If you are considering renting a car, there are some things that you should consider first:

1 - It is advised to shop around when looking to hire a car. Always find at least three car rental companies to compare, although more will be better. Be sure to check the companies are offering "like for like" deals when comparing price.

2 - When you compare, be sure to check the price, vehicle availability, as well as any special offers that may be offered. Companies may have special arrangements with hotels or airlines, so you may even get a deal that provides something extra for the same price!

3 - Definately check for any special instructions that are required of you whilst you are renting the car,e.g. filling up with petrol, or pick up and drop off times. There may also be a condition where the mileage is limited, although most car hire companies offer unlimited mileage. If you don't comply with these terms there may be extra fees added to your bill.

4 - Some companies offering car hire will also deliver the car to you, or pick you up and take you to your rental. This service may require a fee, but can be worth asking about, if you are flying to your destination.

5 - The rental company will offer you insurance. However, your own personal car insurance may be all you need in the event of an accident with a rental car. You should check your car insurance policy and/or contact your insurance company to see whether you are covered.

There are a considerable number of types of insurance & add-ons:

• Collision damage waiver (CDW). This is the basic cover and it reduces your liability in the event of an accident. Without it, you could be forced to pay for the replacement cost of the vehicle. This is normally included in your rental agreement as is:
  
  
• Theft waiver (TW). The equivalent of CDW but for theft. Also known as theft protection.
  
  
• Super collision damage waiver (SCDW). Reduces your liability (no excess) to zero and also covers tyres, roofs and windscreens.
  
  
• Personal insurance (PI). Pays out if you kill or injure yourself or a passenger (this is usually covered by your travel insurance.
  
  
• Personal effects cover (PEC). Pays out if your belongings are stolen from a vehicle (also usually covered on travel insurance).

Don't forget the excess!! This is the amount you’ll need to pay yourself towards any claim you make e.g. if you have a £500 excess and have an accident with repairs costing £1,000, you’ll need to pay the first £500 of it.

Most car rental companies charge an Excess when you have an accident – sometimes as high as £1,000. Often they will offer to sell you their own Excess insurance, but buying over the counter can cost you up to £12 per day. Use a company such as Daily Excess & pay only £3.99 per day for complete protection. What’s more, they provide cover for window and tyre damage, excluded from most alternative policies.

Alternatively, you can pay an annual premium which will provide excess insurance protecting you against excess charges whenever you rent a car.

6 - There are a number of choices that are open to you when renting a car. Each class of car will vary in price and mileage; consider this when making your decision. While many companies may be willing to upgrade you, this is not always the case. It is wise to choose the car you want and hope for an upgrade than to reserve an unsuitable car and be disappointed or even worse, inconvenienced when an upgrade is not offered.

7 - When booking online, you will be required to have a credit or debit card handy in order to make the rental car booking with; most companies will only guarantee a car with this assurance, even if you book in person.