After the record high of the past few years, the prices for rental cars have fallen again somewhat in this holiday season. Some rental companies are less precise when handing over the vehicles, but even the smallest scratches can lead to financially sensitive additional claims, which are often simply debited from the credit card.

“In general, one can say: if you book early, you get the best price – and if you are lucky, you can save a lot with a last-minute offer. A comparison of the different providers, but also different vehicle classes and offers from a provider, can be worthwhile. It is important that you not only look at the price, but above all at the overall package - e.g. B. what insurance is included in the price,” advises Thomas Oppenheim, head of the ÖAMTC travel agency and ÖAMTC rental car services. 

Acceptance of the rental car - check the vehicle and document any damage, observe the obligation to carry it abroad

Check vehicle: Before the journey can start, the rental car should be checked carefully for damage when you pick it up. “Even small scratches on the car should be noted in the handover protocol. In order to avoid nasty surprises, everything should also be documented with photos and videos,” advises Oppenheim.

Child seat: If you need a child seat in the rental car, it should be booked in advance. The costs for this can vary greatly depending on the provider - the same applies here: When renting a car, pay attention to whether child seats are charged extra and compare prices and providers.  

carrying obligations: The obligation to carry abroad also applies to rental cars - so travelers should find out about the applicable rules in advance and check on site that everything is included. For example, For example, in Spain all vehicles registered there have two warning triangles on board. You can find all the information you need to carry with you at: www.oeamtc.at/mitfuehrpflichten.   

Insurance: In order to be protected in the event of an accident, comprehensive insurance with theft protection and no excess is recommended. The sum insured for liability should be at least one million euros. Glass, rims and tires are at best also insured. 

Returning the vehicle – make sure the tank is full, do not exceed the rental day

Tank: There is usually a rule that the vehicle is picked up and returned with a full tank. “With this regulation, vacationers only have to pay for the fuel they actually use and save themselves sometimes excessive fuel flat rates. It is important to fill up the car again immediately before returning it and keep the bill,” advises Oppenheim.

Do not exceed rental period: It should already be agreed when booking or picking up when and where the rental car will be returned. "Basically, a rental day is 24 hours - if you return the vehicle just a few minutes after the agreed period, another full day can be charged," says the mobility club expert.

Return rental car clean: “The rental car does not usually have to be spotless when it is returned, but before the car is returned, any rubbish, packaging materials or similar should be disposed of. The basic rule is: return the vehicle in the condition in which you took it over,” says Oppenheim.