If you're thinking of hiring a car whether it be for an autumnal break in the UK or further afield to warmer climes then read these top tips from Carhiremarket.com and  save yourself £200 in fees.

The leading car hire comparison site has put together a handy checklist for travellers looking to get the best deal and avoid  getting hit by hidden car hire charges.

 If you damage a tyre on a standard hire car like a hatchback, you are usually responsible for replacing it and that can cost in excess of £200. The same applies to a new key, wing mirror or even some paint damage. Most checklists are so detailed that customers don't bother to check the car properly before they leave the collection point.

If you're hiring a car, it is wise to delay your departure by 1 or 2 minutes to carry out these quick checks so that you can at least avoid being caught out by the more obvious issues.

• Tyres - Check each tyre for nails or other objects that may have penetrated the tyre because a piece of metal in the shoulder or wall of the tyre deems it unsafe and therefore in need of replacement.
• Remember once you get in the car to roll it forward in order to be able to check the underside of the wheel too.
• Fuel - Make sure the fuel gauge corresponds with what the car hire company notes on the sheet. 
• Lights - Check that all lights including brake lights and indicators are in working order and that no covers are damaged.
• Door Handles - Open and close all doors, including the boot, to ensure they all work as expected and that the handles aren't loose.
• Wing Mirrors - Check to see that the wing mirrors are secure and that the glass and plastic covers are intact.
• Remote Control - Ensure the remote control works properly and is not falling apart at the seems. Apart from being caught out with a locked car, replacing a damaged key and or the remote can be very expensive.
• Mileage - Check the mileage on the clock and ask the attendant how many miles are included in your rental fee. Take a photo to save time.
• Clean - Make sure the car is clean inside and that all the mats are in place
• Mobile Video Is Your Security Deposit
• Take a quick video of the entire outside of the vehicle if you want to save a bit of time and have a video clip with your location and timestamp as well as the car hire attendant if they don't mind. You could start on the dashboard taking in mileage and fuel and then pan out and around the whole vehicle taking in each of the points above.
• Make sure any damage, however insignificant, is noted on the sheet given to you by the car hire company.

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Press Queries to Chloe Goddard on 07764945011 info@chloegoddardpr.co.uk  
More car hire tips are available at Carhiremarket.com/blog