Car Hire Essential Tips
We've gathered some essential tips for you to know before booking your car rental abroad:
◾ Car Rental Booking
It is highly advisable to book your rental car as early as possible, ideally right after booking your flight. This advise is particularly relevant during tourist seasons (summer and holidays) or when booking minivans or automatic vehicles.
Booking your car as early as possible will enable us to offer you the best prices and a wide range of vehicle options that meet your needs.
◾ Important Documents
Make sure you have a valid Israeli driving license and an international driving permit. Additionally, arrive at the rental desk with an international credit card in the name of the main driver and a printed rental voucher. Ensure that the details on the rental voucher are accurate and match your booking before you pick up the car. If any updates are needed before the pick-up date, inform our customer service center.
◾ Streamlining Vehicle Pick-Up Time
In the USA and Canada, you can reduce the waiting time for car pick-up using the Save Time service: Fill in your details as per the instructions by clicking here and present the confirmation at the rental station.
◾ One-Way Rental Fees
Fees apply for one-way car rentals, whether different locations within the same country. If you opt for a one-way rental, a notification will appear on the third screen of the booking process. To inquire about the one-way fee, please contact us at +972-37951010. These fees are paid abroad, directly to the rental company, plus applicable taxes and local mandatory charges. Please note, if you decide to return the car to a different location than originally booked, it might be subject to an additional charge on top of the one-way fee, if applicable. In any case, you must obtain approval from the rental company for any changes made after picking up the car.
◾ Rental Period Calculation
The car rental is calculated in 24-hour period from the moment of pick-up. Ensure the car is returned on the date and time specified during pick-up. Delay in returning the car will result a charge for an additional rental day at the local rate, plus local taxes.
◾ Refueling the Vehicle
In most cases, the car is provided with a full fuel tank, and you should return it full. If you receive the car with less than a full tank, insist that this is noted on the rental contract. Make sure to use the correct type of fuel for the car (indicated on the fuel cap and in the car manual). Most major airports have a fuel station at the entrance. It is advisable to keep the last fuel receipt.
Please note, if you return the car with less fuel, the rental company will charge a higher rate for the fuel through your credit card, including refueling fees.
◾ Returning the Car
When returning the car, ask for a copy of the car return report and ensure the details are correct. Don't forget to collect all your personal belongings from the car and return it clean. If you return the car outside the rental station's operating hours, know that you are responsible for it until the contract is officially closed by the rental company. Make sure to park the car only in the rental company's lot and drop the rental contract and keys in the designated Key Box.
◾ Traffic Laws
As drivers, it is your responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the traffic laws of different countries. In addition to speed limits and international road signs, in Europe, it's also common to restrict car traffic into city centers. Ignoring signage can lead to traffic fines, which the local authority will send with payment details. Furthermore, the rental company will charge a handling fee for transferring your contact details to the local authority.
◾ Issues with the Rented Car
If you encounter a technical problem with the car during your rental, contact the rental company or their roadside assistance provider. The phone number for roadside assistance is usually found on the car key, rental contract, or in the car manual. The rental company will assist by sending a technician or tow truck within a reasonable time. If the problem cannot be fixed on the spot, the car will be towed to a garage, and you will be instructed on how to proceed.
◾ Accidents Involving the Rented Car
If you are involved in an accident during the car rental period, immediately report to both the local police and the rental company and follow their instructions. Additionally, you will be required to fill out an accident report, including third-party details if necessary. If you have purchased excess reduction insurance, this report is essential for submitting your insurance claim.
◾Insurance for Rented Cars
It's important to note - insurance for rented cars does not cover damage to the undercarriage, glass, mirrors, and lights, tires, upholstery, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, special cleaning, natural damages, leaving the key in an unattended car, loss of key, and excess.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip, from the Ofran team 🚘
