Stress-Free Car Hire

Hiring a car can be the key to a wonderful holiday, but it can also be a minefield! With differing terms and conditions being offered at every turn, understanding what you are covered for can be challenging. That’s why Little Hotels chose Zest Car Rental! Their terms and conditions are standardised as much as possible across locations worldwide, and are generally better than the competition.

It can be alarming to discover at the last minute that your Collision Damage Waiver still leaves you responsible for the first 1000 euros, or even more. ECH’s prices always include either full collision damage and theft protection with no insurance excess, or excess reimbursement insurance. This and the inclusion of a free additional driver, makes them completely unique in the market.

If excess reimbursement cover is included, in the event of collision damage or theft, you should do the following:

• Follow the correct accident procedure as detailed by the car hire supplier. This usually involves informing the police and getting a police report and notifying the supplier as soon as possible. Pay the supplier the excess amount.
• Claim it back upon you return home.
• Instructions will be shown on the insurance certificate which is provided with your pre-paid car hire voucher.

As we have already said, understanding what is and isn't included in your car hire is not always easy. So Zest Car Rental helped us out with this comprehensive list:

• Included
• Full Collision Damage Protection.
• Full Theft Protection.
• Public liability cover for the drivers.
• Third party liability cover.
• Unlimited mileage.
• Free additional driver.
• All mandatory location fees and taxes.
• Bail bonds (where required).
• Free 24 hour backup service.
• Breakdown Assistance.

• Not Included
• Personal accident insurance (PAI).
• Damage caused by negligence.
• Fuel.
• Road Tolls, parking and traffic fines.
• Out-of-hours charges.
• One-way rental charges.
• Delivery charges.
• Optional extras.
• Tyre and wheel damage, interior damage, damage to the roof, damage to the underside of the vehicle, damage to the glass parts of vehicle, wing mirrors, loss or damage to the car key, locks, aerials, vehicle documents, registration plates and any additional equipment provided with the vehicle.

Payments for out of hours pick up or return, one way rental fees, border exits, delivery charges and optional extras can be reserved at the time of booking, but must be paid for locally.

Upon collection of a vehicle, the supplier will authorise a security deposit on your credit card which covers damage to un-insured parts of the vehicle, fuel charges if applicable, parking and traffic fines, and in the unlikely event that a claim is made when the insurance has been invalidated.

You can't avoid liability for things like fines but top-up insurance can be purchased at £2.50 per rental day to soften some of the blows. This is a reimbursement policy and covers the uninsured parts of the vehicle such as the tyres, glass parts and underside. If you have already bought this, there is no need for you to obtain this again locally.

To ensure that you experience a stress free hire, follow these 4 easy steps:

• Make sure you understand what is included in your car hire payment and what is not.
• When collecting your vehicle, take time to look around your car and ensure any existing damage is noted down by the representative. It is always easier for issues to be rectified at the time.
• The car hire supplier will keep a copy of your voucher when you collect your vehicle, so make sure you print two. A spare copy is useful as this includes the contact details of the car hire supplier.
• When you collect and return your vehicle, photograph the fuel gauge and ensure that the fuel level matches the level stated on the paperwork. If you refuel before returning your vehicle, make sure you get a receipt.

Thanks to Gemma Russell at Economy Car Hire for helping us to prepare this guide to stress-free car hire.

Click here to get a quote now.

31 Jan 2016, 10:25