To help streamline the car rental process for drivers, more companies are revising their policies on the battery charging process for pickup and drop-off.
The new, more convenient policy means that any electric vehicles that are rented will be provided with 80% charge at the start of agreements and only need to be returned with 20% charge.
Amid the news, we’ve spoken to Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, who has rounded up everything drivers should know when picking up a rental car to further avoid headaches later down the road.
Check your personal details match your licence and passport
First and foremost, when booking a rental car, ensure that your personal details are correct and match those on your passport, driving license, and credit card, and that the credit card used matches that of the named driver. Rental dealerships will often verify these details against your identification documents when you pick up the vehicle.
Any mistakes, such as spelling errors, an incorrect address, or your full name not being consistent, on your credit card and booking as it appears on your ID, could cause confusion and lead to questioning of your identity, potentially resulting in delays or even denial of the vehicle pickup. If you notice any discrepancies after booking, contact the rental company as soon as possible so they can resolve the issue ahead of time and minimise delays.
Have all the necessary documentation with you
In addition to ensuring your details are correct and match your documentation, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you when collecting your rental car.
Typically, you will need your driving license, passport, and, in some cases, an international driving permit if you plan to drive in a different country. If you have purchased stand-alone excess car hire insurance, ensure you have this to hand too. While you do not need to show proof of this to the rental company if you have a third-party policy, having it to hand is useful if something goes wrong down the line that you need to claim for.
If you’re hiring in the UK (and abroad, although this is much less likely), you may also be asked for a DVLA Check Code, which details your driving history.
If you are unsure what documentation is required, check with the car hire company beforehand. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises or issues at the rental counter.
Ensure you’ve read the rental agreement
As with any contract or agreement, it is important to read the rental agreement carefully before signing.
Check key details thoroughly, such as the rental period, vehicle specifications, insurance options, and any additional fees. This will help you avoid unexpected charges or penalties.
Your rental agreement will also include information about fuel policies or mileage limits, so it’s important to understand these terms before starting your journey to ensure you do not breach the rental agreement.
Check your insurance coverage
As with owning a car, checking your insurance is one of the most important steps when renting a vehicle. All car rental companies within Europe offer vehicles with basic cover.
However, it may be beneficial to purchase additional third-party coverage, such as car hire excess insurance, to reduce your liability in case of an accident.
Ensure you have emergency contacts
Before driving away in your rental car, ensure you have all necessary emergency contact details.
This includes contact information for the rental company as well as emergency phone numbers for the country you are driving in. Having these details readily available is essential in the event of a breakdown or accident, as it allows you to contact the rental company immediately for assistance.
Notify the rental company if you are going to be late
Sometimes, delays are unavoidable, even when time is allowed for travel. However, arriving late to pick up your rental car could result in additional charges or even the cancellation of your reservation.
If you anticipate being late for your pickup, notify the rental company in advance. For airport pick-ups, you can usually let the car hire company know what your flight number is in advance, so they’ll automatically know if your flight is delayed. Informing them of your new arrival time ensures that your vehicle is held for you and helps you avoid unnecessary charges. While some companies offer a grace period, it is best not to assume—always check with the rental provider if you are running behind schedule.
Record the vehicle’s mileage and condition at pickup
Before setting off, take note of the vehicle’s mileage and overall condition upon collection.
This helps prevent any disputes when returning the car. Take photos or videos from all angles, documenting any existing damage such as scratches or dents, and ensure these are time-stamped. If you identify any damage, inform the rental company before leaving to avoid being held responsible when you return the vehicle.
Additionally, check and record the fuel level and ensure it matches the rental agreement. This will help you avoid any unexpected fuel charges when you return the car.
