Compare prices, study the contract, inquire about insurance and check the condition of the vehicle are the right attitudes to adopt before renting a car for vacation.
Renting a car can be a practical solution for holidays. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid. In prices, first of all. The association Familles de France compared the prices of rental companies and online agency. The result is clear: there is a saving of 20% on average in favor of internet. An agency may also charge up to 48% more expensive than its website.Also, do not just rely on the call price. Before committing, compare. Offers that seem cheapest may be ultimately more expensive. With a price higher kilometers, the differences range from simple to quadruple between 11 and 44/100, according to rental agencies. It's the same for options: GPS or baby seat are charged the same.
Beware of unfair contract termsWe must therefore read the leases. But no online agency appears to really read the contract. You need a magnifying glass to read because it is written in very small and the text is teeming with legal terms in English. There is also unfair terms that have no place to be, as the ban on driving than other drivers under contract.The Agency may for example specify that the second driver is not insured, to charge an additional fee. But this is wrong. If the tenant is tired and passes the wheel to a friend, anyway it is insured third party. This is not the maximum guaranteed all risks, but it is at least a minimum. Thus, it is covered if it hurts someone or if it damages the car next door. And before signing any supplementary insurance, check it does not make duplicate with the guarantee of the bank card used for payment of the rent.
Inspect the vehicleIn addition, some contracts require a period of 24 hours to report a loss. But this is still an unfair term. This is contrary to the Insurance Code. In case of theft, you must report it within 48 hours. For any other disaster, it is within 5 days.Finally, last tip, you have to go around the vehicle before driving. It should be noted all the scratches, scrapes and bumps found. Do not hesitate to take pictures of the vehicle and preserve evidence of the rental.
