Rental car how to avoid trouble on vacation

adminonFebruary 24, 2022February 11, 2022Leave a Comment

Booking a rental car for your vacation is quick and easy. With new offers, customers are better protected in the event of a claim. stiftung warentest experts explain what’s important when booking through online portals and how to protect yourself from pitfalls.

Overview

Take your time for a comparison

Not only sun, beach and sea, but also getting to know the country and its people – this is the wish of many holidaymakers. A rental car is your first choice. you can book the car quickly and easily from home. To avoid hassle, customers should take a little time to compare offers beforehand. Rental car comparison portals such as check24 are recommended for this purpose.De, cheap car hire.De or rental car check.De. advantage of the portals: they keep the rental conditions of foreign rental companies ready in german. In addition, the calculators are easy to use. travel enthusiasts just type in when and where they want to rent a car and start the price comparison. You can then filter the offers according to your wishes.

Three contract partners

But before customers click on the most important criteria for a good offer, they should know who their contract partners are. Unlike renting a car directly at your vacation destination, you do not have just one contractual partner, but three (see graphic below).

1. Comparison portal. Online customers look for a good offer. You can book with the portal and usually cancel free of charge 24 hours before the start of the rental period. Most of the portals have a call center that helps in case of questions and complaints.

2. intermediary. Customers see in the results list of the portal almost only offers from intermediaries, for example, autoeurope, cardelmar, sunny cars and drivefti. They conclude contracts for car rental contingents with car rental companies at the vacation destination. In addition, you can often book a vehicle with comprehensive insurance, which includes an excess in the event of damage. Both ensure the most favorable prices, which they pass on to the vacationers. Customers pay for the rental car in advance with the agent.

3. Rent a car. The customer only concludes the rental contract for the car with the rental company at the vacation destination. And to him he must turn if the car has a scratch or dents that are not in the handover report. The rental company determines the amount of the deductible or also what additional costs are incurred, for example, for a car return outside the opening hours, for child seats or a navigation system. Such information summarizes the comparison portals well.

Our advice

Three important clicks

in comparison calculators, customers can check certain boxes to specify important contract details. Who does this is better protected especially in case of damage.

1. Book without deductible

A dent or a scratch, that happens quickly. In the event of damage to the rental car, the fully comprehensive insurance one. Often travelers have to pay a deductible – usually in the amount of the deposit. in popular mediterranean locations, deposits of 800 to 1 100 euros are normal – even for small cars.

If customers click on the filter criterion "without deductible", they are protected from these costs. Until now, there were usually offers where travelers first paid the deductible to the rental company on site in the event of damage and then recovered it from the intermediary. This rule repeatedly causes trouble, as we know from letters from our readers. Because in order to get the refund, customers must provide the agent with supporting documents, for example, a police record. This also applies to small dents. If you do not have receipts or submit them too late, you may be left with the costs.

Since recently, there is the possibility to search for contracts with a "real" fully comprehensive insurance, where customers do not have to advance any money in case of damage and do not have to get it back from the agent.

For this click at check24 the filter "without excess and no payment" to. "with these offers, the local rental company has no incentive to sell additional insurance at pickup," says fabio garzotto of check24. Even dents or scratches for which the customer is not responsible cannot be charged for. Check24 introduced the filter criterion in 2019.

At cheap-car-rental.De the filter is called "fully comprehensive and theft protection without excess". So far, it is only available for bookings via smartphone. Frieder bechtel, spokesman for the portal, announces: "by the beginning of april at the latest, we will have the filter on all internet-enabled devices."

Tip: compare the prices of two contract variants with fully comprehensive insurance:

With "100% refund" of the deductible and
Without paying a deductible.

The hassle free version without payment costs for small cars – depending on destination, provider and season – between 15 euro and 60 euro more per week. The deposit is often significantly lower for this. Important: check if the "real" fully comprehensive insurance also covers glass, tires and the roof of the car. If not, click this in any case.

If you choose a contract with reimbursement of the deductible, read in the rental conditions check which Duties you in case of damage have.

Independent. Lens. Incorruptible.

2. Only with a good customer rating

On the portals, former customers can rate the landlord. This is especially important for those who choose a contract with reimbursement of the excess in the event of a claim. The portals award stars that refer to all stations in the respective vacation country.

Tip: click "good landlord rating" at billiger-mietwagen.De on. You will then see landlords with at least four out of five stars. At check24 you can search more specifically further down in the filter under "customer rating. Check how expensive a rental company with more stars is. Read customer reviews and search specifically for experiences that others have had with rental companies at the vacation destination. Avoid landlords who try to sell unnecessary insurance on the spot. To the european consumer center, the company is goldcar negative.

3. Pay attention to the fuel regime

Recommendable is the regulation to rent the car with a full tank and to return it the same way. This way you can avoid additional costs. At the portals you have to click on "fair" or "good" fuel regulation. If you don’t check the box, you may have to buy the first tank of gas from the rental company, but you can return the car empty. Disadvantage: the landlord charges higher prices for the fuel than the gas station and sometimes also a service fee.

Martens have long since become accustomed to us humans and have declared our settlements their territory. Unfortunately, it often causes damage in the process. Find out here why this is so, how you can recognize marten damage and what you can do about it.

It is the stone marten that nests in our engine compartments and attics. because he has quickly discovered that the living conditions in the cities are better for him. As cute as it looks, it can cause considerable damage, resulting in high costs. Whether in the car or on the house, we explain what you need to know about the marten.

Marten& marten damage to the car
Marten& marten damage in the house
The marten: nocturnal loner

Marten damage to the car

Why do martens attack cars??
What you should do in case of marten damage?
Marten damage and insurance: who pays?
How can I prevent and prevent a marten damage?

Why do martens go after cars?

Martens are very curious, alert animals. Active at night, they like to explore their surroundings in the dark. As solitary animals, martens occupy a relatively large territory in which they constantly switch back and forth between several hiding places. Unfortunately, the engine compartment of a parked car is also a good hiding place for a marten from light, noise and people walking by.

Why do martens bite cables?

Martens are solitary animals and mark their territory with scent marks – including in the engine compartment. If another marten now explores it, for example if you park your car in different places, the smell of the previous marten provokes and makes the animal aggressive. Then he wants to "bite away" the smell and attacks cables, hoses and co. This is most critical in the mating season from march to june/july – this is therefore considered the marten season.

Which car parts are particularly affected?

A damaged engine part is normally not the problem, but the consequential damage, which can result in high costs and risks and is usually only detected after some time. For example, destroyed hoses and cables can eventually overheat the engine and cause engine damage, or bitten rubber sleeves can affect the steering over time.

Most frequently affected by marten bites are hoses, cables and insulation mats. © istock/shootingrichard

The following parts in the engine are often affected by marten bites:

Hoses for coolant and windshield wiper water
Power cables and their insulation
Ignition cable
Bellows for the drive and steering system
Insulation mats
Rather rare: brake hoses, fuel lines, fan belts and tires

What should I do in the event of marten damage??

In a few cases, the car is completely paralyzed and you often only notice the consequences during operation. Therefore, you should check your engine compartment regularly, especially during the marten season. Acute consequences are usually not so bad and can be quickly repaired. It’s usually only the consequential damage that becomes expensive.

How can I recognize a marten damage??

A drop in performance or flashing of the warning lights can often be an indication of marten damage. Then you should definitely go to the nearest repair shop.

If you notice footprints or marten hairs on the bodywork or in the engine compartment, if you smell secretions or feces, or if you discover bite marks on cables and hoses or even tattered insulation mats, you should definitely have a professional take a look in your engine compartment.

Traces of martens on the bodywork: take a precautionary look under the hood. © istock/stgrafix

What does marten damage cost??

Since the 1980s, damage to cars by pine martens has been on the increase. martens cause around 60 million euros worth of damage to motor vehicles every year. According to GDV statistics, 207 martens were damaged in 2014.000 cases reported to insurers, who paid out around 63 million euros in insurance benefits for the resulting marten damage. The average cost per marten bite is approx. 304 euro. Compared to 2010, when the average cost was around 254 euros.

Marten damage and insurance: who pays??

Consequential damage can quickly run into five figures, so insurance can save you money and trouble. But there are a few things to consider, so always read the insurance policy carefully.

The liability of a car insurance is not liable in case of marten damage. Not all partial coverage insurance companies will cover the costs of bites; most insurance companies only offer these in additional tariffs. Here you should note that you often have to pay an excess, which is usually about 150 euros per claim.

Usually only the costs for direct damage are covered, but not for consequential damage. In the worst case, the gnawed brake hose is replaced, but not the serious accident. Even fully comprehensive insurance usually only reimburses direct damage. In areas with high marten activity, it’s best to consider special marten or supplementary insurance – it can quickly pay off.

Prevent and prevent marten damage?

Martens do not like to enter a tightly woven wire under the engine.
Metal plates that emit electric shocks drive martens away without endangering their health – they should be attached at the entry points.
Marten scent mark remover sprays should help remove the scent marks.
Ultrasonic waves, whose frequency we do not hear, but which martens find unpleasant, are supposed to drive the animals away.

Electric shocks can help to prevent martens from entering the house. © istock/philmoto

But always keep in mind that martens are initially deterred by these measures, but can then quickly get used to them. The most effective protection is therefore the complete sealing off of the engine compartment or at least the most sensitive components.

Marten in house and garden

Where do martens live?
How to recognize a marten in the house?
Marten damage in the house and insurance: who pays??
How to get a marten off the roof?

Where do martens live?

stone martens have always preferred to live in crevices and small caves. Since they now also live in human settlements as cultural successors, they are found here preferentially in walls, sheds, piles of stones, but also – most worrying for us – in attics.

In their quite large territory, they often cover long distances, switching between their many hiding places. If you think the marten has left your roof, it may just be in one of its other hiding places.

How to recognize a marten in the house?

Martens are nocturnal, so many residents only become aware of the new subtenants after a while through nocturnal rumbling in the attic – especially when the young animals are being raised. But also marten feces, fur tufts, scratch marks on plants and house facades or carrion and food remains can point to the rodents.

How do martens get under the roof?

stone martens can climb very well and even jump over two meters. You can therefore get onto the roof via trees, plants, gutters or walls. Even small ventilation slits, wall holes or loose roof tiles are enough to get into false ceilings and hollow spaces. Martens always have several escape routes and therefore also several entrances.

Martens can jump over two meters © istock/scigelova

What damage can martens do?

Martens burrow through tunnels in the roof insulation, so that it loses its insulating effect. It becomes even more critical if they gnaw on cables, power and antenna cables or elements of a solar system – this can result in high repair costs. These can also come to you, if the animal scratches the facade or even drags carrion into the house, so that maggots and flies form. In addition, martens can also transmit diseases such as rabies.

Since stone martens are very clean animals, they separate their sleeping area, pantry and toilet. The urine can then penetrate the ground in the same place and damage it or become very unpleasant due to the odor.

Marten damage in the house and insurance: who pays??

marten damage to the roof can often result in high costs. homeowner’s insurance does not cover it, because basically homeowner’s insurance insures the home. This usually only applies to damage caused by fire, pipe water, storms and hail.

So if you want to protect yourself against damage caused by wild animals, you should make sure that your insurance policy includes extended cover for them. If you have a photovoltaic system on the roof, an extra insurance for this normally also covers marten damage.

How to get a marten off the roof?

Many try to drive away martens with smells and loud music, knocking or ultrasound. This makes the stay unpleasant for the marten, but he usually only changes his hiding place for a while and then comes back again.

Marten traps kill the animals, but since martens are subject to hunting laws, they may not be set up by amateurs. In addition, this also offers no protection in the long term, because another marten will then probably take over the dwelling.

What methods really help?

In the long run, the only thing that helps is to find and close the loopholes. to recognize them, you can look for scratch marks on the facade or make a sandy area around your house to recognize the tracks.

But be careful! The holes should not be closed when the animal is in the house and certainly not when the marten has young animals. Otherwise the rodents starve to death or cause even more damage when they escape. It is generally recommended that you seek professional assistance in driving them away.

How to prevent marten damage?

Check your attic regularly and make sure that there are no loopholes for martens. Although it should not then come so far, you can also preventively seal off all lines and cables.

The marten

Marten is a very broad term and also covers, among other things, ermine, otter and even badger. In Germany, only two species are considered "real martens": the pine marten and the stone marten.

While pine martens live in the forest or sometimes in the park, stone martens have followed us into the city. As nocturnal solitary animals, we rarely see them, but they do explore quite large territories of approx. 10 to 200 hectares. They mark their territory with a secretion in order to defend it against conspecifics.

territorial fights at mating time

Other than assumed by many, martens do not hibernate and therefore like to visit the still warm engine compartment of cars in the cold season. However, territorial fights and engine damage caused by martens mainly occur between march and june/july, the animals’ mating season.

Marten become between 3 and 10 years old. From the second year of life they are sexually mature and mate, until in the following april usually 3-5 young are born. These are initially blind and are cared for by the mother for two months. At the end of september they are already independent.

hefty penalties for illegal marten hunting

Some marten species are protected, but this does not apply to the stone marten. However, it is subject to hunting laws and may therefore only be hunted with a hunting license. But even here there are a few things to consider, such as the hibernation period of the animals. The illegal hunting of martens can be punished with fines up to 5.000 euro or even a 5-year prison sentence can be imposed.

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Scherer 'auto-campus': new VW showroom design celebrates premiere

Customer-oriented, communicative, ecological: Germany’s first VW dealership to be designed according to the "new brand design" is located in Bingen the brand was built. the scherer group wants to use the location to focus more on people.

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the scherer group was the first VW dealer in germany to implement the brand’s new showroom CI. The "new brand design" for seat, skoda The new plant is the centerpiece of the "auto campus," which opened in early summer at the freeway junction nahetal in bingen, the company from the hunsruck region communicated. In addition to design aspects, particular importance was attached to customer friendliness and the smallest possible ecological footprint, explained company boss christian scherer.

The light-flooded architecture of the car dealership is no longer intended to focus solely on the vehicles, but also on the people who use them. A central highlight stage serves as an emotional eye-catcher, on which vehicles can be effectively presented in rotation. Numerous seating areas in gray and blue invite customers to linger and communicate.

"Configurator lounges" enhancing the customer experience

The transition to the consulting areas is smooth, emphasized Scherer. The "configurator-lounges, as the automotive entrepreneur calls this in-house development, are open to the sales area, but offer the privacy appreciated by customers thanks to ceiling-high partitions to the left and right. The screens on the partition walls are eye-catching. Scherer: "instead of a central configuration area, we have equipped each salesperson’s workstation with its own large-screen monitor. This gives customers the opportunity to experience the equipment variants digitally visualized in dialog with their advisor – right down to the smallest detail and at their leisure."

Scherer group – new VW dealership in bingen

The new car dealership is also expected to score points with 45 percent lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to a k reference property. In order to cover the electricity demand, which also flows into an extensive charging infrastructure for the growing number of e-vehicles, scherer has installed a 450 kwp photovoltaic system on its roof. In order to store excess electricity and to absorb peak loads, a 200-kWh electricity storage system was also connected. When electricity has to be purchased on dark winter days, it comes exclusively from renewable energy sources.

The company underlines its sustainable energy concept with a specially constructed exterior wall with wood lamella cladding. "By using wood as a renewable raw material in our building, we not only want to create a visual contrast to the metal and glass materials that dominate the exterior, but also make it clear that sustainability plays a major role in our planning.", says scherer.

In addition to the new VW dealership, a new skoda dealership now also complements the "auto campus. It follows the familiar design guidelines of the czech car manufacturer. Six brands of the volkswagen group have now found a new home on the extensive site: audi, cupra, seat, skoda, volkswagen and volkswagen commercial vehicles. In addition to new cars, the showroom area, initially designed for 340 cars, will also feature quality used cars from the respective manufacturers – from "audi used cars plus" to "audi used cars plus" about "tradeport for VW commercial vehicles up to "the world car for seat, skoda and volkswagen -offers.

"Above expectations"

Scherer is pleased with the very positive customer response after the first few months: "Despite Corona, business after the launch has clearly exceeded our expectations. This shows once again that stationary retail plays an important role in our industry even in digital times." the decisive factor is that the customer is offered added value on site. This is exactly what the new VW showroom is also aiming at.

The Scherer Group currently has 32 dealerships at 20 locations in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saarland and Bavaria. In addition to the aforementioned VW Group brands, the portfolio also includes porsche and MAN as well as maserati. With over 1.900 employees, about 37.with more than 000 vehicles sold and sales of over one billion euros, the family-owned company, founded in 1937, is one of the ten largest car dealers in germany. headquarters is simmern. (rp.)