Posted on April 01, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

If you’ve booked a car, it’s important to keep in mind that changing dates and modifying itinerary can vary from rental company to rental company.  According to travel expert Sophie Butler, many prospective car renters are unaware that it is possible to alter car hire plans up to 24 hours prior to the indicated date of pick-up.  However, clients should realise that even if their changes make the rental less expensive (due to selecting different dates or choosing a more economical car), most car hire firms will still require that the customer pays the original price.  Car hire companies such as Avis advise that if the changes cause the price of the car to increase, clients will be required to pay the difference when collecting the vehicle.
Customers should note that every car hire firm has different policies in terms of changing booking criteria.  Clients should understand these rules before setting their changes in motion.  For instance, Hertz is quite liberal when it comes to making changes, allowing their customers to change their booking online.  Other companies, however, insist that changes must be done over the telephone.  Hertz will not allow clients to alter their pick-up location or change the name of the primary driver.  However, those looking to cancel their Hertz rental may do so for free, provided that the cancellation takes place within a week of the booking.  After this date, a refund charge of £30 usually applies.  All is not lost either for those who fall victim to unforeseen circumstances-Argus Car Hire offers a free cancellation policy 24 hours prior to the agreed pick-up date.