Car Rentals

To avoid any dispute with the car rental company (unfortunately this happens, even with the largest car rental networks) always be prepared to spend enough time examining the car and taking photographs to prove existing damage before departure.
We note that the vast majority of car rentals are going well and their employees are honnest, but it is a necessity to take every precaution to avoid a hefty bill for damage you didn’t cause or refuel you already done.

Our advices :
- Rent a car having verified that you will be able to return the car  (with fuel refill) on time. Any excess time will be charged by the rental agency and the refuel might cost double , or more, than gas station depending of car rental company policy.

- Some car rentals companies are proposing GPS device for 10 to 15 US $ a day which is expensive compared to the cost of the device. If you come often in that country, it might be interesting to buy a GPS, but also you can use your smartphone+software and rent a local SIM for the lenght of your stay (normally cheaper than your own SIM card abroad).
- For holders of certain credit cards "gold / premier or equivalent", there are in some cases to cover deductibles and you do not need if you have that option, take the corresponding insurance from the owner. Check the guarantees included by your credit card, and if you are not covered, it is advisable to take the optional insurance offered by the rental company. The insurances provided by the car rental company might double the rate of your car rental, so check this point carefully.
- You will sign the contract in the rental car office : check if the contract is compliant with your reservation and if  options were not added. Fuel option is generally much more expensive than gas station refuel.
- To support the car go around carefully seeing if any defects or previous problems (scratches, stains, ...) have been reported in the document entitled "state of the vehicle." If an item is not listed, you may be charged in this case, so you must therefore request an updated status for the vehicle. We recommend taking detailled pictures in the parking lot before starting : all sides of the car, including wheels, dashboard for mileage and fuel level, and seats if they are spotted. Details of the pictures show previous problems and have to be added on the "state of the vehicule" before leaving the parking. Also keep your receipt from the gas station.
- Upon return, repeat the exterior photos of the vehicle in the parking lot and the dashboard to keep track of mileage and fuel level. Then ask one of the staff to see that the vehicle is returned in perfect condition with a full tank.
- Request an invoice at the desk or a paper showing that the vehicle was delivered in perfect condition with full gas.
- Monitor your card bills - We have heard of unscrupulous hirers.
- Avoid returning the vehicle outside the business hours of the agency : the keys are returned but you do not have a statement of the condition of the vehicle upon return. The car can be damaged in the parking lot and you will be held responsible.