CAR HIRE TIPS
Make sure you have your driving licence. Hire firms have every right to see an original and not just take your word for it that you don't have a ban. None will accept a photocopy or fax and only a few accept DVLA confirmations. The main driver will also need a credit card in their name for fuel and damage deposit, debit cards are rarely accepted.
When you reach the desk, listen to what you are being told. Claiming you didn't know you were signing for this, that and the next thing after you come home counts for nothing. If you do not need or want extra insurance, just say no, however insistent the counter staff are. Check the fuel policy - is this car to be returned full or is it one the increasing number of cars where you pay for a tankful on collection and return it as empty as possible.
Before you drive off, check the car for damage and ensure that it is recorded on the paperwork. Car hire companies do not apportion blame, if they think the car was undamaged when you took it and it is when you return it, they will charge you the insurance excess. This might waste a few minutes at the start of your holiday but trust me, it will save you money and us aggravation.
Also lift the boot mat and check that there is a spare wheel and press it to ensure it contains air. The previous renter might have had a puncture and not declared the fact.....!
Remember that when comparing prices the phrase "all-inclusive" simply means "includes everything except for what is not included." Cars from both the French and Swiss sides of the border have insurance excesses, we recommend that you elect to take the option marked "Price includes refundable excess" this effectively underwrites the excess from the UK so while you still need to leave a credit card deposit against damage to the car, if you were to be unlucky and damage the car, we can reclaim any excess the hire company charges from our supplier. Principle exceptions to this are wheels and tyres, lost keys, damage to the underside and negligence.
All cars rented from the Swiss side at Geneva will be equipped with snow tyres and chains from November to April as these are mandatory. For reasons best known to the hire companies these are "extras" that you pay for locally on collecting the car and are not included in the rates we quote.
Extra drivers can be an expensive option, again paid on arrival, so decide before you arrive if you really need a second driver. Cars to ski resorts tend to be used twice, at the start and the end of the trip and not much in between.