Car Hire Tips

Hiring a car when on vacation can sometimes turn into a nightmare. A trip abroad can be especially nightmarish if you do not pay attention to the fine print while making your car bookings. However, you need not have a stressful or difficult time on holiday, if you follow a few simple steps to make the car hire process simple and straightforward.

Hire The Best Cars in India, But Do Check the Details

One issue which often leads to confusion while hiring a car in India is when a provider slips-in the term “or similar” at the end of the description of and availability of an advertised vehicle brand. Customers tend to ignore the “or similar” phrase. They then feel angry when the car that they thought they would be driving does not materialise.

While hiring a car in India, you do need to be aware that any vehicles mentioned in the brochure of the transporter means that he has them on his fleet. However, due to the complexities of maintaining a duty roster for every car in the fleet, a particular car type booked by you may not be available in time for your use. The reasons could be many. The car may have been extensively used in the days prior to your arrival. It may now be in the workshop for much needed servicing. Or, it may not be back from another trip that was booked immediately prior to yours. Hence, the phrase “or similar” simply means that should the car booked for your use not be available at that time, then the transporter would substitute it with another vehicle of similar category and capacity. Though, not necessarily of similar brand.

When hiring a self-drive car, customers should check the exact terms of the service agreement in order to establish precisely what they are paying for in terms of fuel. The car may not have a full tank of fuel on collection and this needs to be established before you drive off. Keeping the hire company`s contact details close to hand all the time during the period when the car is being used is also a good idea. If things do go wrong, it pays to be able to speak to people who can put them right as quickly as a possible.

India Car Rental – Insurance, Damage and Drop-off Liabilities

Insurance also needs to be checked and its precise terms established. There should also be a discussion with the provider about what the terms of the excess are.

Even if a customer has paid extra and reduced the excess to zero, they may still be liable for damage to some parts of the car, like window wipers. If the car is going to be traveling off road at all this is particularly important.

Before driving the car away, the person hiring it should also check for any damage which is already in place. No one wants to be held liable for damage which was not due to them and listing any features which are damaged while still with the service provider should eliminate doubt and dispute later on.

Checking where the car needs to be returned when finished with is also crucial. It does not necessarily follow that the car will be returned to the same place that it was picked up from. Checking this, along with other factors such as the precise deadlines for return, will lessen the chances of extra charges and other complications.

Travelers need to find car hire providers who are reliable and above board in their dealings. A well-known company with an easily checked reputation is best; a local company may offer cheap deals but rectifying issues may be more difficult. Planning and preparing carefully will eliminate much of the stress that can be involved.