you pay exactly the amount for the fuel you use.
Check the car
When you pick up or drop off the car, it is essential that you thoroughly inspect the car for internal and external damage and wear. Take pictures of all sides of the car and note any damage. A smartphone records the time and date of your photos. Report everything to the rental car company and have them write down everything you notice on the rental contract before signing anything. Also check the car for legally required items before you leave.
Pay attention to the fine print
All agreements made are in the rental contract that you sign. For example, think of the number of unlimited kilometers that is included in the rental price and how much you have to pay for extra kilometers. Which insurances are included and which are not. Matters such as possible damage to and/or theft of the car, the deductible, etc. So make sure you read the fine print carefully so as not to be surprised.
