Everything you need to know about car hire

Rent a car without making a mistake: our recommendations for saving money

To avoid the pitfalls and make savings when hiring a vehicle, it's important to know your rights and adopt the right reflexes. Beep Valet gives you some advice on how to make the most of your car hire. successful car hire at the best price. Assess your needs in terms of the size and type of vehicle you require. Take into account the number of passengers, the size of the boot and your specific needs, such as equipment for sports or trips abroad.

Choose your rental agency wisely :

You can opt for the big international agencies or local ones, but make sure you compare prices and offers to find the best option for you.

Choose where to collect and return the vehicle according to your itinerary. Choose a location that is convenient and accessible for you, to avoid extra travel or parking costs.

Check the rental conditions carefully. Take the time to read the terms and conditions of hire, particularly with regard to insurance, fuel costs and penalties for delays or cancellations.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before setting off. Before setting off, carefully check the condition of the vehicle and report any scratches or damage. This will prevent you from being wrongly accused of damage that occurred during the hire period.
By following these tips, you can be sure of a successful and economical car hire.

Is it better to choose a local or international car rental agency?

You will have to choose between a local agency or a major car hire chain. Larger agencies offer better coverage, greater availability in the event of a problem and faster resolution of disputes. However, local agencies can sometimes offer better prices.

The geographical location of the agency can also influence the rental price. Although it is convenient to booking a car directly at the airport can be more expensive. So it's important to compare prices and determine whether the convenience is worth the extra cost.

Finally, to save even more, you can consider book in advance or search for special offers online. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the offer carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Don't hesitate to make comparisons and book in advance The cost of hiring a vehicle depends largely on supply and demand, which means that the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a better price for your rental. Car hire companies appreciate the security that comes with booking in advance, and this can be reflected in the rates they offer. Given the large number of car rental agencies, the best way to compare prices and availability is to use an online comparator.

Online car hire platforms are particularly useful as they not only allow you to compare prices and availability, but also to break down the opacity that used to reign in the industry. Thanks to the filters and information provided, you can have a clear idea of what you're paying, what extras are included, the mileage allowed and cancellation conditions.

Don't forget to consider supplements and their costs

There are two main types of supplement for car hire: those relating to the vehicle itself and those relating to its use.

Supplements relating to the vehicle :

They generally include options such as GPS or navigation systems, baby, child or booster seats, snow tyres or chainsas well as special equipment such as ski racks.

As for supplements relating to the use of the vehicle :

They may include cleaning or refuelling charges, charges for an additional driver, charges for changing or cancelling the booking, surcharges for young drivers, surcharges for collection outside opening hours, late fees and surcharges for returning the vehicle to a different location from where it was collected.

Pay attention to rental conditions

It's important to study the terms and conditions of the car hire contract carefully, as each offer can vary. The key points to bear in mind include :

• the distance travelled,
• the geographical area where the vehicle will be used,
• excess and deposit

The number of kilometres included in the rental may be limited, It is therefore preferable to choose an unlimited option if you are planning to travel a long distance, as each additional kilometre may result in extra charges.

If you plan to cross a border, make sure this is covered by your rental contract, as otherwise you will not be covered by insurance in the event of damage and additional charges may be levied.

The franchise is also important, as it represents the maximum amount you will have to pay in the event of damage to the vehicle. If the excess is high, it may be wise to take out additional insurance to avoid paying a large sum in the event of an accident.

Finally, find out how the the depositThis will ensure that you don't end up with an empty bank account in the event of a problem. It is preferable for the deposit to be blocked in your account rather than debited, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

How do I return my vehicle?

It is important to check that the vehicle is clean and that the fuel tank is full before returning it. If you are returning the vehicle during the agency's opening hours, insist that you carry out the following checks an inventory to avoid any subsequent disputes.

If you return the vehicle outside opening hours, take photos or videos of the vehicle to protect yourself against any unjustified claims. In addition, note that if a clause in the contract stipulates that you are liable for any damage until the agency opens if you return the keys to the letterbox, this is considered abusive and therefore unenforceable.

A few tips to know:

- If you are married, your spouse is not considered an additional driver, so there is no extra charge.

- Opting for a car with a manual transmission is often more economical and offers more choice than automatic cars.

- In the event of a technical or mechanical problem, always contact the hire company first to find out what procedure to follow. A helpdesk should always be available to assist you.

- If possible, it's best to pay online or in advance on site to get the best rates.

The entire Beep Valet Parking wishes you an excellent trip!