Top 10 Tips for booking Heathrow Airport car hire

Choosing a car hire company seems to be a bit hit and miss. Some people have their own tried and tested favourites but are they getting the best on offer? Others just don’t know where to start. In either case a helping hand would not go amiss. Pre-booked car rental direct from the airport terminals is actually very easy.

These top ten tips will help you to cut down on the time and effort finding and choosing the best Heathrow Airport car rental company for your needs.

1. Book the right vehicle for your needs
When booking you should make sure that you have opted for the type of vehicle which is most suited to your requirements, i.e., 4-wheel drive, people carrier or nippy runabout. You will need to pre-book child seats, booster seats, ski racks or roof racks and bear in mind you will need to put the luggage somewhere, so check your choice of car will allow for this.

2. Stick to the truth
It is important to be honest with your chosen car hire company. Some companies impose age restrictions or surcharges for drivers under 25 or over 65 – and do come clean about endorsements otherwise your insurance may be held invalid in the case of a claim.

3. Check the Heathrow car hire small print
Always read the terms and conditions which provide information on any limited mileage, deposit for a full fuel tank, one way rentals, congestion charges, parking and traffic fines and cancellation charges. These details can normally be easily found on the individual car hire company web sites. Keep reading for details of where to find these companies all in one place.

4. Car hire Heathrow opening times
Check that your chosen car hire company is open 24/7 at the terminal and that there is a key drop facility for returns in case you are running late.

5. Check for damage
When collecting your car, check around the vehicle for damage and get a signature from the Heathrow Airport car rental company acknowledging any damage you may find.

6. Confirm fuel
Ensure you know what type of fuel your vehicle takes, it is not always obvious, and can result in a catastrophe if you fill the car up with the wrong juice!

7. Pre-Departure Checks
Check and mark down the fuel gauge and mileage readings before you set off. Most Heathrow Airport car hire companies will request that you return the vehicle with the same fuel the car had in the tank when you collected the vehicle and mileage restrictions are often detailed in your terms and conditions.

8. Don’t Get Lost!
On arrival at the Airport, the companies offering car hire can be found in the Terminal Buildings. Ask for a map for your journey, all good hire car companies will supply them.

9. Book in Advance for Early Bird Discounts
It is definitely advantageous to book in advance, this will get you the best rates in comparison to just turning up on the day. Some companies also offer early booking discounts – so get on the case as soon as you have confirmed flight details.

10. Search Online for Heathrow Airport Car Rental
A large number of companies offer Heathrow Airport car hire, so finding and choosing the best one for your needs can be time consuming. The internet has helped to cut down the research time, and websites such as the Heathrow Airport Information site provides information on Heathrow Airport car hire all in one place, putting an end to trawling through the internet looking for what you want. The Heathrow Airport Information website enables visitors to access the top car rental suppliers, helping visitors to compare the cars and prices on offer and find the best deals available.

All you need to do now is follow these simple steps for a hassle free route to searching and booking your Heathrow Airport car rental.

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