Check Your Rental And Make Sure It’s Fit For Summer

Summer is here, and it’s high time you had a well-deserved break. If you’re thinking about a road trip, there are a few things you’ll need to make sure you have organised if you’re renting, from big safety nets like car hire excess insurance to small essentials like phone changers and air conditioning.

For some tips, tricks and pointers, simply read on and you’ll have no trouble preparing for a getaway of a lifetime.

Quick Checks Go a Long Way

Don’t just choose a vehicle half-heartedly and head off without giving it a close inspection – you’ll be kicking yourself later.

• Before you agree to rent a vehicle, make sure you’ve double checked that it comes with air conditioning – and that it’s in full working order. Being able to keep the car cool and fresh is a vital asset of any rental, particularly if you’re travelling with children or elderly people.
• It’s also a good idea to check the tyres before you go. They should be inflated to the right pressure to ensure a smooth drive – this is particularly important in the summer when the tarmac on the roads can reach high temperatures. Hot, underinflated tyres can be extremely dangerous.
• You’ll always have a number of different options when choosing a rental vehicle, and it’s important that you choose according to size rather than other factors. Even if you think your family can squeeze into a compact car, you also need to consider luggage space. Plus, nobody likes to be crammed into a hot five-seater in summer.
• Car hire excess insurance is another thing you’ll need to make sure you have in place before you travel. While winter roads are considered the most dangerous, summer driving has its risks too, and you need to make sure you’re covered for all eventualities.

Top Tip: Purchase car hire excess insurance from a reputable provider and you can rest assured you won’t be out of pocket when you return.

Don’t Forget the Small Things

It’s easy to forget the small things, but your road trip could turn into a living nightmare if you do. No, I’m not talking about remembering to pack up your kids – I’m talking about the little essentials that are vital for a summer car journey!

• Your phone charger is vital when you’re road tripping if you’re using it to navigate. Getting lost in the middle of nowhere in scorching heat isn’t a good situation for anyone. Just remember to let your front seat passenger do all the phone handling!
• Got kids in the back seat? Make sure you have all the necessary car seats strapped in safely to your rental. Be aware that different countries have varying regulations for this – don’t get caught off guard!

If you want to make sure you and your hired vehicle are ready for summer travel, simply keep these handy tips in mind. By remembering the small things, investing in car hire excess insurance and being prepared to check your vehicle thoroughly, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and stress-free holiday.

Author Plate

Sam Walker is a specialist insurance expert at LowerHire, a company that offers low-cost single trip and annual multi-trip car hire excess insurance policies. Travellers can rest easy knowing they will be fully protected against any hidden hire car costs and look forward to a stress-free rental experience.