Hiring a car, particularly overseas, can seem a complicated business: different languages, laws, road rules and charges can make the whole process seem less than easy. However, with some simple explanations and advice, the experience can be totally pain-free. READ MORE HERE

There are many car hire companies and website car hire brokers so do your research online and consider all the options available.

You can either go direct to the actual car companies – Hertz, Avis, National and Alamo are four of the biggest – or book through an agent that consolidates car companies, such as Holiday Autos, Expedia or Carrentals. Check what you are paying in advance and what you will need to pay at the car hire counter. With agents you sometimes only pay a deposit, with the remainder of the booking paid at the counter or at the end of your holiday. READ MORE HERE

The extras can sometimes cost as much as the car hire. Here are some examples explained in full: Fuel; Additional drivers and surcharges for young or old drivers; Child Seats; Winter holidays; Late return fees; Mileage; Excess Waiver; PAI (Personal Accident Insurance); Personal Effects Insurance. READ MORE HERE

Understanding what insurance is included and what is excluded is often the most difficult aspect of hiring a car, so let’s make it simple. Your car hire usually comes with inclusive insurance to cover three areas:

LDW/CDW (Loss/Collision Damage Waiver) – to cover damage to the car.
TP (Theft Protection) – to cover the car, or part of the car, if it is stolen or damaged during an attempted theft.
Liability/SLI (Third Party Liability) – the minimum cover that’s mandatory in most countries. READ MORE HERE

When you collect your car it’s worth remembering to do the following things:

Have your passport, driver’s licence (both parts of the license), copy of your car hire agreement and your credit card handy. Most car hire companies require you to provide a credit card at the counter (debit cards and cash are not accepted).

Check what you are signing at the car hire counter – especially what the exclusions are. READ MORE HERE

Before you hit the road make sure that you feel comfortable with the car, including your seat position, lights, heating, wipers, indicators and warning lights. Also set the radio or load up a CD and have your map and directions to hand.

It is also important that you understand the laws of the country you are visiting. Visit the AA for a useful summary of international road rules. READ MORE HERE

The key things to remember when returning your hire car are:

Ensure that there are no costs you might be charged for later.

Try to return your car during normal office hours so you can go through the full return process. If you just drop the car off without checking it in, you are still liable for the car until the car hire company opens the following day. READ MORE HERE