Make sure you have the following questions answered to your satisfaction though before relying on renting a seat with your car:

Do they have the type of seat appropriate to your child's age and weight available (eg. backward- facing, forward-facing)? Is the seat of the non-shielded variety?

How many of this type of seat do they have available - what happens of another family rent it out?

Does the car you intend to rent have the correct fittings for this seat? If the car you originally planned to rent is unavailable, will there be other cars that also have the appropriate fittings, that you can use?

One of the most important points to consider, is that you won't really know the seat's crash history - despite any assurances you may receive from the rental company. You will have to decide which is the lesser of two evils - risking damage to your own seat (if it won't be in use during the journey) or chancing the rental seat.

General Car Rental Information
You can book from three sources - the large multi-nationals, local companies at your destination or brokers sometimes called consolidators.
1/ Multi-nationals. Realise that most do not run all their car rental services themselves, they often franchise out to local companies. Also many do not have a central UK emergency helpline number to contact, so in many countries if you have a problem you will be forced to deal with the office where you collected the car. They do have advantages if you are driving long distances because in case of trouble you can usually obtain a replacement car from a different office.
2/ Local Car Hire. Can be cheaper but cars may not be as reliable and you are on your own if you hit problems. Can be good for just local driving and if you only need a car for only a few days.
3/ Consolidators. These brokers use their bulk purchasing power to negotiate deals with the market place. They do not own any cars themselves nor do they have local offices - for instance at airports. A good place to start when you are shopping around. Holiday Autos or Leisurecars often offer good value - see links below.

For a cheap contract hire car in U.K. , the Car Hire UK survey gives you most of the sites you need for budget contract hire car .
Before you go
Price. Shopping around is essential because prices are always changing and a company that is cheapest in one destination maybe the most expensive in another. Don't be afraid to negotiate (for tips on this go to our money saving tips page). Make sure you carefully state your required specifications to ensure that you are comparing like for like quotations. For instance do quotes include unlimited mileage, and adequate CDW (collision damage waiver)? Are the insurance excesses comparable?
Identity. You will need a valid driving licence and at least one type of other ID for each driver. Check to see if you also require an International Driving Licence - countries such as India, Japan and Egypt. The RAC and AA can supply them - cost around £4. Age limits vary, in some countries (including the USA) under 25 year old's cannot hire a car. Most car hire companies also have an upper age limit.
Paperwork. Check the documents from the car rental company very carefully, reading the small print is absolutely essential. Some companies do not have the best of reputations and have been known to cut corners on the agreement you think you have already made. For instance if you asked for air conditioning and is not specified in writing by them you probably will not get it.
Local driving laws. It is worthwhile doing some research before you go, for instance speed limits, warning triangles you must carry, child seat requirements for both babies and toddlers, instant fines etc.
More Advice. Check out our Travel Planning page
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Picking up - avoid the queues. Sometimes the queues at the collection desks are horrific. However if there are two or more of you, get one (who knows about car hire) to head straight for the hire desk whilst the other/s wait at the carousel for the luggage.
Booking in. Take your time as you need to thoroughly understand and agree the contract you are signing up to. Sorry - small print checking again.
Rules. Understand the rules for returning the car. E.g. you may pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and if you do not return it full you will be charged a fortune for the fuel and also them driving it to a garage to top it up.
Kids. Is the car child friendly - seating, childproof locks etc.
Comfort. You will need air conditioning that works in hot countries.
Contact. Ensure that you have effective contact telephone numbers for the car rental company, including out of hour's numbers. Do you know how to use local public phones?
Checking. Check the car thoroughly and make sure any damages, scratches etc. are noted in their documents. A test drive is nice if you can arrange it but in any case at the first possible opportunity thoroughly check that everything works properly before you drive too far away from the depot. It is much easier to obtain a replacement car at this stage. Also make sure you also know where all the controls are - lights, windscreen wipers etc.
Alarms. You had better know how the car alarm or immobiliser works.
Doors. A useful security precaution is to keep the doors locked at all times.
Security. Don't advertise that you are a tourist by leaving tell tale signs when you park. Never leave valuables in the car. All luggages need to be in the boot if you leave the car for an instant.
Drop Off. You may pick up the car at the airport terminal but perhaps you will have to return to a depot that is off airport. It is worthwhile knowing where the depot is and how long it takes to return to the terminal. Many people lose flights because they do not know where the depot is and how long it takes.
Luggage. If you have passenger/s drop them off at the terminal with the luggage first before returning the car to the depot

Most importantly, you will need the name, address, phone number, insurance details and drivers license number of any one else involved in the crash.

Note down a description of the vehicles in the accident, including their make, model and registration number.

If there were any witnesses to the crash, you should get their names and contact details.

Write down the time, date and location of the occurrence.

Depending on the laws in the area you are travelling in, the police may need to be informed of the accident - this is something you should find out about before you begin using the rental car. If the police are involved, request a copy of their report.

You should notify your insurers as soon as possible following the crash.

Click Here to return to the 'Accidents' contents page, and find out more!

Where can I buy a cheap car hire ?


Car Hire UK gives you most of the sites you would probably want to visit for budget car hire .