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Do car rental companies check your driving record?

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There are a number of factors involved in determining whether someone is able to rent a car. The rental company will take into account the driver’s age, their driver’s license, and on occasion, their driving record. You can find out more at the DriveNow website.

While each rental company will have different ways of processing rental applications, some will carry out random checks on driving records to screen for high-risk drivers.

If the driver is deemed to be too high risk because of their driving record, the rental company may refuse to allow them to hire a car. This could include the driver having multiple points on their license, accidents or violations, or driving convictions such as drunk driving.

What does affect car rental?

While driving records aren’t always taken into account, there are a number of factors that will come into the rental process. These factors can affect whether or not the driver is allowed to rent a car, and how much the car rental will cost overall.

Age
Many rental companies only allow drivers over 25 to rent their cars, however, some will hire to drivers as young as 21, but this may involve a young driver’s surcharge. Insurance is the main factor in this, as younger drivers are generally deemed to be higher risk.

Rental Period
The length of time you hire the car will also affect how much you pay. You may find that shorter rentals will cost more per day than longer rentals. Some rental companies offer special deals for longer periods.

Extras
One of the biggest factors for determining price is the number of extras you take out with the rental car. You can include baby and child seats if needed, GPS units, and extra insurance or excess waivers. These extras can really add up, especially if you are hiring the car over a long period.

Mileage
Some hire cars will come with unlimited mileage, some will include a certain amount over the rental period. Think about much driving you plan on doing, and be careful not to go over the allotted amount, as extra kms can be expensive. Some rental companies allow you to buy extra mileage packages.

One-Way Trips
If you pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another city, the rental company may charge you a one-way fee. This is usually to cover their costs of returning the car to the original branch.

Airport Pick-up
If you choose to pick up or drop off the car at the airport, you may get charged an airport “tax” or fee. Again, this helps to cover the costs of operating at the airport. If you want to skip this fee, check out non-airport branches for pick-up. You can get Car hire Cairns with DriveNow.

These are just a few factors car hire companies may take into account when processing your rental application. Each rental company abides by certain rules and regulations, so if you are unsure about any aspect of hiring a car, you should check with the rental company direct.

Border to Border Travel in Israel

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Israel may be a small country by almost any standard, however should you wish to tour extensively it is imperative that you have access to a car. The public transport system is Israel is still in its development stages and access to the extremities of the country is not exactly to the standard of similar first world countries.

Thankfully the car rental market in Israel is well developed with many of the world’s multinational companies having a presence in Israel. These companies face active competition from reputable, local companies. Consequently, if you are considering border to border travel in Israel, a great way to see the country, long term can rental in Israel can usually be achieved easily and for a fair price.

Israel stretches 424 km (263 mi) from north to south, and its width ranges from 114 km (71 mi) to, at its narrowest point, 15 km (9.3 mi). As alluded to above, Israel really is a tiny country. However, to reach the Red Sea tourist resort of Eilat at Israel’s southern tip requires you to either take a flight, take a long, stuffy bus drive, or hire a car and go it alone or with your travel partner.

It is a similar situation when traveling to the north. Should you wish to explore the many historical and religiously significant sites associated with the north, such as the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth, there is no train transportation to take you to those destinations. Bus transport is available as well as taxi services, but long term car rental in Israel is definitely more economic than a taxi and affords you the greatest degree of flexibility in your travel plans.

With regard to travel Israel from east to west, you could probably do it on foot (just kidding) but the necessity for having a car at your beck and call cannot be underestimated.

There are an abundance of things to see and do in Israel spread across the length and breadth of the country – unique sites that are only available to be enjoyed in Israel. Should you wish to get a proper feel for the country and its people, and if you have a spirit of adventure, it is best to hire a car and get to really know Israel. I have absolutely no doubt that you won’t be disappointed.

Holiday Autos 15% off code for late summer car hire

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Holiday Autos 15% Off code for late summer car hire

Escape to the sun this Autumn and save 15% on car hire!

From now until midnight on Thursday 16th August, get 15% off September & October bookings to Spain, Crete, Cyprus, Turkey & Italy. This is a great offer if you are starting to look at an Autumn getaway.

Offer details:

Code: HAAUG15
Destinations on sale: Spain, Crete, Cyprus, Turkey & Italy
Booking period: Monday 13th – Thursday 16th August
Pick up period: 1st September – 31st October 2012
Minimum Rental Duration: None

Holiday Autos 15% off code for late summer car hire

Road Tripping across Madrid with 25% off Car Hire

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In the heart of Spain, Madrid really is the ideal place for an introduction to Spanish culture, history and everyday life. If you are planning a stay in the Spanish capital, why not hire a car and trek across the city like a true Madrileño or Madrileña? For today only (May 17th), Holiday Autos are offering a 25% price drop on car rental in Madrid – a discount you can use on any Madrid holiday up until October 31st 2012.

To celebrate its 25th Birthday, Holiday Autos is offering 25% off car hire over 25 days across 25 different locations. The deal is available for pick-ups until the end of October this year. The spotlight is on Madrid today – so you have until midnight tonight (May 17th) to book your car rental. It’s a good idea considering there is so much to see right across the city:

Madrid has a wealth of museums but if you only have time to see one museum in Madrid, the Prado Museum is the obvious choice. It boasts one of the largest art collections in the world and is best known for its diverse masterpieces by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco. For those with a few more days to play with there is also the Reina Sofia and Thyssen museum which are both well worth a visit.

Another Madrid ‘must do’ is a visit to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a residence of the King of Spain. It was completed mid-18th century during the reign of Ferdinand VI and is known for its beauty and master craftsmanship. Particularly stunning are the Rococo staircase and Porcelain room whose walls are, surprise surprise, lined with porcelain.

For any sports fan, a trip to Madrid is not complete without a visit to the Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid football club. Try to catch an El Classico match with their fiercely competitive rivals Barcelona, or a quick tour of the impressive stadium on a non match day.

It’s always a nice drive to perhaps the ‘symbol’ of Madrid – the Cybeles Fountain. Cybeles was the Greek God of fertility and the fountain shows her in a carriage that is drawn by a pair of lions. The buildings that surround the plaza make it particularly impressive, including the Banco de Espana, the Buenavista Palace (Spanish Army headquarters) and the Correos y Telegrafos Building (City Hall).

The best recommendation would be to hire a car in Madrid and delve into the ‘hidden city’, following your nose and getting to know Madrid like the locals – you won’t regret taking a road trip!

For further details on the Holiday Autos sale, the complete list of locations included in the offer, and to look over the terms and conditions, visit http://www.holidayautos.co.uk/sale/.