Hiring a car can be one of the most bewildering experiences to face. There are a number of things you need to know before booking a hire car for your trip or vacation:

1. Check for damage
Once you received the rented car, do a quick check for any damages; check that all the lights work, that there aren’t any hits or dints on the sides of the car, that the radioCD player works fine, etc. If you spot anything significant, call it to the attention of the rental company before you take the car off the lot, so you won’t be penalized for damaged you didn’t cause.

2. Think twice about the insurance
The car hiring company may offer you all kinds of insurance to purchase. however, your personal auto insurance may be all you need in the event of an accident with a hire car. Check properly before paying extra at the rental counter.

3. Keep credit card or debit card handy
Have a credit or debit card handy to reserve the hire car with, most companies will only guarantee a car with this insurance.

4. Gas up
Don’t prepay for gasoline and then don’t forget to fill the tank back up before you return the car. If you fail to do so, expect to pay much more than the market price for the gasoline you owe.

5. Be on time
If you return your car late, the rental agency may charge you as much as a full day’s rental, sometimes at a rate higher than before. If you are going to be late, call the agency and explain your situation. It may help. Also, clarify what charges you might have to pay if you must drop the car off early.

6. Shop around
Always compare at least three car hiring agencies to get the cheap booking. Make every effort to get the best deal. A rate that sounds unbelievable low might not be so low when all is over. Clarify which taxes, surcharges and other fees you’ll be expected to pay and be on the lookout for charges for extras you really need, such as permission for additional drivers to use the car. Costa Rica Car Rental

7. Discount and coupons
When booking a hire car online, be alert for little areas where you can enter a promotional code or discount code. That’s a sign to open a web browser is another window and do a quick internet search for the car company’s name along with the same catch phrase you spotted. You could find a coupon code in seconds and save on your rental. Remember that you also may have access to discount codes through organization memberships and other affiliations.

8. Rent A Car according to your need
Always rent a car that is suited to your needs. For example if you want to travel with your full family a small compact car is not enough for you. Make the entire necessary request when you plan your reservation. For example, if you know you will need a child’s car seat, don’t forget to reserve it, but if you are only going to the airport from the hotel you might want to consider getting a smaller car to save money.

9. Print the voucher
If you booked a car online, most of the times you will receive a voucher by E-mail, which specifies all the information regarding your reservation. Check that all the details on the voucher are correct.
Print the voucher and give it at the car hiring company counter when you pick-up the car (if you won’t give the voucher, there is a chance they will charge you twice).Car Rental Costa Rica

10. Check the contract thoroughly
Check the rental contract to make sure you’re getting the correct rates and car type you ordered. Furthermore, make sure the dates and time of pick-up and return are accurate.