How to make sure you rent a good car in Dalaman
Whether you are traveling to Turkey for business or pleasure, renting a car in Dalaman should not be a hassle if you know the basic do's and dont's. Here are some tips for your Dalaman car rental:
Reserve a week before your trip
Like what they say, the earlier the better. This is also true for your car hire in Dalaman. Booking your ride does not really guarantee a lower price especially during peak travel seasons but it will save you from the problem of looking for a ride minutes prior to an appointment in a foreign country. Some Dalaman rental car companies may give you some discount when you book a vehicle online.
When you reserve a vehicle, also find out what happens in case you cancel the car rental. You may want to ask if there will be cancellation charges and how many days prior to the booking do you need to notify the company to avoid heavy penalties.
Choosing the best Dalaman car rental company
If you do not travel frequently and do not hire car rentals on a regular basis, it is always best practice to shop for the best rates depending on the vehicle that you want and the date of your travel to Dalaman. Most car companies will have a generic line of cars for their whole fleet but if you prefer a brand be it Japanese, American, European, German, or Italian, then inquire with the car rental company if they can provide you with such. If you will need an exotic car in Dalaman then it will be wise to call well ahead of your trip so you can ensure the car's availability.
Take note that when you rent a car at Dalaman Airport, you may want to check the contract for airport surcharges or taxes. You can avoid these extra charges if you will rent a car from a rental company outside the airport but you will need to arrange for your transport to their office.
Another important factor will be the quality of service a Dalaman car rental will provide. If you have used a car hire company before and you are very satisfied with their service, you can go for them again. If you have no idea, you can browse the internet for reviews or ask colleagues or friends who may know of a particular car company which they can highly recommend. Check if the car rental company has a 23x7 road assistance since some do not operate round the clock.
Car rental insurance policies Dalaman
Car rental companies anywhere you go will try to sell you insurance policies for your car rental. If you have an existing auto insurance, you may want to ask if a car rental will also be covered and if you will be covered if you are abroad. If you are covered by your own insurance policy then additional coverage will just be redundant.
If you are not covered for a car rental and considering to purchase a policy , make sure you know the details of the car rental insurance since most will just give you a summary. Read the fine print and know its ins and outs. Shop for the best car rental insurance and just do not sign the first contract that gets in front of you.
Additional drivers
When you get a car rental, always make it a point to declare who the other driver will be if applicable. The other driver must also have the necessary documentations or identification with him or her so you will not void any form of waiver or coverage with the car rental company or even with your own auto insurance company. Additional drivers spell additional fees but better be safe than sorry when you encounter a road mishap.
Fuel options
Car rental companies may give you an option to get prepaid fuel or if you want to refill the vehicle yourself. If you think you do not need a full tank, then it will be a wiser move to refill the car yourself. You may also want to get a car that runs on diesel if you have a tight budget.
Inspect the vehicle well
After doing all the paper works, inspect the vehicle before heading of the garage. Remember that any damage to the car will be your responsibility so it is best to know the condition of the vehicle before firing up the engine and stepping on the accelerator. Inspect it with the car rental agent and take note of dents, scratches, and other damages and make sure that this will be clear within the agreement.
Stick to the terms of agreement
If you want to avoid penalties or voiding your insurance coverage, you should stick with the contract. Take note if there will be mileage restrictions, activities or destinations which may be restricted, and other violations which may put your insurance coverage in jeopardy. Also you want to return the car on time as agreed since there will be additional charges for the extra hours of use.
Road mishap and damages to the car
Most rental companies provide roadside assistance when you encounter a problem with their rental car. In an event of an accident, they may have an option to send you another vehicle so you can get to your destination.
When you are involved in an accident while using a rental car, make sure you contact the police and file for a police report. Also get the information of the other driver. In case the car is damaged while in a hotel or by valet parking, you may settle this with the hotel or call the rental company for instructions. Always get a police report and keep a cool head during these situations.