Need A Hire Car? Here Are Some Tips
It can be a challenge to have a trouble free car hire experience, but there are a few things you can do to prevent problems from cropping up. Here are just a few tips that’ll help you have the best time when you hire your next car.
1. Ask yourself what you’ll be using the car for. Large chains often cost more than smaller local ones, without offering particularly high quality vehicles. A small business could allow you to get better quality service, as well as saving money.
2. Carefully examine each car before you leave in it. You should note all dents, scratches, and other damage and be sure that it’s been documented carefully before signing anything.
You might even want to take a picture next to the car (holding a newspaper or something else to show the date). Check everything – even down to the tires – to be sure that you’re getting a car in pristine condition and that you won’t be held responsible for damage you didn’t create.
3. If you’ll be driving the car in rural areas where petrol stations are spaced widely, make sure to ask the car hire company for a spare petrol container. Keep it in the boot in case of an emergency and you’ll be much better off.
4. Be sure to note and carry the phone number of the car hire company wherever you go. That way, if you have trouble, you’ll be able to make a call.
5. Check on options for insurance. It’s a good idea to make sure that any care hire company you deal with offers full insurance, from Theft and Loss to Third Party Liability and Collision Damage. It’s important to know your policy’s excess in case of trouble, too.
6. Before dropping the car off again, it’s a good idea to find out where the nearest petrol station is located. After all, it’s usually hard to find one when you need it most, and you could be charged a lot if you bring the car back and it’s not full.
7. To avoid another traditionally high penalty charge, return the car at the time on your contract. Returning it late will put you in for high fees.
8. Remember to follow the rules of the road, even in a hired car. You’ll still be held responsible for your driving, and may have to deal with fines and other inconveniences.
9. Make sure you reserve your car as early as possible. Ideally, you should do it as soon as you know your plans. The majority of car companies raise rates as their bookings fill up, and certain types of cars are more popular and may not be available later.
10. Inquire about discounts on cars in a specific size class, or about upgrade specials. Sometimes, you can end up with a great deal just by upgrading to a nicer car.
With car rental Costa Rica doesn’t have to be an ordeal, just as long as you take some steps to make sure you’re doing things right. All you have to do is schedule in advance, do your homework, and think ahead to have a completely pleasant car hire experience.