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Travel Insurance advice

Sophie Butler is one of the top travel advisor columnists for the Telegraph newspaper. This weeks column concentrates on advising the public in knowing how reading the fine print on a car hire contract and knowing exactly what you are getting out of your car rental contract is almost an art for many, from old hands to new renters.

Here are 7 things you should find out before driving away with your rental car, according to Sophie:

1 - The most important thing to look at is the Car insurance which comes with your rental car. While many insurance policies are sure to cover the car rental company, most often they have a high excess, meaning that the driver has to pay out of his or her pocket before the insurance kicks in. This can be thousands of pounds.

2 - Some travel insurance policies will cover your rental car or you can look into additional insurance before you pick up your vehicle. This will be cheaper than paying an additional waiver fee to cover the excess offered by the car hire company.

3 - Check the insurance policy to see what damage is covered. Often damage to the windscreen, tyres, roof, interior or underside of the car is not included in the insurance policies offered by car hire companies. Theft of the vehicle is sometimes not covered.

4 - Other insurance policies provided by your rental company may be unnecessary costs for you as you may already be covered for things like personal accidents and personal effects under your travel insurance policy.

5 - Most car rental companies let you drive away with a full tank of gas and expect it to be full when returned. Be sure you leave time to fill up the tank and make note of any nearby gas stations so that you don't get penalised.

6 - Despite the price you were quoted, you should be prepared for additional taxes and add-ons. Often airport picks-ups are charged and airport tax and local government taxes are usually not added onto your bill until you arrive on location. Upgrading your car, adding internet access, additional drivers or a child seat will also increase your bill.

7 - It's always a good idea to check your car before you drive away and be sure that any damage, however slight, including dents and scratches has been noted by the company.




Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on UK airport parking, UK airport hotels or UK airport lounges.



Jennifer JonesEditorial


15/10/2007


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