Car Hire - A Few Quick and Easy Tips

Most of you will have, by now, cottoned on to the freedom a hire care can give you whilst on holiday. After the usual rigmarole of keeping everyone together whilst using public transplant and trying to keep the kids happy, having your own transport can be invaluable.

So just how easy is it to arrange, how can you save money and what are the pitfalls to be avoided? Follow me to find out:

Economy - first and foremost you should consider the type of car you will be hiring. Do you need to drive that flashy cabriolet around for the week with an average fuel consumption of 30mpg, or could a more down to earth family/smaller car with an average fuel consumption closer to 40mpg suffice?

If you can hire a diesel or hybrid vehicle you will save much money on fuel if you intend to get out and explore your chosen holiday destination.

Navigation - another way to save money on fuel (and time when you get lost) is to hire or take a sat-nav unit with you. This will ensure you have no trouble getting to the places you want and can be invaluable.

Insurance - be wary of arranging car hire whilst in resort as the reps will often try and convince you to stump for extra, unnecessary insurance polices. Please do bear in mind that most hire car firms only offer limited coverage in the package so you may feel it worthwhile if you intend to indulge in a little less than sedate driving.

Fuel charge - a little trick some car rental firms will employ is to charge you for not having a full tank when you return the vehicle. They will do so unless the needle is clearly on or above the agreed point (you should always put a little extra in to allow for mis-judgement, £2-3 at the pump is better than a £30 charge).

Hopefully the above tips should save you a little time and money but there is one last piece of wisdom I wish to impart before you go - if you pick up the car and there are any visible marks, dents or other examples of damage, take a picture as proof! This is one thing that could save you an argument and the loss of your deposit should this become an issue.