The following articles have been obtained from various sources on the Worldwide Web. The material in this section does not fully portray conditions in Sri-Lanka but Rent Cars Colombo trusts that at least some of the information may include helpful tips that will come in handy during your stay in Sri-Lanka.
RENTING A CAR – TIPS TO REMEMBER
(Courtesy: J. Tillotson / www.articlesbase.com)
SOME INTERESTING POINTS THAT RENT CARS COLOMBO BELIEVES WILL BE USEFUL READING…
Car hire companies have a bad reputation for over-charging customers and piling on extra surcharges for damages, fuel consumption and mileage that has nothing to do with the renter. Hopefully, this quick guide will let you know what to look out for when renting a car abroad.
First of all, shop around before you go. The internet is an invaluable tool for this, and you can ask friends which rental companies they've used too. Booking well in advance can get you great discounts, and if you book with a popular group, you may be able to get a free upgrade.
Check the stated times of collection and return. This is where many unscrupulous rental companies can sting you. If your return time is even half an hour later than your collection time, you could be charged for an extra day. Try and make sure you return the car on or before the collection time to avoid this.
Decide who is going to be driving the car. As in the UK, drivers between the ages of 25 and 75 are seen as the safest, so keep this in mind when selecting your main driver. Some car rental firms will rent to 18 year olds, but the costs are likely to be higher. Likewise, having an additional driver on the rental agreement can bump up the cost, regardless of age.
One of the biggest scams pulled by car hire companies is charging you for existing damage. With this in mind, check over the car thoroughly before you drive it away. Some firms will present you with a written list of existing damage, so compare this to the car. If you notice anything that isn't on the list, point it out, and try to take pictures with your camera (showing the date) or mobile phone. This will prove that the damage didn't occur while the car was in your possession.
If your car hire contract promises a full tank, check this too before driving away. Some hire companies charge you for the difference between the fuel level on return and the amount to fill up. This is almost always more than the pump price, so by filling it up yourself and keeping the receipt, you can avoid this charge.
If you're traveling with a small child, it may be a legal requirement for there to be a child seat fitted. These are usually added onto the cost of car rentals, and fitted by the hire company. When you pick up your car, check that the seat is secure.
Finally, before driving away, perform some perfunctory maintenance checks. This includes checking the brakes, headlights, wipers and washers, indicators and locks are all working. It's also worth looking at the oil and water levels, and checking the tire pressures at the nearest garage. If they haven't already been offered, ask for the car's manual and contact numbers in case of any problems
(Courtesy: www. independenttraveler.com)
Need wheels on your next trip? Renting a car can give you freedom and flexibility when you're traveling, and in some parts of the world it's the only feasible way to get around. But a rental car can sometimes add complications to your trip -- like trying to find the best deal or sorting out exactly which insurance options you need. Read on for our practical tips on saving money, understanding your rental agreement and avoiding problems with your car rental.
CHOOSING A VEHICLE
Think carefully about what kind of vehicle you'll need. If you're traveling with children or with a lot of gear, you may want a large sedan or SUV. If you're simply looking to save money on rental rates and gas, you'll want to reserve the smallest available model.
But size isn't the only factor. Looking for something environmentally friendly? Check out our Green Travel Resources. Can't drive a stick shift? Be sure to reserve a car with automatic transmission. (In many countries, a manual transmission is the norm -- so read the fine print before booking. Learn more in Renting a Car Abroad.) Also, be sure that the company offers any extras you might need or want, such as a ski rack, car seat or GPS system.
BOOKING YOUR VEHICLE
How long will you be renting? If it's for less than a week, you'll probably do best with a major rental company. For rentals of a week or longer, you may get better rates from local companies, particularly auto dealers. Remember, however, to be wary of local companies if you plan to drive a lot; if you break down or get into an accident, they usually lack the support services of the majors.
Always shop around. Check the major booking engines and aggregator sites (such as Travelocity and Kayak) to get an idea of what rates are available, but you should also visit the car rental companies' Web sites as well -- they'll often offer exclusive discounts, and you'll avoid booking fees. Don't forget to check out our selection of discount car rental deals before making any reservations.
To lower your rate, ask about discounts for any major national organizations, frequent flier programs and credit card programs you may belong to. They'll frequently offer deals on car rentals. Those offered through AAA can be very good. If you're employed by a company that frequently rents cars, they may have a negotiated rate. Make sure to check.
Before you book online, do an Internet search for coupon or promotion codes to put into the booking engine of your car rental company's site. Just type in the name of the company followed by "coupon code" into the search field and you'll often find special promotion codes that could save you anywhere from 5 to 20 percent off the cost of your rental.
If you're not already, consider joining your car rental company's loyalty program when you book. These vary by company, but most of them are free and entitle you to certain privileges when picking up your vehicle; your information will be on file ahead of time, allowing you to simply jump into the car and go rather than standing in a long line or filling out paperwork. You could also be eligible for special discounts or free upgrades.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RENTAL AGREEMENT
If you're booking online, read the terms and conditions carefully before confirming your reservation. If you're booking on the phone, ask the agent about restrictions. Be sure you understand the conditions of your reservation. Is there a penalty for no-shows? How long will the car be held if you're stuck in traffic on the way to the pickup station? Is there a fee for additional drivers and must their names be listed in the contract? Is your 20-year-old daughter old enough to drive the car? (For liability reasons, this is important.)
For your own protection in case of breakdown, be sure the company has offices in all the states on your itinerary.
Always get a confirmation number. For airport rentals, be sure to give the customer service representative your flight number and scheduled arrival time. This will usually protect your reservation if the flight is delayed.
THE TRUE COST OF RENTALS
Be Cautious: The rate you see advertised in big print may become so inflated with state and local taxes, airport surcharges, additional driver fees, insurance, gasoline bills and drop-off charges that you end up paying more than double what you expected. Learn more about these extra charges in Car Rental Hidden Costs.
In recent years, the major booking engines have become more transparent about rental car rates, and they now usually show you the total cost of your rental, including estimated taxes and fees, early on in the booking process. Like the airlines, the major auto rental companies have adopted "yield management." That means that their computers can quickly readjust prices according to changes in the supply of cars available, and so the rental rate you are quoted is valid only at that moment. Unless you reserve immediately, the rate is likely to change.
AT PICK UP TIME…
If your first drive will be from an airport to a hotel for the night, why not take a shuttle van to the hotel instead? Doing this may save you the price of a day's rental. Even if you must drive the same day your flight lands, you may not have to get the car at the airport. By picking it up downtown, you can often avoid hefty airport surcharges.
If you have personal auto insurance or charge the rental to a major credit card, you will probably be covered at least for collision damage -- so you shouldn't have to purchase the car rental company's collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW) insurance. If in doubt, ask your insurance agent or credit card issuer.
Before you drive away from the pickup station, inspect the car carefully for body damage. Be sure the lights and turn signals are working properly, and check the mileage odometer. Report any defects at once.
Familiarize yourself with the workings of the car before you leave the lot. Check which side your gas tank is on, and learn how to use the headlights, windshield wipers and turn signal. It may seem obvious, but you'll also want to memorize the make, model and color of your car -- that way you won't lose it the first time you park in a busy lot!
RETURNING YOUR CAR
Be wary of prepaid petrol plans. Always fill the tank yourself before returning the vehicle so that you're only paying for the amount of gas you actually used. Try to avoid the gas stations right near the airport where you're dropping off your car -- the prices tend to be highest there. Instead, fill up a few miles away.
It may seem counterintuitive, but returning your car early may actually cost you money. You'll often pay an early return fee, but even worse, your rate structure will most likely change and you'll be responsible for the difference. Of course, returning the car late could cost you too -- many car rental companies only give you a 30-minute grace period before beginning to rack up the late fees.
Before leaving the vehicle, check to be sure you haven't left any personal belongings. Don't forget to check the trunk! The most common lost articles include cell phones, sunglasses and umbrellas.
Be sure that the check-in attendant inspects the car's body in your presence and that you agree about any damage. Examine your rental agreement carefully for all charges and make sure they credit any deposit to your account while you wait.
BEFORE YOU START…
1. Before beginning a long drive, always get enough sleep and eat something before you go. Highly caffeinated beverages are not necessarily the best way to stay awake while driving. While initially you will feel more alert, the effects can recede with time, and your attention may wander although you remain awake.
2. Pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don't feel sleepy. Grab a snack, get some fresh air, and stretch your legs by walking around. If you need to, take a quick nap.
3. If you can, share the driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also enable you to nap without losing time. If you're driving alone, turn on the radio or put on some music, and keep your window cracked open. You may also want to refrain from using your cruise control if you're driving alone at night -- having to concentrate on maintaining your speed can help you stay awake.
4. If you do have to pull over -- pull off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane for any reason except an emergency.
5. Know the laws along your route concerning cell phone use while driving. While it may be legal in one place, it may be illegal in another, and ignorance is not typically an acceptable excuse for a violation. Here's a handy chart of cell phone laws by state (keep in mind that this information can change at any time). However, even if it's legal to talk on a cell phone where you're going, it's usually safest to use a hands-free device.
6. If you don't know this one, shame on you. Never drink any alcohol before your trip. While you may not become intoxicated from one beer, you will become sleepy.
7. Keep an eye on the skies, and if you can, plan a route around inclement weather. A minor detour could actually wind up saving you major time.
8. Search the Web for traffic update sites and listen to radio traffic alerts, especially
9. You should plan out your exact route before you even leave the house -- but bring along a map just in case.
10. If you are driving a rental vehicle, familiarize yourself with the car and all of its equipment (horn, brakes, hazard lights). For an amusing but true look at this issue.
11. Lock all of your valuables (especially items that are clearly gifts) in the trunk or glove compartment and stow all luggage in the trunk.
12. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, which vary from state to state and especially overseas. Is it legal to make a right turn at a red light? What are the rules on yielding to pedestrians? For more on international car travel.
13. Before setting off on a long car trip, be sure your vehicle is in prime condition -- that tires are properly inflated, that all fluids are at their proper levels and that you have a full tank of gas. (For particularly long road trips, you may want to have your mechanic do a more thorough check.)
14. Consider becoming a member of AAA or signing up for your car insurer's roadside assistance program. You won't regret it when your car breaks down on a lonely back road.
15. Keep costs down by conserving gas as you drive. Minimize sudden starts and stops, empty your car of all unnecessary weight, and slow down -- it takes much less fuel to drive 55 miles an hour than it does to drive 70
16. Don't wait until your gas gauge is sitting on E to refuel. On an unfamiliar road, you never know when the next gas station will appear. As soon as you hit a quarter of a tank, start looking for a place to fill up.
17. When traveling with kids, be sure to stop often -- not just for snacks and potty breaks, but also for fun. See a cool playground along the way? Pull over and throw a Frisbee around. You'll also want to pack toys, books and music for the car -- not to mention your motion sickness remedy of choice.
18. Feeling munchy? Stock up on snacks and drinks at grocery stores rather than gas stations or convenience stores -- you'll get a wider and healthier selection, as well as better prices.
19. On longer trips, keep napkins, plastic ware and a small cooler handy for meals on the go. You'll also want some spare change for tolls, as well as a first-aid kit, flashlight, pillow and blanket. Keep a set of jumper cables, a spare tire or donut, and extra fluids for the car (such as windshield wiper fluid) in your trunk.
20. This last tip should go without saying, but it's important enough that we'll say it anyway: Make sure everyone in the car buckles his or her seatbelt. Not only will it keep you safe, but in many places it's also the law.