It is a good idea to book a car abroad online. Online reservations often offer a better price and the consumer has time to get acquainted with the terms and conditions or check the credibility of the rental. This was advised by the DTEST consumer organization.
“Borrowing the vehicle up to the holiday site will save some time in planning, but the online reservation offers several benefits – will ensure a specific category of the vehicle for the required date and often a better price. In addition, the consumer has time to get acquainted with the Terms and Conditions and can verify the credibility of the rental over reviews of other customers, ” The director DTEST Eduard Hekšová said. She added that a person may be under the time pressure after arriving in the destination and to conclude a disadvantageous contract as a result of the language barrier.
The consumer organization has notified that It is good to check the rental of vehicles in advance. She recalled that the vehicle listed when booking is only illustrative, but the rental must be provided by a vehicle of the same class. Special requirements such as automatic transmission or larger number of sitting seats must be agreed in advance.
Be careful, according to DTEST, should also be given to the method of payment. Not all rentals in holiday destinations accept debit cards. Although the car can also be borrowed with a debit card, the rental can be required to pay full insurance or require a higher advance. Younger drivers should check the conditions for renting a car in advance, for drivers under 25, borrowing may be more expensive.
“At the same time, it is essential that anyone who drives the vehicle is stated in the contract. This is especially important in the event of an accident or other damage. If at the time of the incident, the car was driven by a person who is not stated in the contract, the rental or insurance company may refuse to cover the coverage for the damage incurred, ”said Hekšová.
When traveling outside the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, it is necessary to have an international driving license. Before traveling abroad, it is also necessary to familiarize yourself with traffic regulations and driving customs in the countryadvised dTest.
When receiving the borrowed vehicle, it is necessary to check the handover protocol, together with the rental representative to record the technical and visual condition of the vehicle, to check the amount of fuel and document the car’s status with photos. It is good to repeat the same procedure when handing over the car, the consumer organization pointed out.
It also advised that the consumer informs in advance about the method of paying tolls and highway fees in the country, a possible reduction in the number of kilometers per day, or the time of renting or a refund fee elsewhere. You should also find out what the final price for renting the vehicle, the date and time of the return of the vehicle, whether the charge is paid for it.
