1. Evaluate Your Project with Precision
Before considering rent a car in Lahore, you must assess your needs:
- Duration of the lease
- Distance to be covered and road conditions of the destination
- Number of people to transport
- Type of people transported (children, older adults, equipment, etc.)
Once your needs have been determined, you will have to choose the appropriate vehicle. Rental companies often offer a very diverse range of vehicles (city car, sedan, convertible, minivan, utility, etc.).
A small car will be perfect for short trips and will suit reasonable costs. A regular car will be useful for families with some luggage and car seats to install in the vehicle’s back. Regarding the distance to be traveled, it is important to choose a package that meets your needs as closely as possible because the additional kilometers are charged at full price.
2. Choose the Rental Company Carefully
Specialized agencies
Car rental agencies are located in all major stations and airports. They are rental professionals who often offer a large choice of vehicles. Experienced and reputable rental companies generally offer the best customer deal.
3. Book at the Right Time
How to make a success of your car rental? By booking in advance! Booking at the last moment is a mistake not to make. In the last 48 hours before the rental, prices rise on some models. The ideal is to reserve your vehicle at least 30 days in advance.
If you are renting abroad, it is much more comfortable to compare prices in advance on the internet than after a 10-hour flight with people who speak only broken English.
4. Before Car Rental
Before concluding the rental agreement, you must read it carefully. The essential points are:
- The price
- The rental conditions: age of the driver, price of the additional driver, obligations, number of years of driving license requested, return conditions, amount of security deposit, etc.
- The number of kilometers included in the package and the price of the extra kilometer
- The insurance offered
Then ask all the questions that are important to you. For example, the agency’s opening hours so as not to end up in front of a closed-door in case of delay. Another detail that can make the difference, the presence of a car park within the airport, the station to collect and return the car. Otherwise, you will have to request the rental company or join the agency by bus to collect the car, which can be impractical or even complicated for departures at night or early in the morning.
By paying the car rental amount with a premium bank card (Gold MasterCard or Visa Premier, for example), additional insurance services may be automatically included. Read your credit card agreement carefully rather than increasing the car rental bill with optional insurances that will duplicate. See the article spend less for your insurance to avoid paying twice for the same guarantee!
5. When Collecting the Keys
Before signing the contract with an agency, you must check the situation of the rented car.
If the reserved model is not available, two solutions are available to you:
Get reimbursed
Get another model:
- If it is of a higher class: without increase from the lessor
- If it is of a lower class: with a refund of the difference
Often, you sign the agreement, you are given the keys, and you find the car in a parking lot. But in fact, the signed contract must indicate all the scratches and possible problems found on the vehicle. If scratches are not mentioned, and you sign the contract, you are responsible for all damages not mentioned in the contract.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to take a tour of the picky vehicle before signing the contract or to return immediately to the lessor so that the problem appears in the contract. It is also necessary to compare the number of kilometers indicated on the contract and the odometer, and the fuel level. Even if the rental firm mentions scratches or other car problems on the agreement, do not hesitate to take pictures with your phone the same day.
No need to take additional options. Does your smartphone make GPS? So use it! In the article, what should not be forgotten in your suitcase? The complete list! You will discover applications to download, including maps and GPS available even offline! Buying a booster seat is often less expensive than renting it along with your vehicle.
6. During The Car Rental
Every vehicle is different to drive. So take the time to get used to your rental car. Take the time to get comfortable before departure:
- Adjust your seat
- Adjust mirrors
- Check the efficiency of the brake pedal
- Locate the position of the levers
- Make sure you know the type of fuel required
The lessor must ensure to offer a car that works properly. Routine maintenance, such as oil level and tire pressure, is your responsibility.
If the car exhibits mechanical malfunctions during use, the lessor is responsible. In the event of a breakdown, contact the rental company to find out what to do.
To limit fuel costs, it is better to adopt eco-driving practices, even on vacation!
7. When The Vehicle Is Returned
When returning the vehicle, some rules must be observed. The car is returned with a full tank of fuel. If this is not the case, the lessor will charge much more for petrol than the service places. The car must also be made clean. Some clauses may prohibit you from smoking in the vehicle. Otherwise, you will have to pay for cleaning on arrival. It would help if you respected the schedule agreed with the lessor; otherwise, you will have to pay a supplement.
8. Drive Abroad
To drive safely and legally abroad, you must take into account the rules of each country.
If you plan to cross borders with the vehicle, first check that the rental company allows it. Otherwise, you will not be insured in the other country. Some rental firms add restrictions to agreements, such as the ban on taking a ferry to an island. Check your agreement in detail.