Car hire problems: What happens if things go wrong?

Sometimes things go wrong, especially when it comes to cars and driving in unfamiliar conditions. With car hire reaching its busiest period, we thought we’d share our advice on what happens if things go wrong. Punctures, breakdowns and collisions; whilst they are rare car hire problems, they can happen. The key is don’t panic…

I’ve got a puncture

The first piece of advice we can offer in the case of a puncture in your hire car is do not drive with a puncture. As soon as you recognise you have a puncture you should pull over somewhere safe. Driving a hire car with a puncture can lead to damaged wheel rims and suspension, amongst other vital components.

If there is a spare wheel and you’re confident enough to change it, then a quick swap will get you on the road again. But you must call the rental provider and return the car to them for a new tyre. Most cars these days feature “space saver” spare wheel which cannot be driven on for too long. If there is no spare or you do not feel you can change the wheel, the next step is to call breakdown assistance. You will have been given their contact details when collecting the car. They will be able to collect you and the vehicle and take you back to the rental office. They’ll either provide you with a new vehicle or replace the punctured tyre.

In some instances, you will be charged for the puncture. If you are charged, depending on your insurance level, you can apply for reimbursement when you arrive home. If you’re in any doubt, you can call us.

There’s a warning light on the dashboard

Once again, don’t panic. Pull over in a safe place and try to work out just what that light could be for. Most modern vehicles will explain what the warning light means. It could be something simple such as low washer fluid. This can be topped up when you arrive back at your accommodation. However, if it’s something more serious, the vehicle may need recovering.

If in doubt though, call the rental provider or the breakdown assistance. If there is no luck with either, you can always call us and we’ll do all we can to help.

I’ve cracked the windscreen

This could be a simple chip from a stone, to a complete break. With any vehicle damage, it’s best to pull over to ascertain the extent of the damage. Check that the chip hasn’t spread and damaged the windscreen more. As with your own car, if you think the damage is too heavy to drive, don’t drive. Once again, call the rental provider or us and it can be dealt with. Usually, just a chip will result in a quick repair, but a fully cracked windscreen may need replacing. If you’ve taken our top-up, you can claim back the damage costs when you arrive home.

The car has stopped working

If the car completely breaks down and stops working, call the rental provider or breakdown assistance as soon as possible. If you can’t pull over to a safe place, make sure the hazard lights are on and you are in a safe place before calling.

Usually, the breakdown assistance will be with you swiftly, especially if you are blocking traffic. You’ll be taken back to your accommodation or rental office, this is either by taxi or the recovery vehicle.

Once you’ve returned to the office or accommodation, the provider will get a replacement vehicle to you. If the breakdown is due to negligence, you may be refused a replacement.

I’ve had an accident

Accidents happen whether you’re driving abroad or driving at home. As intimidating as it might be if you have an accident abroad, it doesn’t have to be. Once more, don’t panic and follow our advice and you shouldn’t go too far wrong.

First things first, if a third party is involved, get their details. It’s worth taking lots of photos of the car and the scene and complete a damage report. If there are witnesses, try to get their details and their account of what happened. You should also obtain a police report as soon as you can. Finally, you must contact the rental provider, their details can be found on your car hire voucher. If you can’t get hold of them, call us.

The overarching piece of advice we can offer when things go wrong is not to panic. We appreciate that sometimes things can go wrong but we’re always on hand to help. Make sure you contact the rental provider or us as soon as possible if you encounter any problems. If you have any questions or worries before, during or after your rental, simply check out our FAQs or contact us and we’ll assist you.