10 Tips for Renting Cheap Cars in London and the UK
Many people in London look for ways to save money on renting a car. The problem is that they often do not know where to start, and most of the time they end up paying more than they had expected.
This article lists 10 tips for renting cheap cars in London and the UK, so you may avoid such mistakes.
1) Make sure you keep an eye on fuel consumption limits when choosing a vehicle.
Not only is it important to find affordable rates for gas but also, if you are going outside city limits, try choosing smaller vehicles as larger ones will definitely cost you more. Anyone travelling around Europe knows how expensive fuel can be, so if possible try filling your tank before leaving or stop by at gas stations and always ask for the price.
2) Avoid additional costs and extras such as child seats and GPS, unless you really need them (and even then choose cheap rental cars when in London).
3) Compare rates from different companies when looking for cheap car rentals in London. There is a lot of competition out there so it’s worth your time to compare prices before making a decision. In the UK, almost all car rental companies require drivers to have an International Driving Permit in addition to their regular driving license. The IDP translates your information into English and can be obtain through AAA or by visiting your local post office. If you don’t have an IDP, some companies will rent you a car anyway but at a much higher rate or they may require you to purchase one at the rental counter which is even more expensive. So, make sure you check what kind of documentation is require beforehand.
4) On the same note, try choosing small towns to pick up your car from instead of central London. This will again help reduce transport expenses while travelling around London’s suburbs. The parking situation in many large cities leaves a lot to be desire so it makes sense not to rent a big vehicle while exploring the area unless necessary.
5) Make sure you book well in advance. Booking ahead can save you money on cheap car rentals in London as last minute deals are often very expensive or simply don’t exist due to high demand during popular travel times as Christmas and New Year holidays, or weekends.
6) If you are driving to the UK from abroad, remember that most European car rental companies prohibit picking up cars in one country and dropping them off in another due to differences in insurance policies.
Therefore, if your itinerary includes multiple countries it makes sense to look for cheap car rentals in London. That allow their clients to drive freely across Europe at an affordable rate.
7) Consider whether you really need a GPS navigator. Most hotels already have maps of local areas with written directions included for popular destinations. So just ask the hotel receptionist before renting a GPS system. While it is convenient not to get lost around the city. Some people also enjoy getting lost on purpose as part of sightseeing!
8) As with any product or service, always read the fine print before concluding a deal. For example, while some companies provide unlimited mileage in their rates. Some have fuel restrictions that will add on extra money if not followed carefully. It especially makes sense to check this out when renting cheap cars in London as you probably want. To get full value for money by driving around freely and explore all parts of the city or its surroundings.
9) If you are planning on taking off-road routes it may make sense not to rent an expensive 4×4. But instead choose something cheaper with good performance. Which is more suitable for bumpy off-road roads. Like the Ford Focus or VW Jetta (yes they can do 30 MPH up hills). On the contrary, if your holiday is based on travelling around the city. Then you probably don’t need a big SUV like Ford Edge or similar.
10) Finally, if money is not an issue, why not opt for something more luxurious to spoil yourself? If you are planning on taking small roads and exploring countryside’s it may make sense. To take a convertible like BMW Z4 or even go all the way with Porsche 911! On the other hand if your main goal is to experience “London in London”. There are plenty of affordable options available as well. +++
Conclusion:
I hope these tips will help save you some time and money when renting cars for your holidays here. Please feel free to contact us anytime during your stay for any additional advice or information about cheap car rentals in London.