Are you planning to hire a rental car during holiday to Portugal? Having a car will surely give you the liberty to travel on your own.
However, it is important that you must read more hiring car tips in Portugal so that you may not end up getting robbed of your money. Read the following which will be beneficial before you book for car.
- Prefer to buy only basic package
If you want to save some money, then it is better to go for only basic package while renting any car. The person sitting at the desk may attempt to sell you many other add-ons by offering discounts, which will prove to be very expensive.
Better to book your car online where you can read all the terms before booking. Don’t go for too cheap deal either.
- Have your own child car seat and satnav
You will create a big hole in your pocket if you rent any satnav or child seat from the car rental company. It is much better to buy one which will be much economical.
Even if you carry these from your home then air-line charges for carrying extra baggage will be much cheaper than the rent charged by car rental companies.
- Better to buy excess car insurance rather than getting ripped off
Car rental companies will also try to charge you for car insurance however their charges will always be exorbitant. That will also not cover for any minor scratches or dents and you will be end-up paying heavy extra charges.
Therefore, it is to better to buy an extra insurance by using your own credit card. Many credit card companies also offer car rental insurance.
- Ignore the sales pitch at collection desk
At the collection desk they will always try to sell any insurance but you must be little strong to reject their offer. Their charges are too high than any normal insurance charges.
- Understand the fuel policy, mileage and other details
Before accepting the car, you must be very careful about the fuel and mileage policy. Read it with proper understanding before you sign the paper. Here, they may often try to cut your pocket in many numbers of ways.
- Take video/photograph of the car before accepting it.
In order to avoid any dispute while returning the car back to the rental company, it is better either you take the photo or video the car from all the sides.
This will be a valid proof with you so that you may not be charged unnecessarily if you are not responsible for the scratches or dents.
- Also take the photo of car while returning and save the paper
While returning the car back, you must make sure that you have handed over the key to the right person. You must keep all the papers saved with you and also take the digital photo of the car so that in future you need not be under any dispute.
- Check the statement of your credit card
Check the credit card statement to ensure that the car rental company has not charged you by any fraudulent means.
- If needed fight for any additional charges
In case you are charged unnecessarily and you are totally innocent then don’t just leave the matter but must fight it out. You can also take help of the agent through whom you had done the booking.
In case, they send you any repair charges then ask for the evidence of repair.
- Choose your company wisely
While choosing the rental company, you must read their reviews and then decide the right company.