Consumers can make a car rental reservation in various ways:

• By visiting a car rental office in person;
• Directly through the car rental company’s website or by phone;
• Using various broker/intermediary websites.

When booking a car rental online, consumers should be extremely cautious, as the advertised price may not always match the final rental price upon receiving the vehicle. The listed price should include all mandatory costs, but additional optional services—such as one-way rental, child seats, GPS navigation, etc.—can significantly increase the final cost. It is always advisable to check the price of selected extras and consider them when comparing car rental prices, as the lowest advertised price may not necessarily be the cheapest overall.

If a car rental reservation is made through a broker/intermediary website, the terms and conditions may differ from those of the actual car rental company. Upon arrival at the pickup location, consumers will need to sign a separate agreement with the car rental company, which will outline the key obligations of both parties.

To avoid unpleasant surprises when picking up the vehicle, it is essential to review the car rental company’s terms and conditions in advance. These should be clearly available before the reservation process is completed. Most often, the company’s terms can be accessed via a link on the website or are directly available on the booking page.

Key Points to Check Before Booking:

• Mileage limits: Are there any restrictions on the number of kilometers/miles you can drive?
• Fuel policy: Is it a full-to-full or full-to-empty policy?
• Accepted payment cards: Does the rental company accept your credit or debit card?
• Security deposit: Is a deposit required, and how much is it?
• Included insurance and liability: What type of insurance is included, and what is your liability in case of damage?
• Cross-border travel conditions: Are you allowed to drive the rental car outside the country?

By carefully reviewing these details beforehand, consumers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free car rental experience.