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To Hire or Not To Hire: Car Hire Guide

Fly-drive holidays are a popular choice for those who want to explore countries by car. Many choose to make the journey to Europe, either in their own vehicles or by making use of car hire during their trip.

If you’re looking to hire a car for your holiday, it’s best to shop around for the best deal. There are a wide variety of car rental companies on the market; many can be found at airport arrival lounges. Car rental can either be pre-booked before you travel or arranged upon your arrival, depending on your travel plans.

Whether you’re planning a fly-drive holiday or just want the means to get around during a short break, its worth considering a few things before you travel; travelsupermarket.com presents a short guide to getting the most out of your driving holiday.

  • Consider making use of cheap car hire instead of your own vehicle during the trip. Depending on where you choose to go, consider the distance that you intend to travel, and whether you’d want to make use of your own vehicle or a car hire company.
  • If you do decide to hire a car, consider how often you are looking to make use of the car during your trip. Plan ahead for journeys if you can, as some companies may charge for exceeding a distance limit.
  • Ensure you’re insured – many car hire companies will offer a level of insurance protection for the duration of your trip, and will normally have a number that you can call in order to speak to a representative should you have any problems during your holiday.
  • Bear in mind that if there will be an excess to pay if there is any damage to the car, the amount of which can vary depending on the type of vehicle you’re looking to rent.

If you are looking to take your own vehicle across into Europe, it’s best to ensure you and your vehicle are covered by insurance and breakdown cover, as well as giving the vehicle a health check before you travel. Clare Francis at moneysupermarket.com advises: “If you're heading off on holiday in your car give it a health check before you leave - check tyre pressures and oil levels; and don't forget breakdown cover. Comprehensive cover is so inexpensive nowadays that it's not worth taking the risk of being stranded on the hard-shoulder and having to pay a fortune to be relayed home.”

This guide to finding cheap car hire for your fly-drive holiday was brought to you by the car hire team at travelsupermarket.com.

Author: David Collins

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