The term “super promotion” does not necessarily mean an excellent deal at all. The price listed on the website usually informs about the basic fee. Usually it does not include, for example, the cost of insurance.

Car rental companies often charge extra for:

• fuel (an additional high fee if you return the car with an empty tank, and you rented with a full one),
• exceeding the kilometer limit (if such is specified in the contract),
• returning the car in a different place than we rented (e.g., we pick up in Madrid, return in Barcelona) or using the services of the rental company outside its working hours,
• the right to have a second driver drive the car,
  a child seat.

Note: In the case of a car rental contract concluded over the Internet, you cannot exercise the right to withdraw from the contract remotely without incurring costs.

Find out what the insurance covers

Often the basic (cheapest) version ensures that the insurer covers all costs in the event of a serious accident, but already in the event of a bump – the costs are shared, for example, in the proportion 60% – insurer, 40% – driver. There are also insurances that cover all parts except the tires or glass in the car. So if you break a tire or a thief breaks your windows – you will pay out of your own pocket.

Check driver age restrictions

Even if you can obtain a driver’s license at age 18 in your country, the car rental company may stipulate that the renter-driver must be
at least 25 years old.

Learn about the driving regulations in the country where you plan to travel

The style of driving on the road in each country looks different, for example, a common “road custom” may be to drive without position lights and turn them on just before passing another car, or to casually change lanes without signaling your intention to do so. If you don’t feel confident in such conditions, consider buying an organized tour.

Don’t accept a car with defects

The car you rent should be in full working order, carefully inspected by a company employee before delivery. If there are scratches or dents on the vehicle’s body, you should get confirmation of this situation in writing. It is also worth taking photos. This will help us avoid the charge of doing damage.

NOTE: Check if the car is not damaged inside as well. Pay attention to, for example, scratches on the body, or the presence of luggage shelves in hatchback cars. If the luggage shelf has been replaced in the car’s range, and it is not in the car, report it at the time of acceptance and enter its absence in the acceptance protocol.

Make sure what type of petrol  to fill up with

A moment’s inattention can result in being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken car

A car rental contract should be drawn up in such a way to allow the consumer to read it and keep a copy with the driver’s and renter’s details and all the terms and conditions of lease. You should not rely on oral arrangements. If new arrangements are made at car pick-up, it is worthwhile to add them to the contract with additional signatures of both parties.

The contract should define the division of payments, for instance advance payment and the rules of its possible reimbursement. You should avoid signing blank documents.

A complaint can cover all the elements specified in the contract. When at car pick-up or during use problems arise that prevent normal use of the car or you notice irregularities in fee calculation, you should immediately report this to the lessor. Consumers have the right to complain in writing or by e-mail also after the lease contract ends.

Regulations do not stipulate how much time the trader has to respond to a complaint. Therefore, the commonly applied deadline is 30 days.