Step 1
Insurance, franchise and suretyship
Identify the damage covered, exclusions and the amount that can be blocked on the credit card. Check the type of card accepted and the name that must be included. If you already have personal protection, compare the guarantees and keep the proofs.
Step 2
Kilometers and fuel
Check if mileage is unlimited, which roads are allowed and how fuel will be charged. Photograph the gauge, mileage and condition of the vehicle at both the start and the return, with particular attention to the wheels and windshield.
Step 3
Drivers and time
Additional drivers, less than the rental age, border crossings or late returns may incur costs. Indicate realistic schedules and notify the agency in case of delay. When you return, ask for a document confirming the end of the rental.
Step 4
Prepare documents and filing
Read the list of original documents requested: permit, ID, reservation form and card in the name of the main driver. Check the ceiling available for pre-authorization. A card refused at the counter may prevent the vehicle from being handed over or may impose additional coverage.
Step 5
Check before you take the road
Add to the contract any scratches, shocks or defects that are missing from the condition. Take clear and dated photos from all sides, from the passenger compartment, tires, windshield, fuel level and mileage. Report any missing lights or equipment immediately.
Step 6
Secure restitution
Allow the time to refuel and find the point of return. Photograph the vehicle in its final location and keep the fuel receipt. Outside of opening hours, follow the procedure and keep proof of the key deposit.
Step 7
Putting into practice: Two proposed blankets
Note deductible, exclusions, deposit and refund procedure. Ask who is invoiced after damage and what costs are excluded; a cover and a refund after advance do not produce the same cash requirement.
Putting comparison into practice
Compare three ways to remove and return the vehicle
A rental quote must be read with the withdrawal and restitution points. These three configurations are used to request comparable amounts and procedures.
Educational example of preparation, without commercial offer or testimony. Adapt the situations to your journey and to the answers of the competent interlocutors.
On a small screen, scroll the table horizontally to read the three columns. On the keyboard, use the arrows after selecting the array.
| Situation to be considered | What it involves | Information to be obtained |
|---|---|---|
| Airport withdrawal | The vehicle accompanies the stay on arrival. | Encrypt parking during urban nights and specify reception in case of delayed flight. |
| Withdrawal after days in town | The first visits are without a car. | Add the journey to the agency and check the luggage storage before the road departure. |
| Return to another city | The program avoids a return to the initial point. | Confirm abandonment fees, exact location and time of receipt of vehicle. |
How to use answers
Reconstitute the total for each configuration, including the days when the car remains stationary. A shorter rental can also add a transfer; check both effects before choosing the option.
Take the time of a last check
Before you validate, read the names, dates, locations, schedules and details of the services included. Do this check calmly on the final summary. An error identified before payment is usually much simpler to correct than after confirmation.
Always review the final conditions displayed by the claimant before paying and keep a copy of the summary. They only describe the reserved offer, the options for modification and the responsibilities of each party.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers before deciding
What difference between franchise and bail?
Franchise is the part that can remain at your expense after a covered damage. The security is a blocked or pre-authorized amount to secure the contract. They may have different amounts.
Is a debit card enough to rent a car?
It depends on the landlord, the country and the category. Check explicitly the type of card accepted at the counter, the name of the holder and the maximum amount required for the deposit.
Do you need to photograph a rental car?
Yes. Clear photos at departure and return complete the state of the place. Photograph including body, wheels, windshield, passenger compartment, fuel and mileage.