Whether you are renting for the first time or have experienced it many times, every trip requires new planning. In this article, we shed light on the car rental process with practical information that will save both your budget and time.
Don't let complicated terms and long procedures intimidate you. The easy-to-understand guide we have prepared for you below reduces car rental via bilet.com to a few steps. Let's get started!
Choosing a Company: Don't Trust Everyone, Be Selective
When you are going to rent a car, the first question that comes to your mind is probably: “Where should I rent a car from?” This is where Bilet.com comes in! With its easy-to-use interface that brings together the most reliable companies, you can benefit from Bilet.com’s car rental service with peace of mind. We are sure that it will help you a lot when making your decision with its price comparison, user comments and cancellation/refund options.Setting a Budget: Anticipating Surprise Expenses
Before renting a car, ask yourself this question: “How much am I willing to spend in total?”You should leave room not only for the car rental fee but also for extra expenses.
Friendly advice:
- The cheapest price is not always the most advantageous one.
- Taxes, insurance, HGS and delivery fees are sometimes added later.
- Find out how much of the deposit will be refunded and when it will be resolved.
Skipping Damage Assessment: Avoid the “It Was Already There” Argument
When you go to pick up the car, you may be excited to grab the keys and leave, but stop for a minute. Never set off without examining the car in detail.To do list:
- Visually inspect the car from the outside and inside.
- If there is a scratch, dent, glass crack or upholstery stain, take a photo of it immediately.
- Report everything you see to the company representative. If necessary, make notes on the detection form together.
- Don't say "oh dear, nothing will happen" in between. This step is very important in order not to have any problems on your way back.
Travel Route: Where Will You Go, How Long Will You Go?
Are you going to drive around the city or go on a long journey? The route you will take will determine which vehicle you will choose and which package is suitable.For example:
- If you are only going to travel within the city, a small and economical vehicle will do the job.
- If you are going to do a long route like an Aegean tour, you will need a more comfortable and durable model.
- If you're going somewhere mountainous or rugged, look for tall vehicles like SUVs.
Know Your Delivery Points in Advance: No Last-Minute Rush
Where will you rent or return the vehicle?This detail is often overlooked, but it is actually quite critical. Especially when racing against time in busy areas such as airports or bus stations, the question of “Where will the vehicle be delivered?” can become annoying.
Things you should pay attention to:
- Office, parking lot, specific shuttle point?
- Is delivery possible outside business hours?
- Is there a “one way” delivery option if you plan to drop off in a different city?
Don't Sign a Contract Without Reading It: Small Print May Contain Big Details
You like the car, everything is ready, damages have been checked. Now it's time to sign... But wait!If you just say the contract is a “formality” and leave it at that, you may miss out on items that will bother you later. Remember, the contract both protects and binds you. Taking 5 minutes to read it carefully will prevent any possible surprises.
What should you look for?
- Insurance coverage and exemption conditions
- Mileage limit and fuel policy
- List of additional charges (young driver, late delivery, extra cleaning, etc.)
- Procedures to be followed in case of cancellation/cancellation
Are There Any Mileage Limits or Restrictions?
Some rental companies set a daily mileage limit. If you exceed it, you may be charged extra.It is useful to know that:
- “Unlimited mileage” generally makes more sense for those who will be doing long distances.
- For short-term rentals, a limit of 250-300 km/day may be sufficient.
- There are also companies that set total limits rather than daily limits, so be careful.
Vehicle Class Selection: Comfort or Economy?
When renting a car, think about your current needs. The feeling of “Let me rent the coolest car” can sometimes turn into unnecessary expenses.Quick notes:
- Economy class (Fiat Egea, Renault Clio): Consumes less fuel, ideal for city use.
- Mid-range (Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla): Balance between city and highway driving.
- SUV / 7-seater vehicles: Large families, large luggage, high driving comfort.
Fuel Type Check: Gasoline, Diesel or Hybrid?
Which fuel you choose depends directly on your travel route.A quick comparison:
- Gasoline: Ideal for short distances, quiet engine, low maintenance costs.
- Diesel: More economical on long journeys, but can be noisy in daily use.
- Hybrid/Electric: Environmentally friendly and economical in the city, but may be a problem if charging stations are few.
Additional Drive Option: Pass If You’re Going to Use It Alone, But…
It can be difficult to be behind the wheel all the time on long journeys. If the person next to you also has a driver’s license and you will be driving alternately, you should select the “additional driver” option.What you need to know:
- Some companies charge extra for additional drivers.
- There are also companies that offer it for free, but they definitely ask for ID and driver's license information.
- If the additional driver is not introduced, insurance may be invalid in case of an accident!
Insurance and Assurance Packages: What is Required, What is Optional?
Don't ignore insurance when renting a car. It is important to distinguish between mandatory and optional insurance.- Compulsory insurance : In Turkey, compulsory traffic insurance is included in the price.
- Car Insurance (CDW) : Covers most of the costs incurred in case of damage, but may have a deductible.
- Full insurance : Covers items that are generally excluded, such as glass, tires, headlights, etc. These packages can be considered to avoid surprise expenses.
Receiving and Delivery Processes
It is important not to rush when picking up the rental car.- Credit card : A credit card is generally required for car rental. A deposit block may be taken.
- Damage control : When you pick up the vehicle, mark any damage such as scratches, dents, etc. It is useful to take photos to avoid problems when returning.
Additional Fees and Hidden Costs
Even if the price seems reasonable at first, it is possible to encounter some additional charges.- One way fee : If you are returning the vehicle in a different city, an extra fee may apply.
- Baby/child seat : If you are traveling with your family, be sure to reserve it in advance.
- HGS/OGS : The fee for using automatic toll systems is sometimes reflected on the vehicle.
- Young driver fee : Drivers under the age of 21 or with less than 2 years of driving licence may be charged an extra fee.
Restrictions on Travelling Abroad or Island-Land Passage
Each company may apply different rules.- Travelling abroad usually requires special permission. If you want to travel to the Greek islands or Bulgaria by car, be sure to get information in advance.
- Some companies do not approve ferry crossings. It is useful to clarify this issue in advance, especially in holiday resorts.
Steps Made Easy with Bilet.com
Bilet.com car rental platform stands out with several practical features that eliminate confusion:- With real-time price comparison, you can see options from different companies at the same time.
- Free cancellation option protects you from additional charges in case of last minute changes.
- Thanks to the secure reservation infrastructure, you can enter your information with peace of mind.
Practical Checklist
- Have budget and mileage limits been checked?
- Are the vehicle class and luggage capacity suitable?
- Is insurance coverage understood?
- Has the damage control form been signed?
- Have additional drivers been added (if needed)?
- Have permissions such as ferry/island crossings been clarified?
- Have you learned all the extra fees (baby seat, HGS, one way)?