Posted on April 02, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

If you’re renting a car for the first time this summer, there are a number of dos and don’ts that need to be kept in mind before leaving your pick-up point.

1. Be sure to check the vehicle’s windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage, as these are areas that are not normally covered on the rental company’s own excess cover. Packed a camera?  Some renters even go as far as taking ‘before and after’ pics of their car to avoid being unfairly charged for scrapes and dents.

2. Ensure that all paperwork is completed there and then and keep it safely until your credit card statement arrives and you are satisfied with the charges.

3. Make sure that the car you get is the same class as the one that you signed up for.  If you’re offered an upgrade, you shouldn’t be charged.

4. At the end of your holiday, don’t leave until a final inspection has been completed.  Make sure that you are present for the inspection.

5. Don’t sign anything until you are sure of what you are agreeing to.   it is also important to familiarise yourself with legal requirements for car breakdown kits in some countries.  If the car hasn’t been supplied with one, you may be at risk of police fines.