1) Type of vehicle
In most rental companies, you do not choose a specific vehicle but a vehicle type. This means that you may choose a 1000 cc Fiat Panda but the vehicle you will be given will be a Nissan Micra of the same or similar capacity. Companies do this for fleet management reasons and for better availability.
You simply choose the vehicle type depending more on the space you want to have in the vehicle (e.g. small car or larger family car or even suv) and the cubic capacity you want it to have.
In some cases you can confirm by phone which vehicles are available, so you can make your choice or change there on the spot, subject to availability.
2) Pick-up and delivery point
The pickup and delivery point is particularly critical. Most of the time the point is the same – the port, airport or city centre.
Other times, however, the point can be completely different – another city! In this case make sure there are no extra charges for different pickup & drop off.
For example, car hire in Santorini can be pickup at the port if you are coming by ferry and departure and drop off at the airport if you are returning by plane!
Several companies if the pick up/drop off points are different, charge extra money for the transport of the vehicle.
3) Pick up & delivery time
Although the pickup time is not as critical, the delivery time on the other hand is!
It is advisable that both the 2 times you state are accurate. On the one hand you will help people wait for you exactly at the time you have stated to pick up the vehicle and on the other hand, when you are to deliver the car, you will be charged exactly for the days you have used it.
For example, if you have stated that you will deliver the vehicle at 10:00 in the morning and you end up dropping it off at 1:00 in the afternoon, there will most likely be an extra charge for the delay.
4) Insurance conditions
Perhaps the most important part in renting a vehicle – its insurance terms! There are 3 (usually) types of insurance in vehicle rentals. With the help of the insurance website asfaleies24.gr we are going to analyze and make clearer the insurance terms for each type of insurance in car rentals.
Basic insurance: Covers the basic coverages of the law. It pays you any damage that occurs such as crash at your own risk, theft, and so on.
CDW: CDW car insurance is a partial damage and theft insurance. So if any damage happens to the vehicle or theft covered by CDW insurance , you will only pay the deductible amount (each company has its own policy and deductible amount).
Full security: full security covers what its name says: Everything!(almost).
If you book a car with mixed insurance, then you are covered for almost all damages. What you are definitely not covered for is if you are involved in an accident and you are intoxicated or have consumed substances. In any other case, comprehensive insurance will cover you even in an accident through your own fault.
In general, full gross rental insurance is the safest and most secure choice when renting a car so that you can be carefree and not have any reason to ruin your holiday!
5) Check vehicle for dents on pick up
Simvoules enoikiasis autokinitou
When picking up the vehicle, especially if you don’t have full insurance, you should thoroughly check the entire vehicle for minor damages as well as scratches.
Any damage should be reported so that it can be noted in the contract.
It is also a good idea to photograph the vehicle around the perimeter so that when you hand it over, you know what damage was there before you did.
6) Always carry the necessary documents with you
Always when renting and using a vehicle, you should always carry with you in the car the documents required such as the rental agreement as well as any other documents given to you by the company as well as your license.
If you do not have these documents, then you give any right to the police in a possible check to write a fine to you.
7) Be careful with the fuel in the car
You may normally drive a petrol car in your day to day life, but the rental vehicle may have diesel in it and thus get confused at a refuelling.
Usually the fuel cap indicates the fuel you need to put in. Pay close attention, as the wrong fuel will potentially lead to you paying for the damage.
8) Drive calmly and relaxed for the first 1-2 hours
simvoules enoikiasis autokinitou
No matter how much driving experience you have, a new vehicle always has surprises. For the first 1-2 hours, drive in a relaxed and calm manner and avoid unnecessary actions or high speeds.
This way you will get used to driving the new car and avoid the possibility of an accident.
9) Pay attention to extra items such as GPS
If the car has extra equipment such as a navigation system, it is advisable to remove it at night to avoid any theft (if it is removable).
Usually extra equipment is not covered by any insurance and any damage or loss you will be asked to compensate for.
10) Ask for extra equipment in advance!
If you want extra equipment such as a child seat or roof racks, ask for them in advance so that they are both fitted when you pick up and there is no delay and also to ensure availability!
By following the above 10 simple tips, you will enjoy the lisbon airport car rental experience without stress or any problems.