Orbitcarhire.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Orbitcarhire.com appears to be a legitimate and comprehensive car hire comparison platform.

It positions itself as an independent broker that allows users to compare prices from a wide array of well-known and local rental car companies across more than 25,000 locations globally.

The platform emphasizes transparency, aiming to provide customers with “no hidden fees,” “free cancellation” under certain conditions, and “top-rated customer care,” which are critical factors for travelers seeking reliable car rental solutions.

The site’s mission seems to be centered around empowering travelers to make confident and cost-effective car rental decisions by offering a high choice, absolute transparency, great value, and beneficial customer service throughout their journey.

They claim to leverage over 30 years of industry expertise within their team, founded in 2020, to deliver competitive deals by scanning and comparing vehicle selections and securing special discounts and extra benefits from their suppliers.

This approach suggests a focus on the customer experience, aiming to streamline the often-complex process of finding an affordable and suitable rental car.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

The Orbit Car Hire Value Proposition: Unpacking Their Core Offerings

Orbit Car Hire positions itself as a central hub for finding competitive car rental deals worldwide.

Their core value proposition revolves around simplifying the comparison process, ensuring transparency, and providing robust customer support.

This multi-faceted approach aims to address common pain points experienced by travelers when booking rental cars.

Price Comparison and Supplier Network

Orbit Car Hire claims to compare prices from a vast network of over 100 partners, including major global players like Alamo, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, and Buchbinder, alongside numerous local companies. This extensive network across 140 countries and 25,000 locations is designed to give users a wide range of options and competitive pricing. The platform’s algorithm presumably scans these providers to present the best available deals for a given location and date. For instance, if you’re looking for a car in Faro Airport, Lisbon Airport, or Dublin Airport, the system aims to pull up the most cost-effective choices from various reputable suppliers. This aggregated data ensures that customers don’t have to visit multiple individual rental company websites, saving significant time and effort.

Transparency: No Hidden Fees, Fair Fuel Policy & CDW

A significant selling point for Orbit Car Hire is its commitment to transparency. They explicitly state “No Hidden Fees,” a common concern for renters. This promise means that all mandatory fees, taxes, extras, a fair fuel policy, and Collision Damage Waiver CDW are included in the initial quoted price. This clarity is crucial, as unexpected charges at the pick-up counter can significantly inflate the final cost of a rental. The website clarifies that while most fees are included, certain additional charges might apply in specific scenarios, such as out-of-hours surcharges, one-way fees, prepaid fuel service charges, or young/senior driver fees. They strongly advise reviewing the Terms and Conditions before booking, a prudent step for any traveler.

Customer Support and Service Quality

Orbit Car Hire emphasizes its “Top-rated Customer Care,” aiming to provide a hassle-free experience from booking to drop-off. Their customer support team is reachable via email [email protected] and phone +44 20 8089 0089. They claim to be available to assist with booking changes, cancellations free of charge at least 48 hours before rental, and any general inquiries. This accessibility is vital for addressing unforeseen circumstances or clarifying booking details, which can be a source of stress during travel planning. The focus on responsive and dedicated customer service contributes significantly to overall customer satisfaction, a factor often highlighted in positive online reviews for car rental brokers.

User Experience and Booking Process: Navigating the Platform

A user-friendly interface and a straightforward booking process are paramount for any online service, especially in the travel sector.

Orbit Car Hire aims to provide an intuitive experience from initial search to final confirmation.

Step-by-Step Booking Walkthrough

The Orbit Car Hire website outlines a clear, four-step booking process:

1. Choose Date and Location: Users begin by selecting their desired pick-up and drop-off dates and locations using a search form. The platform supports various popular airport locations like Faro Airport, Ponta Delgada Airport, and Alicante Airport, among others.
2. Vehicle Selection: After inputting dates and locations, users are presented with a list of available vehicles from different suppliers. This list typically includes various car classes, from economy models like the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Up to larger vehicles, allowing users to choose based on their needs and budget. Filters are often available to narrow down options by supplier, vehicle type, or transmission.
3. Personal Information: The next step involves filling out personal details required for the rental agreement. This includes driver information, contact details, and any additional requests.
4. Payment and Voucher: Finally, users select their payment method Mastercard and Visa debit/credit cards are accepted. A small deposit is typically paid at this stage, with the remaining balance due upon vehicle pick-up. Upon successful booking, a voucher is generated, which is essential for presenting at the pick-up counter. This voucher confirms the booking details, price, and payment.

Website Navigation and Features

The website design appears clean and functional, with prominent search bars and clear calls to action. Key sections like “My Booking” and “FAQs” are easily accessible, providing quick access to essential information. The inclusion of “Car Hire and Travel Tips” blog posts e.g., “Driving in Albania,” “Driving in Sicily,” “Car Hire Without a Deposit” adds value beyond just booking, offering practical advice for travelers. This content can enhance user engagement and establish Orbit Car Hire as a helpful resource rather than just a booking portal. The ability to filter for “In Terminal” pick-up locations is a useful feature for travelers who prefer direct access to their rental car upon arrival. Tileflair.co.uk Reviews

Mobile Responsiveness

While not explicitly stated, a modern car rental comparison website would be expected to be fully mobile-responsive.

This ensures that users can easily search, compare, and book car rentals on their smartphones or tablets, a crucial aspect given the prevalence of mobile travel planning.

A seamless experience across devices contributes significantly to user satisfaction and conversion rates.

Understanding Pricing and Costs: What to Expect

The financial aspect is often the deciding factor for many travelers.

Orbit Car Hire emphasizes its ability to provide competitive prices, but understanding the breakdown of costs and potential additional charges is essential for a transparent experience.

Deposit vs. Full Payment

Orbit Car Hire operates on a model where a small deposit is paid online at the time of booking, acting as a guarantee. The remaining balance is then paid directly to the car rental company at the time of vehicle pick-up. This split payment approach is common in the industry. It’s important to note that the payment at the counter will be in the local currency of the pick-up country, while the online deposit can be paid in EUR, GBP, ISK, or USD. This distinction is crucial for budget planning and currency exchange considerations.

Included vs. Optional Charges

As mentioned, Orbit Car Hire strives for transparency by including mandatory fees, taxes, unlimited mileage, local tax, and Collision Damage Waiver CDW in its quoted prices. However, certain charges are typically optional or apply under specific circumstances and are paid locally at the counter:

• Out-of-hours surcharge: If you pick up or drop off the vehicle outside standard office hours.
• One-way fee: When returning the vehicle to a different location than where it was picked up.
• Fuel service charge: If you opt for a prepaid fuel policy though a “fair fuel policy” is generally included.
• Young/senior driver fee: Applied if the driver falls outside a specific age range set by the car hire company. This is a common charge and varies by supplier and country.
• Excess and deposit amount: A security deposit is blocked on the driver’s credit card, which typically equals or exceeds the excess amount. This is returned after the rental if the vehicle is returned without damage.
• Premium Location/Airport Fee: While often included, this fee may sometimes be charged locally at certain high-demand locations to cover service costs.

Security Deposits and Excess Deductibles

Every car rental comes with a security deposit, which is an amount held blocked on your credit card by the rental company. This deposit covers potential damages or theft and is released upon the safe return of the vehicle. Orbit Car Hire states that information about the security deposit is available during the booking process or on the voucher. The “excess” also known as deductible is the maximum amount the renter is liable for in case of damage or theft to the rental car. For example, if the excess is €1,000 and the damage costs €2,000, the renter pays €1,000, and the rental company covers the rest. Orbit Car Hire offers an optional “Premium Coverage” service that refunds the renter up to €3,000 if the car hire company charges them for damage or theft, effectively covering the excess. This is a third-party cover, not insurance from the car rental company itself.

Cancellation and Modification Policies: Flexibility for Travelers

Travel plans can change unexpectedly, making flexible cancellation and modification policies crucial for renters.

Orbit Car Hire outlines its policies clearly on its website. Lovell-rugby.co.uk Reviews

Free Cancellation Period

Orbit Car Hire offers free cancellation for bookings, provided the cancellation is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled rental start time. This policy offers a reasonable window for travelers to adjust their plans without financial penalty. For cancellations made within the 48-hour window, or for no-shows, specific terms and conditions would apply, likely resulting in forfeiture of the deposit or a cancellation fee. It’s always advisable to review the full Terms of Use for complete details, as these policies can vary slightly.

How to Change or Cancel a Booking

To change a booking, customers are advised to contact Orbit Car Hire’s customer support team directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. This direct communication ensures that modifications are handled correctly. Similarly, cancellations can be initiated through their customer service channels. The customer service team will process the requests and provide necessary confirmations. This centralized support for changes and cancellations aims to streamline the process for users.

Impact of Changes on Pricing

It’s important for renters to understand that modifying a booking e.g., changing dates, locations, or vehicle type may result in a change in the rental price. The original price was based on the specific parameters of the initial booking. If availability has changed or different rates apply for the new dates/locations, the price may increase or decrease. This is standard practice in the car rental industry, and customers should confirm any new pricing before finalizing modifications.

Understanding Insurance and Coverage Options

Navigating car rental insurance can be complex, but Orbit Car Hire provides information on the basic coverages typically included and additional options for peace of mind.

Collision Damage Waiver CDW

Orbit Car Hire states that most of its reservations include a Collision Damage Waiver CDW. CDW is a fundamental car rental insurance that limits the renter’s financial liability for damages to the body of the hired vehicle. While it limits liability, it typically comes with an excess deductible, meaning the driver is responsible for paying up to a certain amount in case of damage, with the rental company waiving the rest. The specific excess amount varies by car rental company and country. It’s crucial for renters to understand this excess amount, as it represents their out-of-pocket maximum in case of an incident.

Theft Protection TP

Similar to CDW, Theft Protection TP is another standard car rental insurance often included in Orbit Car Hire bookings. TP protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk of the rental car being stolen or attempts of theft. Like CDW, Theft Protection also comes with an excess deductible, which is the maximum amount the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or an attempt is made. The excess for TP can differ from the CDW excess and also varies by company and location.

Premium Coverage by Orbit Car Hire Third-Party Excess Reimbursement

Orbit Car Hire offers an optional “Premium Coverage” service. This is not insurance provided by the car hire company itself, nor does it reduce the excess amount directly with the rental company. Instead, it acts as a third-party excess reimbursement cover. If the car rental company charges you for damage or theft i.e., applies the excess, Orbit Car Hire’s Premium Coverage aims to refund you up to €3,000. This can be a valuable addition for travelers who want to avoid paying the high excess amounts often levied by rental companies in case of an incident. It’s essential to read the Terms and Conditions of this specific coverage carefully to understand its exclusions, claim process, and limits. This type of independent excess cover is a popular choice for many savvy travelers looking to mitigate financial risk.

Additional Features and Benefits: Beyond the Basics

Orbit Car Hire aims to provide more than just a booking platform by offering additional features and resources designed to enhance the overall travel experience.

Long-Term Rentals

The platform explicitly mentions that users can find “long-term rentals” through their service. This caters to a segment of travelers who require vehicles for extended periods, perhaps for business trips, relocation, or longer holidays. While the specifics of long-term rental discounts or special conditions are not detailed on the homepage, the availability suggests a broader scope of service beyond typical short-term holiday rentals. Long-term rentals often come with different pricing structures and mileage allowances compared to short-term hires.

Travel Tips and Blog Content

Orbit Car Hire maintains a “Car Hire and Travel Tips” blog section. This section features articles on practical topics such as “Driving in Albania: Tips For a Smooth Road Trip,” “Driving in Sicily: Challenges, Tips, and Scenic Routes,” “Car Hire Without a Deposit,” and “Driving in Cyprus – 10 Tips You Need To Know.” These articles provide valuable information that goes beyond simply booking a car, offering insights into local driving conditions, regulations, and useful hacks. This content strategy not only assists users but also helps position Orbit Car Hire as an expert resource in the car rental and travel domain, potentially improving its search engine visibility. Capellisport.com Reviews

Diverse Vehicle Classes and Options

The platform offers a “wide variety of different vehicle classes,” ensuring that customers can find a rental car that suits their specific needs and budget. This includes everything from compact economy cars like the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up, and Fiat Panda mentioned as cheapest options to presumably larger sedans, SUVs, and minivans, though the full range isn’t explicitly listed. The ability to filter by vehicle type and features e.g., automatic vs. manual, air conditioning is a standard expectation that Orbit Car Hire would likely fulfill to cater to diverse customer preferences.

Trust and Reliability: What to Consider

When choosing an online service, especially for travel, trust and reliability are paramount.

Orbit Car Hire highlights several factors to build customer confidence.

Trustpilot Rating

Orbit Car Hire prominently displays a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 stars. Trustpilot is a well-regarded consumer review website, and a high rating typically indicates a strong level of customer satisfaction. This score, based on customer feedback, suggests that a majority of users have had positive experiences with Orbit Car Hire’s service, pricing, and support. However, it’s always good practice to delve deeper into the reviews themselves to understand common praises and recurring issues, if any. A 4.6 rating is generally considered excellent in the online service industry.

Supplier Partnerships

The company emphasizes its cooperation with “more than 100 partners, including the most prominent and top-quality car rental companies such as Alamo, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Buchbinder, etc.” Partnering with globally recognized brands adds a layer of credibility and reassurance. These large rental companies typically have well-maintained fleets, established customer service protocols, and widespread pick-up/drop-off locations. This network suggests that Orbit Car Hire provides access to reliable vehicles and established services, rather than relying solely on smaller, unknown providers.

Experience and Growth

Orbit Car Hire, founded in 2020, states that its team brings “over 30 years of expertise in the Car Hire Industry.” This combination of recent establishment with seasoned industry knowledge suggests a dynamic approach backed by experience. They also claim to serve “thousands of happy customers in more than 140 countries” and experience “constant growth and high customer trust.” While specific growth metrics are not provided, these statements aim to convey a sense of a rapidly developing and trusted service.

Areas for Further Investigation by Users

While Orbit Car Hire presents a compelling service, prospective users should always perform their own due diligence.

Comprehensive Terms and Conditions Review

Orbit Car Hire frequently advises users to “read the Terms and Conditions carefully” before booking. This is not just boilerplate advice. it is crucial. The T&Cs will contain the fine print regarding:

• Full cancellation policy details: What happens if you cancel within 48 hours? Are there partial refunds or fees?
• Specifics of the “fair fuel policy”: Does it mean full-to-full, or are there other options?
• Exact details of included insurance CDW/TP: What are the exclusions? What items are not covered?
• Requirements for drivers: Age limits, driving license requirements international driving permits, credit card requirements for the main driver.
• Geographic restrictions: Are there any limitations on where you can drive the rental car?
• Mileage caps: While unlimited mileage is often included, some rare deals might have limits.

Understanding Local Rental Company Specifics

While Orbit Car Hire compares prices, the actual rental contract is with the local car rental company e.g., Europcar, Sixt chosen through Orbit. Therefore, it’s beneficial for users to also briefly research the specific local branch or rental company they are booking with. Different branches of the same major brand can sometimes have varying service quality, and local companies might have unique operational nuances. Checking recent reviews for that specific branch can provide valuable context.

Credit Card Requirements for Security Deposits

Orbit Car Hire mentions that a security deposit is blocked on the renter’s credit card. It is critical to confirm that the main driver has a valid credit card with sufficient available credit for this deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted for security deposits by most major car rental companies, even if accepted for the initial online payment or for the remaining balance. Failure to provide a suitable credit card for the deposit at pick-up can lead to the rental being denied. Orbit Car Hire states, “before hiring, you need to ensure your credit card limit is high enough for the deposit amount to be blocked.” This is a crucial point for renters to verify beforehand. Clearminds.com Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a booking with Orbit Car Hire?

You can easily book your vehicle with Orbit Car Hire by first choosing your desired date and location in their booking form.

Next, select your preferred vehicle from the list, fill out your personal information, choose a payment method, and complete your credit card details.

Finally, print your voucher, which is mandatory for pick-up.

What are the charges for security deposits?

Every car rental has a security deposit policy.

You will find detailed information about the specific security deposit amount required for your chosen vehicle and location during the booking process or on your final voucher.

This deposit is typically blocked on your credit card.

What if I would like to change my booking?

If you need to change a booking made through Orbit Car Hire, you should contact their customer support team at [email protected] or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. Please note that changes may affect the rental price due to availability and rate adjustments.

How do I cancel my booking?

You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start.

For cancellations, contact their customer service team via email or phone.

For further information and conditions, please read the Terms of Use on their website. Dronesafestore.com Reviews

When do I pay for the rental car?

You pay a small deposit online when making the booking as a guarantee.

The remaining balance of the rental car cost is paid when you pick up your rental vehicle at the counter.

The payment at the counter is made in the local currency of the pick-up country.

What is included in the price?

Most reservations made through Orbit Car Hire include unlimited mileage, local tax, mandatory fees, and Collision Damage Waiver CDW. All specific details about your booking inclusions are presented in steps 1 and 2 of the booking process or clearly stated on your voucher.

Are there any hidden fees?

Based on Orbit Car Hire’s claims, there are no hidden charges.

All mandatory surcharges and fees are presented in the 3rd step of the booking process and their Terms and Conditions.

However, additional charges may apply for specific services like out-of-hours pick-up, one-way rentals, or young/senior driver fees, which are typically paid locally.

What is a voucher, and why do I need it?

A voucher is a document that confirms your booking details, the agreed price, and proof of your online payment.

It is mandatory to have your voucher with you at the time of pick-up.

Without it, the vehicle provider may refuse to release the vehicle or alter the rental price. Duration.co.uk Reviews

What is an airport or premium location fee?

An Airport or Premium location fee is a surcharge that covers the service costs associated with renting from high-demand locations like airports.

This fee is usually included in the total price but may sometimes be charged locally at certain locations, depending on the supplier and specific terms.

What is Premium Coverage, and how does it work?

Premium Coverage is an optional service offered by Orbit Car Hire that, if accepted, covers your financial accountability for damage or theft to the hired vehicle.

It is a third-party reimbursement cover, meaning if the car hire company charges you for damage or theft, Orbit Car Hire will refund you up to €3,000, covering your excess.

How do I find cheap car hire online?

Prices for car hire vary frequently.

It is generally recommended to book a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date to secure the cheapest rental rate.

Alternatively, it is sometimes possible to find cheap last-minute car hire deals.

How many countries do you compare to?

Orbit Car Hire compares car hire prices in over 140 countries globally, including popular European destinations such as Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia, Malta, France, Slovenia, and Germany.

What currency should I use to pay for the car?

You can pay the initial confirmation deposit on Orbit Car Hire’s website in EUR, GBP, ISK, and USD.

When you pick up your car hire, the remaining balance will be paid in the local currency of the pick-up country. Fultonfishmarket.com Reviews

Can I rent a car from inside the terminal?

Yes, you can hire a car from inside the terminal.

When comparing offers on Orbit Car Hire, you can use the “In Terminal” filter to view all available deals from rental companies located directly within the airport terminal.

What is the cheapest car to rent?

According to Orbit Car Hire, common examples of the cheapest cars to rent are the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up, and Fiat Panda, which typically fall into the economy or mini car categories.

Can I add a driver to my booking?

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your booking.

You can typically do this when initially finding your car hire deal on Orbit Car Hire.

If you have already made a booking, you can contact Orbit Car Hire customer service or add a driver directly with the rental company when you pick up the vehicle. Additional charges may apply.

What payment methods are accepted?

When booking with Orbit Car Hire, you can pay using a debit or credit card.

They explicitly state that they accept Mastercard and Visa for online payments.

Can I drop off my car at a different location?

Yes, you can drop off your rental car at a different location than where you picked it up.

When searching for car hire deals on Orbit Car Hire’s webpage, select “Yes” for “Different drop-off location” to find one-way car hire options. Please note that one-way fees usually apply. Daymansdiy.co.uk Reviews

How can I add a flight number to my booking?

You can add your flight number on the Orbit Car Hire webpage during the booking process.

If you have already completed your booking, you can email [email protected], and their customer service team will assist you in adding your flight number to the reservation.

Do I have to pay for toll roads?

Yes, if you drive in an area where toll roads are required, you are responsible for paying any tolls incurred while driving the rental vehicle.

These charges are typically paid directly by the renter to the toll authorities or reimbursed to the rental company.