You have just got off your flight, gone through long queues at security, waited for your luggage and now you just want to get on the road.
At Z&X Cars we want to make sure your car rental experience is as pleasant as possible so you can get on with the important business of enjoying your trip. All you need to do is book with us and plan your journey, whether it’s a road trip or exploring a new city or country, and we will take care of the rest.
This article gives you 5 of the best tips to save money when you are renting a car to make the experience as smooth as it should be!
1. Book your car before you arrive
Booking your car in advance means you know the price that you are going to pay before you arrive at the airport. Prices also tend to be cheaper when you book your rental car online.
Booking in advance also gives you the option to select what type of car you’d like to rent. If you wait to book at the airport you may end up having to rent a luxury vehicle because that’s all the rental company has left. Or even worse, you could be trying to squeeze your family of four and luggage into a smaller car instead of the SUV you were hoping for.
We recommend booking well in advance, especially when you are planning a trip during peak times such as Easter, Christmas or the school holidays.
2. Do your homework on airport rental prices versus downtown
It’s important to do your research before you rent a car. It can sometimes be cheaper to book a car from your final destination rather than picking it up from the airport. Some rental car companies charge more for airport car rental because this is where most of the demand is. You could save by renting a car from a nearby downtown or out of town location. Check your car rental company website for nearby locations to the airport to see if you could save.
3. Get your timing right
It pays to be mindful when renting a car so you don´t waste money. Car rental companies usually charge in 24-hour blocks, so even if you go over the return time by one hour you could be charged for another full day. Make sure you work out exactly how long you will need the car to avoid overspending.
For example, if you are returning the car at 4 pm, you should arrive before 4 pm to avoid paying for an extra day.
The secret is not to guess the times when you are making the booking – put the exact time you plan to return the vehicle on the form. Of course, if you are delayed you should contact the rental company to explain why and you may not have to pay for the extra day.
4. Choose the right size and type of vehicle
You are in the holiday mood and want to have the best of everything – we get it! But do you really need to go for that convertible 2-seater sports car? Make sure you make the right decision when choosing what type of car you want to rent. After all, most of the time the car will be used to get from A to B and then you will leave it in the car park to explore the destination.
You should also factor in the engine size of the vehicle. The bigger the engine the more fuel you will be buying so it’s advisable to be conservative. This way you will spend less on fuel and more on experiences for the family. Also, be sure to check local fuel prices as they vary from town to town and between the different fuel companies.
5. Inspect the vehicle
We know how keen you are to get on with your trip – you just want to pick up the keys to your car and go! This is the last thing you should do. Make sure you give the car a thorough inspection before you drive it.
There may be minor damage that you wouldn’t notice at first glance, but it’s important that you note this on the rental form and even take photos. You can also ask the rental company to take their own photos too.
Here’s a list of some of the most important things to check for:
– chips on the windscreen;
– damage underneath the bumper panels;
– scratches on the alloys;
– the spare wheel is functional (and actually there!)
– marks on wing mirrors;
– body panel scratches;
– dents;
– cigarette burns in the upholstery;
If it’s dark during the inspection get the rental staff to note this. Taking this extra time at the beginning of the rental can help avoid charges when you return the vehicle and ensure giving it back is a smooth process.
Those are our top 5 money-saving tips on renting a car. Below are some other essential tips to remember, all of which can avoid you having to spend extra money:
– bring a GPS and child car seat if needed;
– check the fuel level and fuel policy;
– make sure your licence is valid in the country you are going to;
– check the mileage limits;
– check age restrictions;
– be clear on the insurance policy;
– get a signed copy of the damage-check form;
Contact us for your personalized quote
Source: Europ Car (no copyright intended). All rights and credits reserved to the respective owner (s).
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Contact Details
Our customer service team will be very happy to answer any questions you have about Car Rentals Cyprus therefore please do not hesitate to get in touch by phone, email or post.
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Address: Shop 1, Central Park Residences, 6 April 1st Street 8011, Paphos Cyprus
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Support Phone: +357 26 945222
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E mails: carhire@zandxgroup.com
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Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM
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