Renting a Car is one of the greatest ways to really get some freedom when you go on a vacation. There's nothing quite like being able to go where ever you want to in a new place and explore everything you see without the limitations of public transport. But you also need to be careful. There are various ways to car rental companies can really destroy your holiday if you don't know about them. Here are a few things you need to know about how to avoid becoming a holiday horror story when renting a car.
The Insurance Trap
Most of the time, advertised car rental prices are extraordinarily low. A reasonable mid-size sedan for under $30 a day sounds like a real bargain. But did you know that these advertised prices don't include top level insurance. Did you know that if the car is damaged in any way including ways that are not you fault, that you can be charged an insurance excess of many thousands of dollars? A tree branch falls on your car or a hail storm puts a few dents in the roof, you can be liable for thousands!
It simply isn't worth the risk. When you book a rental car always ask them to quote you for the top level of insurance. It is more expensive but it can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Several tourists have been hit for this amount when their cars have been damaged in freak weather circumstances or in sudden natural disasters such as floods. It is not as uncommon as you might think, so make sure you protect yourself and take out the relevant amount of insurance on your rental car. It usually doesn't cost that much extra and is definitely worth the cost.
The Return Time Trap
When a car rental company gives you your rental they are supposed to tell you the day and time that your car is due to be returned. Often times they "forget" about the time. But if you return your car even an hour or two late, you can be forced to pay for an extra day of rental. A full 24 hour charge for a an hour or two of time seems unfair (and it is), but they are within their legal rights and they will often enforce it.
Make sure you know exactly when you are supposed to be returning the car and that you get there early or as close to that time as humanly possible. It isn't much to be forced to pay an extra day's rental, but it will leave a sour taste in your mouth. Some of the more unscrupulous smaller companies will conveniently "forget" to tell you the exact time so make sure you check your contract for the return time. Unfortunately it is a case of buyer beware.
Generally, renting a car is a fun and easy experience that leads to a great holiday of exploration and freedom. With just a little forethought into these traps for car renters you can make sure that you car rental holiday stays that way!
The car rental industry has rarely been renowned for its forward thinking attitude and embracement of new technology. However in the UK this is rapidly changing with the improvements in biometric technology. The reason car rental companies are so inclined to take advantage of biometric advances is because they can help to secure their assets and hence improve profitability. Biometric technology however does raise fundamental issues with privacy and data protection; hence it is understandable that many people have concerns with human rights and the protection of their own personal data. This issue goes beyond the car rental sphere, and instead enters a large number of other industries and business sectors.
Fingerprints form an important part of biometric recording and are especially important in the rental sphere. Companies now record customer's fingerprints in order to create a biometric ID. One of the pilot schemes for this technology took place in Essex's Stansted Airport. The scheme made it compulsory to submit an electronic thumbprint for any person who wished to hire a car. The forced nature of the scheme however led to many customers feeling besmirched and critical of why they should have to submit personal data.
Companies are quick to assert that this biometric data will only ever be used if the car is stolen; this will take the form of handing it over to the law enforcement bodies so that they can crosscheck their own files with the fingerprints taken at the hire desk. Police were quick to highlight the plaudits of the scheme, claiming that it was a response to the large numbers of thefts carried out by organised criminals.
This situation is becoming prevalent all across the United Kingdom; with many businesses stating that the data recorded is purely a fall back should a vehicle be stolen. These firms argue that the data will not be used for any other purpose, or passed to a third party. The 'invasion of big brother' claims are quickly discounted, instead the argument that the recording of biometric data will in fact act towards protecting identities is presented.
Naturally the reaction of customers was mixed. One startled customer at Stansted Airport felt that the staff members of the rental company were joking when they asked for a thumbprint. On finding out that they were serious this particular customer was dumfounded. The rather articulate response was that companies had no right to employ such an arbitrary and disproportionate tactic to fight car crime. However, the companies have such a right, after all it is their assets they are protecting.
One of the issues causing the encroachment of biometric recording has been the increasing numbers of false passports. This touted reason however did not hold sway with many customers; their argument being that if it is possible to board a plane with a passport, then why should an additional form of identity be needed to hire a car? In addition customers were understandably worried about how this data would be stored, seemingly if the government cannot hold personal data securely, then what chance do a car rental company have?
Whatever the arguments surrounding the implementation of biometric technologies it is certain that in the car rental industry they are here to stay. It is a case of put up or shut up for customers. These schemes however have not yet been rolled out all over the country; the success of these trials will undoubtedly give an indication not only of how biometrics will affect the rental industry, but will given an insight into how these technologies are likely to encroach on everyday life.
Both Tony Maddison & Thomas Pretty are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Maddison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Christmas Gifts, Car Rental and Gardening. There are many other traps. To find out more about them check out NGD's. Tony Maddison's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Thomas Pretty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Formula One, Debts Loans and Interior Design. Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into new technologies being utilised in the industry.. Thomas Pretty's top article generates over 1500000 views. to your Favourites.