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Useful steps to beat car hire rip-offs

By Jwallace10

| July 11th 2012 | Views:

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Hiring a car is often the most cost-effective option for people taking holidays abroad or travelling overseas on business, who prefer to leave their own cars at home but don't want to rely on public transport services. However, the car hire industry is notorious for hidden charges and other costs that can leave motorists feeling frustrated and out of pocket if they don't do their research or read the terms of their rental contracts carefully.

It's important not to read too much into promotional material put out by car hire companies offering deals that sound too good to be true, as there are usually caveats or limitations that mean you won't be eligible for the rates or discounts promised. You should also avoid being swayed too much by promotional offers for associated services, such as meals at restaurants or hotels, if you were not planning on making use of these services in the first place, especially as these offers sometimes apply only to the most expensive products.

You should also check what exclusions are listed on the rental, which may include higher rates for weekends or caps on the amount of miles that can be driven. If you unknowingly breach these restrictions, you could face a steep, non-negotiable bill. If you are offered upgrades or a more comprehensive rental package, you should take the time to carefully consider each of these optional extras and judge whether they are truly worth it, or if you'd be better off with a basic package.

Another important factor to look into is whether insurance is included in the rental. If this is the case, buying excess insurance could greatly reduce your premiums and save you hundreds of pounds, though conversely this could mean you end up footing a larger bill in the event that you are involved in a road accident and need to make a claim. Arranging temporary car insurance with your insurer could be a cheaper option, or you may already be insured if your fully comprehensive car insurance covers accidents overseas in rental vehicles.

Some car rental customers also find themselves being charged for damage they don't recall happening, so if you're concerned about the reputability of your car hire company, you could avoid being ripped off by taking photos of the exterior and interior of the vehicle as soon as you receive it, which can be compared to the car's condition following its return.

Jwallace10 - About Author:
The author of this article on temporary car insurance is a part of a digital marketing agency that works with brands like ##BRAND NAME##. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.