Question: Can I pick my car up at one location and return it to another location?

Answer: Yes, most of the time if your car hire company has a corresponding location at your drop off destination. Usually you will pay an additional drop off fee or charge. Some companies will include their drop off cost in the rental rates. There is normally no general rule or policy and you will need to enquire directly with a car hire company for specific "drop off" charges.  

Question: What is a "drop-off charge"?

Answer: A drop-off charge is usually applied if you return the vehicle to a different location from where you picked up the vehicle. This fee is waived if the company allows "one-way drop-offs" at particular locations.

Question: Do car hire companies provide or offer infant or child safety seats with my car rental?

Answer: Most of the major UK car hire companies offer both infant and child safety seats. You will need to reserve these in advance to insure you have one during your trip. They are usually anywhere from ST£5.00-ST£10.00 per day on top of your basic hire charges. 

Question: Why do car hire rates change so often?

Answer: Most car hire companies use a rate system called "yield management". This system is based on supply (availability) and demand. Rates can change by the day, hour and even minute based on these factors. Our car hire pricing engine is a "snap shot" survey made on a given date for a given duration if you reserved at that time.

Question: Do given car hire rates cover all of my costs?

Answer: On top of your rate you may pay for airport surcharges applied to some locations, insurance if needed, mileage if not unlimited and value added tax (sales tax).

Question: When renting a car, should I accept the insurance offered by an agency?

Answer: It varies. Find out before you leave what your personal or corporate car insurance policy will cover since these insurance options are expensive. There's a good chance you're already covered for the collision risk. Some credit cards cover collision but it may only be a secondary coverage. Other credit cards provide primary collision coverage if you do not have collision coverage with your personal car insurance. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is extra insurance priced up to ST£10.00 per day so check before you leave! Here are some important questions to ask your insurance carrier or credit card company before you step up to the car hire counter:

Does my personal car insurance policy cover any damage to a hired car ?
2. Does my personal homeowners policy cover the theft of my personal property from a hired car?
3. Does either my personal car insurance, homeowners insurance or employee medical insurance cover injuries from an accident in a hired car?
4. Does my credit card cover me for damages done to a hired car or for third party liability?

Don't drive unprotected under any circumstance. If you are not already covered through an existing policy or credit card, buy the car hire company's collision and liability insurance. These allow the renter's financial responsibility for damage to the hired vehicle to be waived. There is generally a per day charge for this option.

Does the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) offered by the car hire agency cover the damages made to another car I hit (third party damages)?

Answer: No, not in most cases. Your personal or corporate car insurance normally covers your liability in damages to another car. You should check with your insurance agent to see if this is the case. If you don't have your own coverage you should buy the liability coverage offered by the car hire company.

Question: Do you have to be a certain age to rent a car?

Answer: Yes. Most car hire companies require that you at least be the age of 23. Exceptions: If you are under 23, but over 21 years of age, you may be allowed to rent at some locations. You however will be charged an additional daily fee. Check with the car hire company first

Question: Are you required to have a credit card?

Answer: Yes! most car hire companies accept only major credit cards and do NOT accept debit cards or cash.

Question: Do credit cards offer car hire insurance or coverage?

Answer: Some higher level cards (gold, platinum) will provide secondary collision coverage and in some cases primary collision coverage when renting a car if you do not have you own car insurance or when renting in another country. Secondary or excess coverage kicks in after your personal car insurance has been exhausted. These features can really be handy but may not apply to luxury cars and some vans. Also their coverage may apply only to collision and not to other liabilities. Call you credit card company to find out.

Question: Do most agencies allow for unlimited mileage?

Answer: Most of the "major UK companies" offer unlimited mileage.

Question: Does a weekly rate mean you need to keep the car for 7 days?

Answer: The weekly rate for most car hire companies apply for car rentals of 5-7 days. Some companies require 7 day rentals. If you think you'll need the car at least 5 days it's usually wise to book the weekly rate

Question: With a weekly rate, if I need to keep my car longer than 7 days does my daily rate change?

Answer: Yes, extending your rental term almost always means a much higher rate for those "extra days". If you're not exactly sure how long you will need a car, it is far better to reserve the car for a longer period and bring it back earlier.

Question: Do companies charge for "additional drivers"?

Answer: Yes, some do. The policy for most companies is that your husband or wife can drive also at no extra cost. Some companies may add a daily rate (ST £5.00- ST £7.50 /day) or a flat fee/rental for extra drivers. If you're not going to be the only driver, shop around to find a car hire company that does not charge a high extra driver charge.

Question: If I'm from overseas, will car hire companies accept an "International Driver's Licenses"?

Answer: Yes, a few do. Some companies accept an International Driver's Permit only. Most larger companies require you to have a valid, up-to-date driver's license issued by the country of which you are a citizen. Please check with the car hire company.