easyCar: is part of the easyGroup, provide car rental in more than 2,400 locations in over 60 countries. Their locations are conveniently situated at popular visitor destinations, at airports and in city centre.

Sixt: Established in 1912, Sixt was the first car rental service in Germany which originally centered on tours and day-trips. In the United Kingdom alone, it has over 143 service outlets, all offering the same quality of cars and services for which Sixt is known

1. Late Bookings - The best way in which you can secure a great price, and have a wider selection of cars to choose from is to book as early as possible. When you book a car closer to the date of collection, it is common for prices to rise greatly, plus some popular vehicle options such as people carriers may not be available due to limited supply. Therefore if you book early, you will significantly increase your chances of securing the car of your choice, plus stay clear of paying a higher price.
2. Unsure of Suppliers Fuel Policy - It is important to fully understand what your rental companies fuel policy is. For example, some companies will state in the terms and conditions of your rental agreement that your return the rental car with a full tank, some might even state that you should drop the car off with an empty tank. Checking the terms and conditions fully will help you understand what the requirement for fuel is, thus will ensure you are not charged for sticking to their policy.
3. Choosing the wrong insurance policy - When you are seeking rental car coverage you should choose a policy that covers you for damage to areas such as car wheels and the windscreen. Total Damage Excess Waiver policies will typically cover these areas, as well as an excess and damage to the roof, tyres and underside of a rental car.
4. Tempted by the lowest priced vehicle - It may be tempting to hire the cheapest car for your trip, however the cheapest is sometimes not the most practical or comfortable. You should assess how much space you really need from a rental car, so you can comfortably cater for the intended number of passengers and luggage. Comparing a varied range of vehicles is something well worth doing, as you may find that better value deals are to be had with hiring a larger sized car.
5. Prior to collection failing to check your credit card limit - It is common practice for suppliers to swipe your credit card, holding a specific amount in case of future damage when you arrive to collect a rental car. The actual amount can vary depending on the supplier you choose and the cars location, however by checking the terms and conditions of your agreement you will be able to see what this exact amount is. To avoid being denied a rental car, you should ensure that your credit card has a valid limit.
6. Failing to provide correct documents - When you go to collect a rental car you need to ensure you have all the right documents to do so. The exact documents you will need can vary upon supplier and the location, however typically you will be required to show both the paper part and photo card of your driving license, your credit card and passport. Certain destinations such as USA, might require additional documentation, including a recent utility bill with your name and address and a copy of your return flight ticket.
7. Unaware of local road laws - It is important that you check the road rules and laws of the country you are visiting prior to your arrival, as they can differ greatly from that of your home country. For instance, right of way is given to other motorists in Turkey who are entering a roundabout, thus if you are on a roundabout you must stop and let others in. Checking local rules beforehand will help ensure your trip goes smoothly and is safe.
8. Forgetting to check the rental car prior to leaving - It is highly important that you take the time to thoroughly check the car you will be renting for any damage before you take it away. If not you may find yourself being charged for damage that the supplier has not accurately recorded.
9. Failure to book extras at the time of initial bookings - Snow chains, child seats, roof racks, snow tyres and sat nav are popular extras, which are often limited in their availability. If you feel you need extras for your rental car you should reserve these early, at the same time you make your initial rental reservation. It is normal practice that the cost of any extras is to be paid when you go to pick up your rental car.
10. Saying yes when an insurance policy is offered at the time of collection - When the time comes to collect a hire car, the supplier may offer you insurance. To avoid paying twice for insurance, check the terms and conditions thoroughly of any policy you already have.

The UK's top car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk efficiently compares a wealth of deals in more than 15,000 worldwide locations from up to 50 suppliers, including Budget, Sixt, Alamo, Holiday Autos and Auto Europe. To view the latest car hire deals see www.carrentals.co.uk.

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Carrentals.co.uk Warns Drivers Not to Become Too Reliant on Sat Nav

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Car hire comparator advises motorists to always carry a map book in their vehicle

Offering added peace of mind and providing directions for all around the world, satellite navigation systems have become increasingly popular with British drivers, but leading car hire comparator Carrentals.co.uk is warning motorists not to become solely reliant on the technology.

Despite the extensive detail provided by most sat nav devices, there are occasions where the GPS technology does not instruct drivers to take the most direct route or simply reaches an area that is not covered by GPS - leaving drivers without a map book lost.

Managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, Gareth Robinson, says: “Sat nav technology is very useful in helping drivers reach destinations with which they are unfamiliar, but there is a danger of motorists becoming too reliant on the technology and just blindly following any directions that are given, even if these go against their own sense of direction.

“GPS technology can save motorists a lot of time and effort in travelling to new or unfamiliar destinations, with extensive geographical information available at the touch of a button. However, it is always a good idea to carry a map book in your car and to research the best route before setting out on a journey, so that the directions are more familiar and it is easier to correct any mistakes should there be any problems.”

As part of its holiday extras, Carrentals.co.uk offers sat nav hire for a choice of 38 countries around the world, with prices starting from just £27.08 a week. Last minute travel plans can also be catered for with delivery of the sat nav by 1pm the next day* for any bookings made before 4pm Monday - Friday.

Carrentals.co.uk compares car hire deals from up to 50 rental companies, including Alamo, Budget, easyCar, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 9,000 locations worldwide.

To compare the latest car hire deals visit .www.carrentals.co.uk

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Car hire comparison website sponsors Diabetes UK event

Monday 4th October 2010

A three-legged charity event climbing the three highest mountains in the UK has helped raise £4,500 for Diabetes UK, and had car hire donated by Carrentals.co.uk – the car hire price comparison site.

The trio of fundraisers have been helping the charity for over 15 years and also suffer from diabetes themselves. Steven Craig, Ann Bentley and Clare Moon have been helping the charity with their latest event to help generate cash for kids with type 1 diabetes to go on care supported holidays through Diabetes UK. The car hire company’s MD, Mr Gareth Robinson donated car hire as diabetes has something of a personal connection to it, as his young daughter also has it.

Gareth stated: “My 13 year old daughter suffers from type diabetes, and we know how much these holidays for the children are important as it gives the families support as well as the children get to meet other diabetic children. We wanted to help out with the event that Steven, Claire and Ann managed to raise such a large amount for such as great charity as Diabetes UK”.

Over five days, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon were conquered by Steven, Ann and Clare who started the event at the Scottish mountain before ending it on the Welsh mountain.

One of the fundraisers Claire Moon said, “All three of us (fundraisers) have had diabetes for a long time and we have also been working hard with the charity raise money for Diabetes UK and run the supported holidays. As they only receive donations to help fund the holidays, this year the amount was low, so Ann, Steven and I decided to raise as much as possible to keep the holidays going – as they are such a great way for children with type 1 diabetes to meet others and realise they are not the only one with the condition”.

Anyone who wants to donate to the cause, can visit http://www.justgiving.com/3diab3pea3leg for more information.

The car holidays from Diabetes UK started in order to help children learn about the condition and for them to spend time with other children with diabetes in a caring environment. As kids with the condition face a lifelong journey of up to seven injections everyday and frequent blood-glucose tests, or kidney damage and blindness could happen, the holidays provide much need respite.

Carrentals.co.uk compares up to 50 rental companies such as Budget, Holiday Autos, Alamo, Auto Europe and Sixt and their best car hire deals in more than 9,000 locations. Check out the latest hire car opportunities at www.carrentals.co.uk.

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