Reading this post does not surprise me at all – http://cars.uk.msn.com/news/europes-best-selling-cars-of-2011 –  Reports confirm the number of sales of new cars purchased in 2011 is down which is understandable given the current financial climate. However the figures are not as low as predicted which means some people are still spending….

UK Sales were down by 4.4%, reports released recently confirm which makes & models were most popular throughout Europe. I have worked in the Car Hire industry all my working life and the good old VW Golf is always very sought after. Booking a compact car could be a Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, some suppliers stock Hyundai’s which means the Hyundai i30 falsl into this group. Some customers are willing to pay a little bit more to ensure they get the VW Golf and not a similar model. I have drove a VW Golf and know why we get these requests as the car is a great drive and you can feel the quality. We have all seen the advert ‘it sounds like a Golf’ this statement is very true. Reason for me mentioning the above, is that VW cars fall into the most popular models purchased last year.

Here we go, these are the best selling cars of 2011:

1 – VW Golf

2 – VW Polo

3 – Ford Fiesta

4 – Vauxhall/Opel Corsa

5 – Vauxhall/Opel Astra

6 – Renault Clio

7 – Ford Focus

8 – Renault Megane

9 – VW Passat

10 – Peugeot 207

Time and time again we get calls from customers struggling to arrange car hire due to the fact they only hold a Debit card. Majority of UK Car Hire companies (more…)

Thinking of renting a car? Below are key pointers of what to do when renting your next car hire. Follow these tips and you will avoid any problems.

Is The Price Fully Inclusive?

When booking your car hire always ask if the price is fully inclusive. Is there any additional charges that will be added when you collect the car? Example additional insurance, fuel charges.

How much is the insurance excess?

Always ask what the insurance excess amount is, this is the amount you have to pay in the event the car is damaged. This can range from £500.00 to £1000.00 depending on which car hire supplier you book with.

Can i reduce the insurance excess

Ask if you have the option to reduce the insurance excess, and what the daily cost to do this is. Bear in mind most companies will give you a daily fee but remember they may be quoting you a cost before VAT is added to make the cost sound cheaper.

Understand the pick up procedure

Make sure you fully understand the collection procedure of how to collect the car as some car hire companies the offer car hire at the airport are not always based inside the terminal building. You may have to call a telephone number on arrival or met in a certain area at the airport.

Know what ID you need with you

Make sure you know exactly what ID you need to have with you, if you have a UK Drivers Licence you must have the counterpart of you licence as well as the photo card.

How much will the deposit be?

Always ask how much deposit will be taken when you arrive, as this can range between £150.00 – £750.00. Any if you do not have the available funds on your credit card the car hire company will not supply the car to you. Some suppliers even allow you to hire a car with no deposit, contact us if you are interested in this.

Read the rental agreement before you sign

When collecting the car, make sure you read the rental agreement/paperwork you are signing and make sure the amount you are signing for is the amount you were quoted. Make sure no additional extras have been added without your consent as once you have signed the agreement you have agreed to the charges.

Check for damage

Make sure you have a good walk around the car and any damage you see make sure this is noted on the paperwork. If this is not go back to the supplier and get the damage details added. If the supplier says its all okay, take no for an answer as you can be liable for the charges on return.

Check fuel level

Make sure before taking the car hire the fuel is at the agreed level, also make sure you understand what fuel should be in the car when you return.

Check the car for damage when you return

When returning the car hire, make sure you get a staff member to check the car and agree there is no damage so you can leave knowing that no damage charges will be added.

At Indigo Car Hire we work with over 450 different Car Hire suppliers worldwide and we always like to make sure our customers get the best possible customer service. By following the above points you can rest assured you will have a pleasant experience when you next hire car with any car rental company.

If you are looking for a car hire, either call our reservations office on 0044 (0)113 2899281 or emails us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.