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Lifestyle:
Rental Car Tips for Easter Period Travellers |
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If you are planning a road trip this Easter, with friends or family, and venturing to another city, into the bush, or travelling to the coast and looking to rent a car, it’s worthwhile knowing the ins and outs involved. Tempest Car Hire marketing director, Janita Edwards offers some tips. |
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Choosing a Vehicle
If only...!
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Think carefully about what kind of vehicle you will need to accommodate your passengers. If you're travelling with children or want to share with friends or family, it could be fun to look at hiring a bigger vehicle, or even a micro bus.
For a long journey in summer months a car with air con is a must – the beginning of April can still be hot so make sure you book the right class of vehicle.
Also, remember that if you are travelling with small children, you will need to request car seats.
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Booking
"Booking this car...all day long...booking this car while sing this song!"
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When booking compare rates and check for discounts such as special weekend, monthly rates and long-term rental rates. Also check what free kilometres are included, and for standard theft and collision waivers, VAT, airport surcharges and tourism levy.
If you're booking online, read the contract terms and conditions carefully before confirming your reservation and peruse your rental agreement for details on waivers, exceptions excesses, and what constitutes a breach of contract.
If you're booking over the phone, be sure you get a booking reference and understand the conditions of your reservation and ask about issues such as penalties for no-shows, how long the car be held if you are delayed, and how you go about listing additional drivers. If relevant, also ask about any restrictions on cross border travel.
For airport rentals, be sure to give your flight number and scheduled arrival time. This will help protect your reservation if the flight is delayed.
Check what the minimum age is to hire a vehicle and what arrangements need to be made should you wish to nominate them as an additional driver.
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Rental Charges
I like money...
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The only method of payment is by credit card. Upon collection of the rental vehicle, your credit card will be charged with the rental amount, an additional days rental, a tank of fuel and any extra expenses e.g. additional drivers, authorisation holds on excess amount etc. Upon return of the vehicle and when your final invoice has been calculated, any monies due back to you will be refunded.
Personal accident insurance is optional but recommended and covers the passengers in the vehicle and offers cover for permanent disability, emergency medical expenses and guaranteed hospital admission.
It is worth noting that insurance excess does not cover repairs to tyres, windscreens and under-carriage, and the costs for these repairs will be for the renter. Should these components be damaged as a result of an accident, they are covered by the excess. However, for a nominal fee you can take out extra cover which covers damage to windscreen and tyres.
When collecting your vehicle you will need to take along your reservation and/or booking confirmation, drivers license, credit card and ID/Passport.
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Returning Your Car
Gimme!!!
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Remember to return your car on time as rentals are charged in 24 hour periods, return of the vehicle later than the time on the booking will result in an extra day being charged.
Be sure to check the car with the attendant when returning the car, and that you are in agreement that everything is in order.
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Break Downs and Accidents
Errrmm...
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In the case of an accident contact the local police department so that you can obtain a case number and contact your rental company and advise them of the accident.
In an emergency, call the SAPS Emergency number, this number will allow you access to flying squad, fire department and ambulances: CALL: 10111
If you have any information about a suspected criminal or suspicious activity meriting police investigation and response, please call Crime Stop 08600 10111
Poison information services in all areas call: 0800 33 3444.
If your vehicle breaks down you will need to contact your rental agent’s closet branch or phone the help line and advise them of the breakdown and organise a replacement vehicle or for the damaged vehicle to be towed, the costs of which will be covered by the rental company, unless the breakdown is caused by client error, negligence or accident.
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Extra Travel Tips
Please take note...literally!
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Remember to sleep and eat before a long drive, plan your route, check weather reports, take regular breaks along the way, and listen to traffic reports for potential hold ups. Check your fuel gauge regularly, especially on an unfamiliar route, so that you don’t get stuck with an empty tank, and remember to check speed limits as the renter is responsible for all traffic fines.
Most importantly, Edwards says enjoy the ride. As Robert Louis Stevenson so aptly put it, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move”.
Go to www.tempestcarhire.co.za for some ridiculously low car rental offers.
By Janita Edwards
Tempest Car Hire’s Marketing Director
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Author, Team ZAGlamour 
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