MEZIESBLOG

Holiday car rental is the issue we hear most about alongside parking fines and neighbour disputes.

This case we featured prompted reader Andrew Smeed-Curd to get in touch with perhaps the most helpful email we ever received. 

As owner of Completely Travel, he deals with car rental firms all year round – and the email outlined how to get a better deal, and take the stress out of, car rental.

Starting point – lowest prices can be deceptive

“Some less reputable providers advertise attractive base rates, only to add local fees, high security deposits or extras later,” writes Smeed-Curd.

So, always check:

• The security deposit amount (this can vary significantly between providers)
• Local charges payable on arrival
• Fuel policy
• What insurance is actually included

Upselling and optional extras

“Some providers now offer optional cleaning services to prepay for your car to be cleaned after you return it so you don’t have to. It might be €10,” he writes.

“These are not mandatory, and do remember, you are only required to return the vehicle in reasonable condition.”

Something we hear about a lot from readers is upselling when you arrive to collect your vehicle.

Smeed-Curd says one way to avoid this is knowing what your insurance covers.

“If you know you are already covered, you are perfectly entitled to decline [additional insurance] – even if the sales approach feels persuasive.”

Avoid charges for being late

Another common complaint is additional charges if you’re late, even if it’s a prepaid booking – so when booking, you need to give yourself a decent buffer to navigate flight delays and passport queues etc.

On a similar note, not all rental desks are inside the terminal, so make sure you know where you’re going, especially if you’ll be hit with roaming charges for looking it up.

“When booking, you may want to choose a supplier that has a rental desk in the airport, as this can save time and stress with waiting for shuttles etc,” Smeed-Curd says.

Don’t be worried if you’re sent to a different desk

Some brands operate under larger parent companies, he explains. For example, Dollar and Thrifty are part of the Hertz group. Keddy is part of Europcar.

“You may be directed to a different-branded desk – this is normal,” he says.

Don’t expect the exact car in the photo

“Exact models are rarely guaranteed,” writes Smeed-Curd.

“Cars are grouped by a four-letter code indicating size and specification.”

Fleet availability can change between booking and arrival due to:

• New vehicle deliveries
• Accidents
• Maintenance

You should receive a vehicle within the same category – not necessarily the exact model pictured.

Correct documentation

You will typically need:

• Valid driving licence
• Passport or photo ID
• Rental confirmation
• Credit card in the main driver’s name

An international driving permit may also be required – you can check that here.

Security deposits – what to expect

Smeed-Curd has this advice on security deposits….

• You must have a credit card in the main driver’s name.
• Debit cards, prepaid cards, Apple/Google Pay are often not accepted (some providers do allow these cards, but always check and to be sure take a credit card in the driver’s name anyway).
• Funds are “ring-fenced” – not taken, but temporarily reducing available credit.
• Release times vary depending on provider and bank (sometimes up to 30 days).

“This is all standard industry practice,” Smeed-Curd says.

Once you have the car

He reiterates the time-honoured advice to be thorough in your inspection of the vehicle before driving away.

• Photograph and video the entire vehicle
• Capture any scratches or marks
• Photograph mileage and fuel level
• Check lights, tyres (including spare), mirrors and indicators

“Any existing damage must be marked on your rental agreement. If it isn’t, ask for it to be added before departure,” says Smeed-Curd.

Restricted zones and delayed fines

“This catches more travellers out than almost anything else – particularly in countries like Italy,” says Smeed-Curd.

“Many Italian towns and cities operate ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) where vehicles cannot enter unless registered in advance. These are often in historic centres and pedestrian areas. The signage can be confusing, and satellite navigation systems do not always warn you.

“If you enter without permission, cameras record your number plate automatically.

“The important point: fines are often issued months – sometimes even a year – after your holiday, once processed through the rental company and local authorities.

“We have seen clients receive multiple fines from the same trip because they unknowingly drove through the same restricted zone more than once.”

So, before travelling:

• Check whether your accommodation is inside a restricted zone
• Contact your hotel in advance – many can register your vehicle
• If booking through a tour operator like us, ask for guidance
• Research local traffic restrictions in the area you’re visiting