Asking pertinent questions when you get a car rental quote can reveal a number of differences between companies – what seems like a good deal at one place may be undercut by a restriction on mileage.

You should ask how many kilometres are included in your car or minibus hire and if not unlimited, how much do they charge extra per kilometre? Also, what is covered (and what isn’t) by their standard insurance policy? Are damages to windscreen, tyres and headlights or the roof and underbody covered? How do they treat single vehicle accidents, for example if you hit a tree? Are personal injuries and damages to other vehicles or properties covered? It’s common for some of these to be left out of standard coverage.

How much fuel should be in the tank when you return the car? Policies differ between car rental agencies: some prefer the tank to be full upon return, while others want it empty. Still other agencies will ask that you return the vehicle with roughly the same amount of fuel as when you drove it away. Check the latest time you can return the car. Rental agencies usually ask that vehicles be returned by closing time, but some may offer an alternative if you need to return the car after hours and will usually charge a fee for this.

By asking these questions you will avoid some of the pitfalls when hiring a car or minibus. Also, find out how you should handle any fines you may incur while driving your hire car and make sure you drive safely.