Rental Tips
When booking online with major national car rental chains its helpful to know the airport code for the airport you will pickup at. These major agencies have 100's of locations and 100's of rates at a given time and you need to fill out their booking forms entirely to get a rate for your trip. Knowing the airport code can be a shortcut to your online rate and reservation. For a list of airport codes: Click Here
RESERVE IN ADVANCE!
To get the best rate when applicable, reserve your car at a weekly rate (a week is usually between 5-7 days) instead of at a daily rate and reserve at least a week in advance. Rates are based in part on how many cars the agency has available at your pick up location. Be responsible and cancel your reservation if you have a change of plans.
Autohire DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THIS SITE- USE THEM!
Many Irish car hire companies currently are offering online discounts on the UK Auto Hire site. Serach for them now!!Also when reserving online, be sure to print out or take note of your confirmation information and take this with you to the counter.
BEWARE OF THE 24 HOUR CLOCK
When determining your car rental bill be aware of the "24 hour clock rate" most car hire companies use when charging you. This means if you rent your car on Wednesday and return it on Thursday, you are charged for one day only if you return it within 24 hrs. You are usually charged for 2 days if you return it more than 27-28 hrs after picking the car up. The policy for most companies is that an hourly rate is charged for the first 3-4 hrs after 24 hrs. Returning the car after the hourly rate period means a whole extra day is usually charged. Be aware that this procedure can vary from company to company and that some companies use a calendar day billing policy wherein you have until midnight to return your car before being billed for a full extra day.
YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHOW YOUR AIRLINE TICKET
Be aware that some car hire agencies at the airport require that you show your airline ticket in order to receive your "discounted" airport rate. So if you need a car hire for only part of your trip it may not benefit you to go back to the airport to rent a car for the brief period you may need it. Your airline ticket may be required to show your flight arrival to be within 24 hours of car hire pickup at the airport for the lower rate.
CAR RENTAL RATES CAN CHANGE QUICKLY
For convenience this guide includes "snap shots" of rates in at many major airports. Click your city of destination and go to "low rates". Bear in mind, these rates are only snap shots for reservations made on a given day and these rates usually change, If interested, see why rates change.
YOU CAN'T RESERVE A SPECIFIC TYPE CAR
When you reserve, you are holding down a RATE, not necessarily a specific car. Write your CONFIRMATION number down where you will have it when you pick up your car.
YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO UPGRADE!
If the car hire company is out of the class car you reserved you might be able to UPGRADE at no additional charge depending on what is available! Remember you reserved a rate in which the car company is obligated to. This can be risky though if you actually need a bigger car than the one you reserved.
RESERVE WITH WEEKLY RATES INSTEAD OF DAILY RATES
If you're not sure when you will be returning a car because you may have to stay longer, then it's much better to reserve in advance for a longer time and return it early than pay the "premium daily rates" for returning a car a few days late. You're not penalized for it early.
PETROL/GAS CHARGES
Be sure and fill your car up before you return your car. In most cases you will pay a high premium if you forget.
GET AN EXTRA KEY!
Many car companies will provide you with an EXTRA KEY if you ask for one. This can come in handy for anyone who are absent minded.:)
CHECK OUT THE CONDITION OF YOUR CAR
It's a good idea to get out and inspect the vehicle with the attendant for scratches, or other damage before you leave. Any damage or unusual dents or scratches be noted on the contract before you leave the rental area. Go back to the company office if needs be to have this acknowledged in writing. Some companies may enforce a hard line policy regarding this.
LOOK AT A MAP BEFORE DRIVING OFF
Be sure you get a MAP and look at it before you take off in your hired car. If you need to ask questions do so before you leave the car hire company. Take note of the location so you can easily return your car.
DON'T LET SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE THE HIRED CAR BEFORE YOU CHECK THEY ARE INSURED.
In most cases, you will need to list additional drivers on your contract at the time of pick up. Some companies will allow your spouse to drive at no additional cost but check first. If someone else drives the car without the car hire agency's permission your contract maybe voided for protection and even claims against your personal insurance coverage.
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