The increase of the low cost airline and more and more people opting for packaging their own holidays, the demand for car hire has never been bigger. When hiring your car in the USA this year, be sure to follow the tips below for a hassle free holiday!

1) Book as early as you can. Prices aren’t going to get lower as you near the time of travel. In high season particularly, cars can get booked up and in high demand areas such as Spain and France, you may have trouble finding the car you want if you leave it too late. This is especially important if you are looking for something a little special. Most car hire locations have limited numbers of automatic, convertible and 7 seater vehicles. By booking in advance and paying by deposit, you can secure your choice of car but not have to pay the full amount up front.

2) Check all of the booking conditions. Remember, it may cost more if you want to pick up at one location and drop off at another, or there may be a minimum driver age. Make sure you read all the booking conditions or phone up and ask. Getting it right at the start can save problems further down the line.

3) Take all of your details with you. When you receive your voucher, you will have the details of the pick up point as well as all of your booking details. By making sure you have these with you, you will be able to limit the chance of facing problems.

4) Check emergency numbers. If you are travelling in a foreign country make sure you know what to do in an emergency and what their procedures are in case of accident. These can vary between countries. Make sure who ever you’ve booked your car with offers an emergency contact number back home. If you travelling in a country where English is not widely spoken being able to speak to someone back in the UK in an emergency could be a real lifesaver.

5) Petrol or Diesel? If you’re not sure, ask! Put the wrong fuel in the tank and you could be facing a hefty bill to clean the cars tank out.

6) Check the car? Make sure you check the car yourself before you leave the car hire location. If there is anything you are unhappy with, inform the staff there and then, that way they will be aware that the damage was there before you took responsibility for the car. Do the same when you return the car, make sure you ask one of the staff to come with you and check the car and sign your document confirming there is no damage.  If you’ve a camera phone then all the better take a few shots of the outside of the car and the fuel guage.

6) Make sure you are aware of procedures for returning the car. Things such as filling up the fuel tank before you return are normal procedures. If you return it empty you may be charged a refilling fee. Check the fuel level before you leave and return it at the same level.

7) Book extras as early as possible. Things such as child seats and ski racks can often be booked at the time of booking. These can run out in high season so if you require them, you should book as early as possible. If you are travelling with children then check with your airline whether you can bring your own child seats free of charge. This way you are familiar with fitting the seat and you know its the right one for your child.

8) Check any insurance excesses that might apply in the case of an accident. Depending on where you are hiring your car, there may be an insurance excess applicable in case of accident so make sure that you are clear as to what these are when you book. There are often packages available to reduce the excess to zero or offer you a full refund in the case of an accident.

9) Know the laws! You should make sure that you are aware of any local driving laws that may be applicable and the breakdown and recovery numbers in case you need help. It’s your responsibility when driving abroad to know the laws of the country not the car hire companies.  For instance when driving in Spain if you need prescription glasses then by law you must carry a second pair with you.

10) Have fun, relax and drive safely!