What Are Car Hire Additional Extras?

Car hire with additional extras

Additional Extras (and when to take them)

When hiring a car there will always be additional extras available at the rental desk. Below are the most common extras you can take but some suppliers offer others such as ski racks and snow chains. Every rental supplier will offer these on collection of the car – the important thing is knowing when to take them!

Additional Driver

Most rental companies will offer the option of an additional named driver, as long as they meet the supplier’s requirements for age and driving experience. This can come in handy if you’re going to be doing a lot of travelling and would like to split the driving with another person in the group, so is worth considering if you’ve got a long trip ahead. However most suppliers will charge to add an additional driver and the cost will vary between suppliers; most have a set daily rate and some may cap this charge after a certain number of days, but this is not the case for all suppliers – be sure to check the extra cost when agreeing to an additional driver. If this is something you’re interested in, we can offer hire with a free additional driver in some locations, so it’s always worth getting in touch with our team directly if this is something you might need!

GPS

A GPS can certainly come in handy, especially if you’re travelling in a location that you’re not familiar with. The majority of suppliers will offer this for an extra charge, but before agreeing to add the GPS it’s important to check the car you’re being given first, as some of the new model cars may have a GPS built in (and you don’t want to be charged for something you would already have!) Some suppliers and location may also be able to offer a free GPS – our team will be able to help you look into the options if this is an important factor in your rental.

Child Seats

If you’re travelling with children, it’s important to ensure you have the correct seats – before you travel make sure to check the child seat regulations for the country you are hiring in. If you need to add child seats to your rental you can usually do this at the desk; again, the cost is very much dependent on which supplier you are hiring with. However, the advice we always give to our customers to cut down on costs is to take your own wherever possible – most airlines will let you take 2 items on board for free per child travelling, so this is a great way to save money on your hire and negate having to add extras on at the desk. (Just be sure to check with your airline before travelling on their rules regarding this.)

Winter Tyres

Heading somewhere with a reputation for bad weather? If you’re travelling somewhere with a lot of snow, you might want to make sure your rental includes winter tyres to be sure your travel is as safe as possible. These can be added to bookings in certain locations and only at certain times of the year, so it’s always worth getting in touch if you have questions about this. At certain points in the year a lot of locations will require cars to have winter tyres by law, meaning that during this time cars hired in those locations will include the winter tyres as standard. Our team will be able to advise on the best options in terms of the requirements for winter tyres, ensuring you have a safe rental that meets the requirements for driving in wintery conditions.

Additional Insurance

One of the main extras that our customers take when collecting their rental car is the supplier’s additional insurance. When hiring a car, the vehicle will have an excess amount that you’re liable up to if you damage the car, and suppliers will offer supplementary insurance to reduce this down so that you pay less in the event of damage.

Most of the time the supplier’s insurance is completely optional, and you can decide once you get to the desk whether you want to reduce the excess. Alternatively, you could choose to take an excess reimbursement policy – this often works out much cheaper than the supplier’s direct insurance and with this you still have the excess (so if you damage the vehicle you would still be charged) but then you would be able to claim back any costs for damage via this policy. Again, it’s always best to check with the team so you can be clear on what you’re covered for, and they will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the insurance included in your hire.

Roadside Assistance

All our car rentals include a standard breakdown cover – this covers you in the event of mechanical breakdown. So, if the engine cuts out, the vehicle’s warranty will cover you for repair. On the other hand, if you require assistance due to something simpler such as a flat tyre, the wrong type of fuel, flat batteries or even locking the keys in the car, the supplier’s breakdown policy will not cover you for this. That is why most suppliers will offer a supplemental roadside assistance product, to cover you for all instances of breakdown. The charge for this service will depend on the supplier – as will the specific of exactly what this service covers. For example, AVIS offer a roadside assistance package at 5 GBP per day which includes tyre assistance (in the event of a flat tyre) lockout service (to help you get back into the car if the keys are locked inside) flat battery service, and a fuel service (to deliver enough fuel to get you to the closest fuel station if you run out)

Of course, this can be handy in case of emergencies – but as with all additional extras is completely optional, so be sure to weigh up the cost and the likelihood of needing the service before you agree to any extra charges.

Fuel Service

Some suppliers may offer a ‘fuel service’ option – most rentals will require you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel in the tank as when you collected it, however the fuel service option means you pay for the fuel up front directly to the supplier and can return the car with an empty tank. This can be handy if you know you will definitely be using a full tank of fuel, or if you are very pressed for time and might not have the opportunity to fill up before returning the car. Do be sure to consider all the options, though – most suppliers are located very close to a fuel station so topping up the tank couldn’t be easier, and a rental supplier will usually charge more up front than you would pay to top up yourself, as they will add a refuelling charge to the cost of the fuel.

As always, our team are on hand to help with any questions you might have about your rental – if you need a hand deciding which extras are the best fit for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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Smoking In A Hire Car, What You Need To Know

Smoking In A Hire Car

I have recently read a post on a very popular money savings website that claims Smoking In A Hire Car is illegal. Smoking in any car is only illegal when there are children in the car whether the car is a hire car, lease car, company car or your own personal car.

The law states that from 1st October 2015 it is illegal to smoke in a vehicle with an enclosed roof when someone under the age of 18 is present. Click here to read more on this.

When it comes to Smoking In A Hire Car specifically, the law is the same. However, you will find that in your terms and conditions it will state that smoking is against their company policy and rules. Just because you are within the law, does not mean they must allow you to smoke in their property.

Smoking In A Hire Car, What Could It Cost?

You will find that if signs of smoking in the vehicle are found, such as the smell or smoke residue then a fine will be issued, usually under the guise of a ‘cleaning charge’ This is typically between £50 and £150.

Another way you could potentially lose out is through your damage excess, if you were to damage the vehicle by burning a seat or carpet then they will class this as the same as accident damage and require you to pay. Even if you have a zero excess, smoking in the car will void your rights because you have broken the agreement outlined in the terms and conditions.

What About Vaping & E-Cigarettes

Vaping or using an e-cigarette in a rental car does not fall under the same law in the UK, the only law that could potentially be broken is driving without due care and attention. This could apply to someone filling up their vape, taking your hands of the wheel to light a cigarette or even eating while driving.

Our research shows that most rental suppliers do not cover ‘vaping’ in their terms but i’m sure this will happen soon. Your best bet is to ask the supplier when collecting the car. Whether it is allowed or not, if the car is returned smelling of smoke, flavoured vapour or anything else. You could be charged!

If you have any questions regarding hire cars then please contact our team of experts. They are ready and waiting to answer any queries you may have.

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Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

Do Hired Cars Come With Snow Chains?

You may be surprised to find that hire cars do not come with free snow chains, they are an optional extra. it is always up to you, the driver to research your desired destination and check if you need snow chains when renting a car.

In many European countries including Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Italy you will find that the law dictates you must carry snow chains in your vehicle as local road signs may indicate that you need to equip them, despite this you don’t get them for free.

Snow tyres are different, during sometimes of the year in some locations, so when they are law the car hire companies must equip them free of charge, snow chains however are not.

You will also find that if legislation dictates in Italy between a certain time period that the weather is getting harsh and you need to equip snow chains, the rental companies still don’t equip them for free. The problem with this is it could be illegal if you drive away in the hired vehicle without them on, the company will supply you with them but at an extra daily cost as they are considered an additional extra.

People often prefer driving with snow chains especially to their winter sport destinations as the surface on the roads can be very dangerous at times. It’s comforting to have snow chains but is it worth it? Snow chains will set you back about 10-20 Euros a day, usually this is capped but it’s still an expensive pay no matter what way you look at it. Here at Indigo there is unfortunately not much we can do about this unless it becomes law, if you do want snow chains however we will always try and find you the best OVERALL deal, with snow chains included as well.

If you want advice on whether to get snow chains or not, and want to know more details about our Winter Car Hire Services contact us on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or email us on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk and we will help you in every way we can, whether that’s finding you the best deal or giving you advice.

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10 Driving Laws You Might Not Know You Are Breaking

10 DRIVING LAWS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW YOU ARE BREAKING

Have you ever broken the law while driving? Maybe one or two of you have been fined for speeding or parking somewhere you shouldn’t have. If you haven’t and you believe you have never broken any laws while driving think again! Here are 10 UK driving laws you could be breaking without knowing it.

No money at the parking meter

It happens to us all, you are paying at the parking meter and you fall slightly short. Some people will ask others passing by if they have a spare bit of change. Although this may seem harmless, it is actually breaking the law. This is because it could be classed as begging and is classed as a crime under the Vagrancy Act.

Driving with Pets

Do you take your dog with you everywhere? Make sure if you take them in the car they are properly restrained, failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £5000! So as long as the dog is restrained so it can’t distract you, injure itself or others in the event of a sudden stop you will avoid any fines.

Loud Music

At some point, everyone loves listening to music, some people listen to it louder than others. If you are caught with it too loud it is against the law as it as seen to be distracting to the driver meaning they are driving without due care and attention. Get caught with your music too loud and this could result in a fine or points on your licence.

Driving with interior lights on

There is no specific law that says you can’t drive with lights on inside your car, however a police officer could consider this as a distraction. As a result, they could ask you to turn them
off or charge you with careless driving.

Being ill in a taxi

Although sometimes unavoidable if you are suffering from a disease or illness and you use a taxi, it is the taxi driver’s decision if they want to take their fare. With that been said if you are ill and you don’t let the driver know, you are breaking the law.

Drinking in a motorhome

If you own a motorhome this one applies to you. If you happen to get caught drinking inside your motorhome when it is parked in a public space, you could be fined or even banned from driving. This applies even if you don’t have any intention of driving.

Arguing while driving

Everyone argues sometimes and especially if you are stuck in a car for long periods of time it doesn’t take long for arguments to start. If you’re the driver next time maybe you should think twice before arguing back as this is classed as a distraction from driving. As a result of this if you are pulled over for arguing in a car you could get points on your licence or a fine.

We decided to do a little poll on social media for a few of the lesser known laws.

driving-in-flip-flopsDriving with flip flops

Last summer the weather in the UK was amazing, for once and I’m sure many of you put your flip flops on to allow your feet to get some fresh air. It can be very easy just to get in your car and go to the shop without changing your footwear. While the law does not say it is illegal to drive in flip flops, it is illegal to drive while wearing unsuitable footwear.

This is because unsuitable footwear does not offer enough grip on the pedal that can lead to your foot slipping off. Other types of footwear in this category include Ugg boots, wellies and some high heels. So choose your footwear wisely next time you drive. If caught you could end up with points on your licence or a fine.

A quick poll on social media shows, 67% of those who answered admit to driving in Flip-Flops or other unsuitable footwear.

Splashing Pedestrians

If there has been a lot of rain and there is a lot of standing water, make sure you look around to make sure there are no pedestrians about. If there is and you splash them, you could be fined £100 for driving without reasonable consideration for other persons under the Road Traffic Act 1998.

45% of our followers who answered said they would purposely splash a pedestrian. Well done to the other 55%.

Paying at a drive-thru

Do you use cash, card or your mobile phone to pay at the drive-thru? If you use your mobile phone you are breaking the law as you are using a handheld device behind the wheel. This applies even if you are stopped at lights, in traffic or waiting for your food at the drive-thru. The law is that you shouldn’t have a phone in your hand if the engine is on and that includes if the engine turns off when the car is not moving to save fuel.

50% of those who completed our poll admitted to using their phone for contact-less payments at a drive-thru. That’s half!

We say be a little more careful out there, regardless of whether you think you know the law or not. If you are seen to be doing any of the above, you could attract un-necessary attention from the boys and girls in blue.

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Debit Card Car Hire In Morocco

We’ve had a debit card option available in Morocco for some time now, however up until now we have only been able to help from Marrakech Airport, which was a huge limiting factor in the number of people we could help. Since making a new arrangement with our suppliers though we are now able to arrange debit card hire from almost all the major airports, including Morocco’s most famous and populous city Casablanca, as well as its capital – Rabat.

Airport Locations

  • Rabat Airport
  • Fez Airport
  • Marrakesh Airport
  • Agadir Airport
  • Oujda Airport
  • Tangier Airport
  • Ouarzazate Airport
  • Essaouira Airport
  • Nadar Laroui Airport
  • Casablanca Airport
Downtown Locations

  • Casablanca
  • Rabat
  • Fes

What cars are available to rent with a debit card?

The only restriction when hiring with a debit card is that you cannot rent premium / luxury vehicles – other than that you can take your pick at any of the vehicles available:

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What other services are available at these locations?

We have quite a few services here that we can offer in conjunction with a debit card hire:

Low deposit car hire – on most of these vehicles we can offer a very low deposit of only 2000 MAD (Just £160 / €185), which is just held on your debit card on arrival and released back to you on return. This is much more affordable than a lot of our contemporaries, many of whom have deposits up to 30000MAD (around £2500!).

Young driver car hire – we can offer debit card rentals to anyone over the age of 21 with a licence held for at least a year. Young driver fees are also minimal to none at this location too, so don’t expect to have to bear a huge cost just for being under 25.

As part of being able to hire a car in these locations with the use of a debit card then we had to agree to some conditions in regards to which debit cards we were allowed to accept. They were very specific as to which cards could be allowed, if you wish to find out if your card will be accepted, please contact us.

If you are planning to rent a car in Morocco and don’t have a credit card then please make sure that you contact us directly so that we can ensure you get the right supplier. Simply call our experienced and knowledgeable reservation agents on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or emailing them at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

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Winters Around The Corner, Drive Carefully

Winters Around The Corner – Drive Carefully

The cold weather wave which is due to hit Britain this week reminds me winter is just around the corner. You’re probably used to it by now, the constant “drive safe” warnings you get over the winter period but it’s important to raise awareness and do our bit here at Indigo Car Hire to ensure that drivers are safe for this cold snap. It’s important to make sure that your cars can cope with the cold weather, it’s not too long until the roads become a more dangerous place.

Ice, snow, wind and rain are all factors that increase the amount of accidents, the figures in 2017 showed that 32 people were killed and 3912 injured when there was snow or ice on the road surface, that’s a significant figure. To avoid being one of these statistics make sure you keep your vehicle adequate to tackle the cold snap.

Make sure if you are the owner of a vehicle that the tyre treads are of adequate size, you should also consider winter tyres! Another few things to keep in mind include tyre pressure, vehicles brakes, steering, electrics and keeping your fluids topped up such as oil and water. If you are unsure on how to check all these its worth visiting a SEAT retailer as they will offer you a full winter tailored check for £29 where they will advise you on any parts that may require replacing. On top of which for doing so as a reward you will be given a one litre Castrol Edge oil top up kit which is valued at £18, free of cost.

Stay safe this winter in the sub-zero temperatures make sure your car gets checked, for £29 its worth that peace of mind. There are also a couple of precautions you can take, the usual drive slowly, consider winter tyres and possibly chains, make sure you are signed up to breakdown service and ensure that you have a blanket and some previsions in your car in case of a breakdown.

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10 Of The Best Winter Driving Cars – Part 2

Part 2 of our 10 Of The Best Winter Driving Cars

5 – Volkswagen Touareg

The VW Touareg will be cheaper to buy than most rivals and every version comes with lots of kit. The steering is sharp, the engines are smooth and strong, and the suspension gives a great balance of ride and handling.

4 – Audi A4 Quattro

The Audi A4 is a superb road car and especially for those who drive in wintery conditions when equipped with the Quattro all-wheel drive system. No other saloon cars will come close as one of the best winter driving cars.

3 – Jaguar XF Estate

Whatever the conditions XF’s All Wheel Drive System never compromises the sheer pleasure of driving a Jaguar. There is little penalty in terms of ride quality, agility, or driver enjoyment, with the same involving handling as any XF rear wheel drive model.

2 – Land Rover Discovery

Just turn the Terrain Response® switch to snow and you wont even realise the roads are slippery. This system takes care of everything for you. Just make sure you have your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes open.

1 – Range Rover

The Range Rover has been engineered from the ground up to be the most refined, most capable Range Rover ever. With the adoption of the latest body and chassis technologies, the vehicle’s all-terrain performance has moved on to another level, both in the breadth and accessibility of its off-road capability, and its on-road handling and refinement.

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10 Of The Best Cars For Winter Driving – Part 1

Well once again I had to scrape some frost from my windscreen before the commute to the office. The roads were just fine but it did get me thinking about what car is best for winter driving.

Last year my mid size, front wheel drive, 220BHP saloon was pathetic, this year I have a smaller, lighter hatchback so I am hopeful it will be better.

I have done some research so here are 10 Of The Best Cars For Winter Driving. Here are my findings, in reverse order from 10 to 5.

10 – Dacia Duster

The Duster is a brand new model and has already received glowing reviews from drivers and the press. Particularly those looking for something on a budget, the Duster 4×4 starts from £11,000 meaning there are not many new cars on the market that can match its value and go anywhere attitude.

9 – Kia Sportage

The Sportage was crowned our 4×4 of the year in 2012 due to its mix of driver enjoyment, comfort and quality. The comprehensive seven-year warranty, extensive list of safety equipment and practical interior make it a versatile SUV. The Sportage offers a well-rounded package and is among the best cars for winter driving.

8 – Hyundai SantaFe

Although Hyundai is asking a £3,000 premium for the new Santa Fe over the old one, the revised SUV still represents good value. Standard kit is impressive, while the all-wheel-drive models offer a decent degree of all-weather grip.

7 – Subaru Outback

All Subarus offer all-wheel drive, and the Outback wagon is a tried-and-true car for winter driving. Check out the bottom of the range Outback 2.5i, which as the name implies is powered by a 2.5 litre engine, backed up by both the Symmetrical AWD system and Vehicle Dynamics Control.

6 – Honda CRV

Honda introduced Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System in 2012 which provides a degree of traction and peace of mind at an alluring price. All of this and more make this one of the best cars for winter driving so far in our countdown.

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Tips! Renting A Vehicle With A Ski Rack

Renting A Car With A Ski Rack

Renting A Car With A Ski Rack is easier than ever with Indigo Car Hire.
Whether you are a black run veteran or more of a nursery slope goer, if you are hiring a car for your ski holiday then chances are, you will be Renting A Car With A Ski Rack.

A ski/snowboard rack is a necessary addition to every winter sport enthusiast’s hire car, or SUV. Renting A Car With A Ski Rack reduces the risk of scratches on your hire car and prevents snow, ice, and dirt from getting inside. Not to mention it clears up a lot of space making your trips to and from the mountain a lot more comfortable

Indigo Ski Car Hire services also include

  • Ski Car Hire with a Debit Card
  • Ski car Hire for Young Drivers
  • Ski Car Hire for Senior Drivers
  • No Deposit Ski Car Hire
  • Cross Border Ski Car Hire

Ski racks are available for hire at selected locations and can be reserved with your hire car. They tend to cost between €8 & €15 per day but some companies cap the maximum amount to €40 for the duration of the rental meaning it is a fairly low cost item but one that can add a lot of benefit to your trip.

Locations for Renting A Car With A Ski Rack

For more information on Renting A Car With A Ski Rack or about our Ski Car Hire Services then please contact us direct, we will ensure you have all of the information you need before booking, so you can make an informed decision.

Call us on +44 (0)113 880 0748, email us on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk or use our chat function at the bottom of the page and speak to one of our experts.

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Car Hire Insurance & Excess Explained

Car Hire Insurance & Excess

There are many publications jumping on the bandwagon and creating stories about hidden extras and retrospective charges made by car hire suppliers. The car hire industry is not without it’s flaws but this scaremongering is getting a little out of hand.

The first topic i would like to try and clear up for you is Car Hire Insurance. Insurance is mandatory for every vehicle driving on the roads in the UK and abroad. The insurance policies work in the same way as yours for your home, personal car or even mobile device.

Part of your rental cost is made up of your insurance premium usually listed as CDW or Collision Damage Waiver. This is fully comprehensive insurance that means, if you are involved in a traffic accident then you and the others involved are covered if it is your fault. If this were to happen then you would be liable for an Excess, as you would be if you were to claim on any other insurance policy such as the ones above.

This excess can be anything from £100 to £2000+ depending on the supplier you are using and the vehicle you are intending to hire.

That is the basics covered, you can drive away after paying your rental cost including CDW without having to pay any more (security deposit aside). You do have options to reduce your excess liability with most if not all suppliers. These are OPTIONAL services, only in very rare circumstances would reducing the excess amount be mandatory.

The Insurance Excess Is Too High

On the most part, insurance excess amount are high. What we need to understand here is that you are not just paying a nominal fee to drive a car around on holiday. You are renting a vehicle worth £10,000, £20,000 even £30,000 and more.

You do have options, if you would like a little peace of mind or reassurance that if you were to be involved an accident or damage was to be caused to the vehicle then you wouldn’t be liable for such a huge amount. You can reduce it, sometimes even remove it altogether.

Your first option is excess reduction aka Super CDW, Platinum Cover or something else along those lines. This is an ‘Extra Insurance’ for a daily fee of between £20 and £30 per day and means your excess will be greatly reduced or taken away altogether. This means that if damage to the car was to occur, then you would have a lower or zero liability. Obviously providing their terms and conditions are adhered to. EG, you didn’t take their Mini Cooper on the beach or up a mountain!!

The Excess Reduction Is Too Expensive

Your other option is an excess reimbursement policy. This is a totally separate insurance arrangement that you would arrange yourself and not with the rental company. You can arrange cover per day for a short trip or annual multi-trip cover for about £50. This works differently to the above ‘reduction policies’. In fact your liability to the car hire company will not change, you will still be liable to pay them the excess amount outlined on your rental agreement but you can then claim this amount back via your own policy.

Obviously there are different policies out there to consider and you should select the option that best suits your needs. if you have any questions about insurance excess and/or insurance protection policies then please contact one of our team today. We are here to help.

5 Tips To Help With Car Hire Insurance

1. Always read the terms and conditions of rental before signing the rental agreement, no matter how busy or how eager to get to the pool you are. Some insurance do not cover parts of the car like rubber and glass.
2. Always check the car with the rental agent and ensure ALL, no matter how small, damage is listed on the vehicle check out sheet.
3. Drive the car like you own it, not like a rental car. Look after it, do not smoke inside it.
4. If you are involved in an accident or the vehicle is damaged, do as you would do with your own car. Take details, photos, witness ect. Call the police if needs be and then report it to the rental company.
5. Always get the supplier to check for damage and sign the check in form to show no damage was present on return, if not it could bite you down the line.

Summary Of Phrases

Fully Comp | Fully Comprehensive Insurance | The insurance cover included with all rental vehicles, which covers damage, theft and 3rd party libility. This usually comes with and Excess.
Excess | The amount you are liable for in the event of an accident
CDW | Collision Damage Waiver | All rental cars have this included in the prices
SCDW | Super Collision Damage Waiver | A daily fee to reduce your liability (European term)
Super Relaxed | A daily fee to reduce your liability (Spanish term)
LDW | Loss Damage Waiver | All rental cars have this included in the prices (USA term)
SLDW | Super Loss Damage Waiver | A daily fee to reduce your liability (USA term)
Excess Reimburement | A seperate insurance policy to protect your excess amount

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