{"id":21218,"date":"2018-02-14T10:00:24","date_gmt":"2018-02-14T10:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=21218"},"modified":"2025-02-24T15:43:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T15:43:44","slug":"top-tips-for-a-stress-free-car-hire-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/top-tips-for-a-stress-free-car-hire-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Tips for a Stress-free Car Hire Collection"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Updated for 2025*<\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Links<\/h6>\n

Documentation<\/a> | Pre-paid Voucher<\/a> | Where to Go<\/a> | Check Damages<\/a> | Know the Car<\/a> | Need Help?<\/a><\/p>\n

When you arrive at your destination after a tiring flight, no doubt you\u2019re keen just to collect your car and head off as quickly as possible. Ever heard of the phrase short term pain, long term gain? Well that certainly rings true when collecting your hire car.<\/p>\n

By spending a few minutes familiarising yourself with the vehicle, you may save yourself a lot of hassle en-route. Read our handy guide to help you head off to enjoy your holiday with as little hassle as possible.<\/p>\n

\"Stress-free<\/p>\n

<\/a>Check your documentation<\/h2>\n

Before travelling, check that your driving licence, passport and credit card are still valid and have not expired. We would advise you to do this prior to booking, or at the least 2-4 weeks before travelling to give you time to request replacements\/renewals if required. Some car rental providers in certain locations will also require other paperwork, such as proof of address or an International Driver\u2019s Permit. This can be especially true if you\u2019re hiring a car in the UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Have your pre-paid rental voucher handy<\/h2>\n

All bookings made through Zest will have a pre-paid car hire voucher. You will need this printed and to hand when you collect the vehicle. The voucher contains details that prove that you have pre-paid for the hire car and allows the representative to track your booking, providing you with the correct vehicle category.<\/p>\n

Zest recommends\u2026<\/em>
\nIf you\u2019re unable to print your car rental voucher, or don\u2019t receive it, contact<\/a> our Customer Support Team. You\u2019ll also need to contact them if you arrive at your destination and you\u2019ve forgotten or misplaced your voucher.<\/p>\n

Why this is important:<\/em>
\nWithout your voucher, your collection may be delayed or even cancelled!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Know where to go for collection<\/h2>\n

Your rental voucher will contain collection details and instructions for locating the representative from the car rental provider. There are various collection procedures available, which you can find out about here<\/a>, and these will be highlighted when you book on our website. Make sure you pick a car rental provider that can offer a collection procedure that suits you, and be familiar with the collection instructions when you arrive at your destination.<\/p>\n

Zest recommends\u2026<\/em>
\nIf your flight is delayed or cancelled, you need to inform us as soon as you can.<\/p>\n

Why this is important:<\/em>
\nFailure to arrive at your chosen collection time may result in the vehicle being unavailable to you. Find out more about how a delayed or cancelled flight can affect your car hire booking<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Zest recommends\u2026<\/em>
\nIf you\u2019re unsure about where to go to collect your vehicle, contact us immediately. A dedicated member of our Customer Support Team is available on our emergency helpline 24\/7. We would rather you contact us immediately so we can help you than waste vital holiday time!<\/p>\n

<\/a>Know what type of vehicle you should receive<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re not sure that you\u2019ve received the right vehicle, query this with the representative. Although an exact model can\u2019t be guaranteed, you should always receive a vehicle that\u2019s similar to the specifications you booked. You can find out more here about why the vehicle you receive on collection might be different<\/a> to the one shown when you booked. If you\u2019re still unsure, contact us for clarification.<\/p>\n

\"Stress-free<\/p>\n

<\/a>Check for any blemishes<\/h2>\n

We advise you to inspect the vehicle carefully when you arrive. Generally, the car rental provider will note down any pre-existing damage on the hire documentation. However, if you notice any damage which is not detailed, bring it to the attention of the representative right away.<\/p>\n

Be sure to also check the spare tyre of the vehicle to ensure it’s present and is safe to use, should it be necessary.<\/p>\n

Zest recommends\u2026<\/em>
\nMake sure that you also take photographs of the vehicle upon collection and return, including the fuel gauge. A video can also be helpful.<\/p>\n

Why this is important:<\/em>
\nIt ensures that any damage noticed when you return the vehicle is not charged to yourself, if you\u2019ve not caused it.<\/p>\n

Get to know the vehicle<\/h2>\n

Familiarise yourself with the controls, including the indicators and air-conditioning. At this point, if you\u2019re unsure of how to operate something, inform the representative from the car rental provider right away. They will be able to assist you.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve hired a Sat-Nav, you may find it\u2019s been left in a different language, probably the language of the person who hired it before you. You may not be able to check this as you head off, but if you find you\u2019re unable to change the settings, ensure you contact the car rental provider for help.<\/p>\n

Why this is important:<\/em>
\nDon\u2019t wait until you have driven away to get acquainted with the main controls of the hire car. It can be extremely difficult (and dangerous) to try and focus your attention on finding the air-conditioning button, whilst trying to navigate around unfamiliar roads!<\/p>\n

Look over the vitals of your car<\/h2>\n

There are key aspects of your vehicle that you should give a cursory look over before driving away from the car rental provider. These include;<\/p>\n