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Ultimate Car Rental & Car Hire FAQs: Common Questions

Navigating the world of car rental and car hire can seem complex, but understanding the basics can help you find the best deals and enjoy seamless travel. This FAQ guide answers common individual questions, from booking tips to international journeys, to always keeping an eye on car hire price comparison and car rental price comparison to help you save money. They’re in no particular order, and we’ll keep adding to them (Part 2 is here), so do check back for more!

1. Is it better to rent a car or use taxi in London?

For getting around central London, it is generally more practical and cost-effective to use taxis or even better the extensive public transport system (tube, buses, trains) rather than opt for car rental. London’s city centre is subject to a Congestion Charge and an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge, has limited and expensive parking, and often experiences heavy traffic. Car hire in London might be beneficial if you plan extensive day trips outside of London to places not easily accessible by public transport. However, for exploring the capital itself, public transport or ride-sharing apps usually offer a superior and cheaper experience, making our car rental price comparison for inner London travel often unnecessary.

2. Is it cheaper to rent a car online or walk into a rental location?

It is almost always cheaper to rent a car online in advance rather than walking into a car hire location, particularly at an airport, without a prior booking. Booking your car rental online, especially through a car hire price comparison website, allows you to compare rates from multiple providers, secure discounts, and ensure the specific vehicle type you need is available. “Walk-up” rates at rental counters are typically higher due to immediate demand and limited inventory. Always leverage online car rental price comparison tools for the best deals.

3. Can I rent a car for just a few hours?

While less common than daily rentals, some car rental companies do offer options for just a few hours, particularly in urban areas. Services that focus on car hire for short bursts, like car-sharing platforms, are more likely to provide hourly rates. Traditional car rental agencies can have a minimum rental periods, often a full 24 hours. To find out if hourly car hire is available, it’s best to directly check with local providers or specific car-sharing services in your area. A good tip is that you may be able to return your car early if not using for the full day – just let them know when you pick it up.

4. Is it possible to rent a car at the airport without flying?

Yes, you can absolutely rent a car at the airport without flying. Airport car rental desks are accessible to anyone, not just arriving passengers. These locations are often convenient due to their extended operating hours and wider selection of available vehicles. However, be aware that airport car hire locations typically include an “airport surcharge” or “premium location fee” in their pricing, which can make them slightly more expensive than off-airport car rental branches. When doing a car rental price comparison, always note if the pick-up location affects the total cost.

5. Can people rent a car in the UK?

Yes, people can certainly rent a car in the UK, provided they meet certain criteria. Both UK residents and international visitors are eligible for car hire. Key requirements typically include holding a full, valid driving licence for a minimum period (often 1-2 years) and meeting the minimum age requirement, which is usually 21 years old for most major car rental companies. Always check the specific terms and conditions of the car hire provider you are considering.

6. Is it safe to rent a car while on holiday?

Yes, it is generally safe to rent a car while on holiday, though as ever you should take standard precautions and learn about your destination before travelling. Always choose a reputable car rental company and thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any existing damage before you drive off, ensuring any flaws are clearly noted on your car hire agreement. At easyCar.com we have a special supplier rating scheme that shows the quality scores voted by our customers to help you decide who is best to get car hire from. Also, familiarise yourself with the local driving laws and road signs in your holiday destination. Understanding your insurance coverage is also crucial for peace of mind when using a car rental service.

7. Can you hire a car to travel around Australia?

Yes, you can hire a car to travel around Australia. Australia is a vast country, and car rental is a popular way to explore its diverse landscapes. Be mindful of the significant distances between destinations, varying road conditions (especially in remote areas), and potential one-way fees if you plan to pick up your car hire in one city and drop it off in another. Always use a car rental price comparison tool like ours to find the best deal for long-distance travel.

8. Is renting a car cheaper than owning one?

For many individuals, especially those who drive infrequently or only need a vehicle for specific trips (like holidays or moving), renting a car can be significantly cheaper than owning one in the long run. Owning a car involves numerous ongoing costs such as depreciation, insurance, road tax, MOT, servicing, repairs, and parking – expenses that occur even when the car is not in use. With car rental, you only pay for the vehicle when you need it, making car hire a highly cost-effective solution for occasional use. However, for daily, frequent driving, owning a car usually proves more economical.

9. Can you rent a car in Scotland and drive on the Isle of Skye?

Absolutely! You can easily rent a car in Scotland and drive on the Isle of Skye. Hiring a car is the most popular and flexible way to explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, including the Isle of Skye. The Skye Bridge connects the island to the mainland, and there are no tolls or special charges for driving your car hire across it.

10. What do you mean by “Premium Car Hire & Top Deals Worldwide”

“Premium Car Hire & Top Deals Worldwide” refers to specialized car rental services that offer high-end, luxury, or performance vehicles for those seeking an elevated driving experience globally. While these often come at a higher price point, you can still find competitive offers by utilising car hire price comparison websites that specifically cater to premium segments. These services often include enhanced customer support and a wider range of vehicle choices, making the car rental price comparison for luxury vehicles a valuable step.

11. What is meant by “Car Hire in the UK, Europe & Worldwide”

“Car Hire in the UK, Europe & Worldwide” refers to the broad availability of car rental services across various regions. Major car hire companies operate globally, allowing you to rent vehicles for diverse travel needs, from short trips within the UK to extensive road trips across Europe or adventures in other continents. When planning international car rental, always use car rental price comparison tools and check for any cross-border fees or specific insurance requirements.

12. Should I rent a car or use public transit while visiting London?

While visiting London, opting for public transit (the Tube, buses, trains) is generally recommended over car rental for navigating the city. London’s public transport network is extensive, efficient, and avoids the significant costs and frustrations associated with driving in the city centre (Congestion Charge, ULEZ, parking, traffic). London car hire would only be advisable if your primary goal is to take frequent day trips outside of London, beyond the reach of its excellent public transport system. For inner-city travel, using our car hire price comparison will likely show that public transport is the more economical choice.

13. What is meant by “Compare Car Hire Deals & Cheap Car Rental Prices”

To “Compare Car Hire Deals & Cheap Car Rental Prices” means to use dedicated online platforms or search engines that aggregate offers from various car rental providers, allowing you to easily see different rates side-by-side. These car hire price comparison tools are essential for finding the most affordable options for your car rental needs. By inputting your desired dates and locations, you can quickly identify the cheapest available car hire deals, saving you time and money.

14. What are Car Rental Services?

Car rental services (also commonly known as car hire services in the UK) are businesses that provide vehicles for temporary use to individuals or businesses. Customers pay a fee for the use of a car over a specified period, ranging from a few hours to several months, without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of vehicle ownership. These services offer flexibility and convenience for various transportation needs, making car rental a popular choice for travellers and those needing a temporary vehicle.

15. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Car Hire

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the largest and most well-known global car hire companies. They offer a wide range of car rental options, from economy cars to luxury vehicles and vans, catering to both leisure and business travellers. With a strong presence at airports and neighbourhood locations worldwide, Enterprise is a popular choice for many seeking reliable car rental services. When considering Enterprise, it’s worthwhile including them in your car rental price comparison to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

16. What are some car rental return stories?

Car rental return stories often highlight common issues faced by customers, such as disputes over unexpected charges (e.g., fuel, cleaning fees), disagreements about new versus pre-existing vehicle damage (stressing the importance of thorough initial inspections), or incurring late return fees. However, many car hire customers experience smooth and hassle-free returns, especially when they understand their agreement and perform a final self-inspection of the vehicle. There are also many tales about strange things left in hire cars… if you have one do let us know!

17. How can I find the best price when renting a car?

To find the best car rental price, you should:
1) Use car rental price comparison websites to compare offers from multiple agencies.
2) Book your car hire well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
3) Consider picking up your car rental from an off-airport location if possible, as airport surcharges can increase costs.
4) Be flexible with your dates and times, as even slight adjustments can sometimes yield better rates.
5) Add or take away a day or two – e.g. sometimes a 7 days rental is cheaper than a 6 day car rental.
6) Read the fine print to understand what’s included and avoid hidden fees.

18. What are the benefits of a monthly car rental?

Monthly car rental offers several significant benefits, particularly for those needing a vehicle for an extended period without the commitment of a lease or purchase. These include: cost-effectiveness (often cheaper per day than short-term car hire), flexibility (easy to extend or return), maintenance inclusion (servicing and road tax are typically covered by the car rental company), and the opportunity to use a vehicle for temporary work assignments, long holidays, or while waiting for a new car.

19. How can you avoid one-way car rental charges in Europe?

One-way car rental charges, especially for international trips within Europe, can be substantial. Check out our Ultimate Guide to One Way Rentals, but in short to avoid or minimise these fees for your car hire:
1) The most straightforward method is to return the car rental to the same location where you picked it up.
2) Compare different car hire companies, as some may have lower or no one-way fees on specific popular routes.
3) Consider using public transport (trains or flights) for the long-distance leg of your journey and then getting a local car rental at your destination.
4) Look for special promotions where companies waive one-way fees to reposition their fleet.

20. What are the types of car rental services?

The types of car rental services available are diverse, catering to various needs. These include: standard car hire for daily use, luxury or premium car rental for special occasions, van or minibus hire for larger groups or cargo, specialty vehicles (e.g., sports cars, convertibles), long-term or monthly car rental for extended periods, and one-way car hire (picking up in one location and dropping off in another). Some services also include “credit hire,” which provides a replacement vehicle following a non-fault accident, recovered through insurance.

21. How to find rental cars that are advertised at under £5 a day?

Do you find it frustrating to pinpoint the best deals? Finding car rental advertised at under £5 a day typically involves specific scenarios. These extremely cheap car hire prices are usually for: very long-term rentals (e.g., several months), off-peak seasons, or are introductory offers that don’t include compulsory insurance, taxes, and fees. Always use a car rental price comparison tool and carefully read the terms and conditions for such deals, as the final price often increases significantly after all mandatory extras are added.

22. What company should I hire a car from in the UK?

The “best” company from which to hire a car in the UK depends on your specific needs, such as location, car type, age, and desired level of service. Popular and reputable car rental companies in the UK include Enterprise, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, and National. There are also local suppliers that we choose based on their quality, location and prices. To find the ideal provider for your trip, it’s highly recommended to use a car hire price comparison website like ours that aggregates offers from all these major, national and local players. Always check the recent customer reviews we have alongside your car rental price comparison.

23. How to get a rental car at an airport?

To get a car rental at an airport: first, book your car hire in advance online for the best rates and to ensure availability. Upon arrival, follow the airport signage for “Car Rental” or “Car Hire,” which will lead you to the rental desks or a dedicated car rental centre shuttle. At the counter, you’ll need your booking confirmation, a valid driving licence, your passport (if applicable), and a major credit card in the primary driver’s name. After completing paperwork, thoroughly inspect your car rental for any existing damage before leaving the parking area.

24. What do car rental groups mean?

Car rental groups (or car hire classes) are categories used by car rental companies to classify vehicles based on their size, features, and engine capacity, rather than specific make and model. This system allows rental agencies flexibility in managing their fleet. For instance, common groups include: Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Full-Size, SUV, Premium, and Luxury. When you book a car hire, you typically select a group, and the car rental company will provide a vehicle from that group, which may not be the exact model pictured but will be of comparable size and features.

25. Are car rentals worth it?

Car rentals are definitely worth it for many situations, especially when the alternative (owning a car, relying solely on public transport, or taking numerous taxis) is less convenient or more expensive. Car rental offers freedom, flexibility, and often cost savings for specific trips, holidays, or temporary needs. The value of car hire becomes particularly evident when you consider the cost of car ownership versus only paying for a vehicle when you actually need it. Utilizing car rental price comparison tools can further enhance their worth by securing the best deals across multiple suppliers.