By: MARK RAWCLIFFE
MOST OF us have rented a car or van at some time in our lives, either at home or on holiday. While for the most part, hire car companies are genuine and honest, and supply recent low mileage cars, some of their actions leave a lot to be desired.
Firstly, the employees drive the vehicles like race cars. Now, we all drive faster than perhaps we should, and I am no exception, but these guys are loonies. They overtake on corners, spin the wheels out of junctions and race each other!
Secondly, checking your assigned car before you sign the contract is paramount. Looking around the car could save you a lot of money for a short period of time. Don’t be embarrassed to kick the tyres, look in the boot or check the lights. Once your John Hancock is on that piece of paper, you are responsible, even if the car has not left the space in the depot.
Damage
We have received letters from tourists who have been unduly charged for damage that they maintain was not caused by them. One such instance was a tourist who arrived in Faro airport late one night and collected his hire car from a reputable company in the terminal.
He had just arrived on a delayed flight and was, therefore, tired after travelling, so he took a quick look around the car and glanced at the sheet where the damage was marked. He followed the representative, who showed him the marks and knocks, and he was soon on his way after throwing his bags in the boot and jacket on the back seat.
The next morning revealed a huge cigarette burn on the rear seat, which has not been seen (or pointed out by the rep). When he returned the vehicle to the depot at the end of his holiday, assuming that they had a prior knowledge of the burn and would not charge him, the attendant immediately looked straight at the seat. A few ‘tuts’ later and the tourist was forced to pay for damage he says he did not cause.
Another reader, here on business, reported to us that money was deducted from his credit card for damage that was evident to the passenger door lock – obviously an attempted break in. Not concerned as he had paid for ‘all risks insurance’, he shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the extra insurance he had taken out, only to be told that door locks were not covered by the policy.
Do not worry about holding the representative up (and I don’t mean in the air). Make them wait while you have a good look around the car.
Car check
Check the tyres, wheels, bumpers, windscreen for crack or chips, scratches and dents (no matter how small). Check the seats, carpets and radio.
Make sure the car has a fluorescent jacket (this is law), check the existence of the spare wheel and the jack and make sure there is air in the spare. If the car does not have an aerial, ask if there should be one. If not, make sure that they add it to the list on the contract. And, finally, check the fuel against the amount they say it has.
Force them to make changes to correct inaccuracies and don’t be put off by the ‘don’t worry about that’ comments, which tend to come out of the reps’ mouths.
Not all companies are bad, so don’t be put off. Just check the contract, make sure about the insurance and look at the car. Don’t add to the profit of the companies through ignorance.
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