9 tips for a successful car rental

With fuel prices rocketing and living costs following suit, owning a car can sometimes seem out of reach. Car rental gives you the freedom of a car without the yearly costs of running a vehicle.

Nominate multiple drivers, share the miles and use the car as much as it suits you. The advantages of renting are numerous. 

However, if you're not careful, you can run into complications that threaten to throw a spanner into your holiday. Renting is pretty easy, but a little carelessness could undo all your careful holiday planning. 

But don't fret! We've put together some gentle reminders to guarantee you have a successful car rental. 

1. Confirmation email

Once your booking is placed, you'll be sent a confirmation email detailing everything you need to bring when collecting your vehicle. Keep this email well away from the trashcan as it contains important information. 

2. Small print/terms and conditions

As with all contracts, the small print of your rental agreement will include important information about the terms and conditions of use. You may find stipulations regarding what to do in the event of an accident, a parking ticket or a speeding fine. Your contract may also include usage limits, like a mileage allowance. 

3. Security deposit

Before you set off in your rental car, you'll need to make a deposit to the rental company. This is a sum of money it will hold onto while you're zipping around. The deposit protects them from losing money should there be any unexpected problems or damage to the car. 

The deposit is usually taken from the driver's card. If you pay with a credit card, it may not appear on your balance, but the total sum will be effectively blocked. If you pay with a debit card, it will come directly from the account. 

The amount you pay will depend on the length of your reservation, your age and the type of car you're renting. The deposit will be repaid or unblocked once the car is returned in the same condition it was collected. 

4. Remember your documentation

"Documents, please." 

You've packed your swimwear, goggles, plenty of underwear and the new sunglasses you got for your birthday. You rock up to the car rental company, brimming with vacation vigour, but – alas! You've left some critical documentation in the kitchen next to the fridge. The rental company won't grant you the car and your holiday plans begin falling apart.

Wake up! Hey… you were having a nightmare. It's OK – you've still got time to double-check whether you've packed everything.

It seems obvious, but making sure you take the relevant documents when collecting your car is essential and will stop those nightmares from becoming reality. 

For example, the documents you'll need when collecting your MVH car include:

1. A valid DVLA licence (held for more than two years).
2. A DVLA check code. This is a code that allows your rental company to check over your driving record. You can generate one here.
3. Your credit or debit card.
4. Two proofs of address (for example, a bank statement and energy bill). 

It's recommended that you double-check with your hire company, as conditions vary from business to business. Don't leave these things to the last minute as this can cause unnecessary stress. 

5. Insurance

Another important feature of car rental is insurance. Most rental companies provide basic insurance for their vehicles. For example, insurance for accidental damage is the most common type covered.

However, don't expect the policy to be as comprehensive as what you'd get for your own vehicle. Be sure you check with the company what cover is offered. If you want to know more about MVH's insurance coverage, check out our general FAQs page.

6. Inspection

Tyres? Check. Steering wheel? Check. Engine? Check.

It's extra important that you conduct a thorough inspection of the car before you set off. Make sure to note any existing cosmetic damage to the car and take a record of the mileage. See to it that a representative of the company is present at the inspection to corroborate your records. 

Check for dents and scratches on the exterior and wear and tear to the interior, like rips in the cushions of the seats. The best way to keep a record of this is by taking as many photos as possible. This ensures there's no doubting the condition of the car at collection. 

7. Familiarise yourself with the car

It might be a good idea to spend a short time getting used to the controls and checking over the car to make sure everything is in working order. Ask a member of staff to stand by for questions – and don't set off until you're comfortable with the car and its features. 

8. Fuel policy

Your rental agreement will contain details about the fuel policy. This will tell you whether or not you need to return the car with a full tank.

For example, here at MVH, we provide a full tank upon collection and require a full tank on return.

You must take stock of these finer points to avoid incurring extra charges and putting a dampener on your trip.

9. Mileage allowance

In your rental agreement, you might see a mileage allowance for your hire time. In most cases, these are pretty generous so you needn't worry about exceeding the limit. However, it's worth bearing in mind in case you spontaneously decide to road-trip across the country. 

This is why it's good practice to take a reading of the vehicle's mileage upon collection so you know how many miles you have travelled. 

If you've got time booked off for a trip and you're considering a rental car, why not contact us and chat with our knowledgeable staff? Alternatively, browse our fleet of rental cars in Newcastle to see what's on offer today.