For some reason, people often dread the idea of renting a car. Things easily go south with car rentals; for instance, when you approach the counter, the prices you see online can suddenly double or even triple due to inexplicable levies and “taxes” that have been conjured up out of thin air.
However, renting a car is often the ideal choice if you want to visit a place at your own pace and time without having to depend on anybody else. It is fast becoming a typical activity for business and leisure tourists. But the mistakes people sometimes make result in costs that are substantially above the initial rental agreement. So, in this post, we will explore the top 10 common mistakes to avoid when you are on your way to renting a car.
Table of Contents
Choosing a Rental Service Hastily
The first step in renting a car is researching various rental companies to avoid being taken advantage of. This lets you choose the rental agency that best meets your requirements and tastes. Some rental companies charge more but include fewer incentives in their pricing, while others provide significantly more cost-effective offers when all services are included.
You may get calls from different rental companies, and it is best to verify if these companies are legit and how long they have been in the market. You can turn to PhoneHistory to trace the number and get detailed information about the rental company. It will also be useful to read the reviews about them to ensure you are not being defrauded.
Not Refilling the Gas Tank
Another typical mistake is failing to replenish the rental car’s gas tank before returning it. Returning the vehicle with an empty or half-empty gasoline tank may result in additional fees from the car rental company, so fill up the tank before you return. Look for gasoline outlets on your route back to the company where you rented the automobile and fill up before handing over the keys.
Ignoring to Assess Existing Car Damage
Many people need to investigate the inside and outside of the vehicle for any existing flaws. Before allowing anybody else to drive the car, ensure there are no dents, scratches, or other damage. When you return the vehicle, the rental company will inspect it for dents and scratches and charge you for any damage you cause. By doing a pre-trip examination of the car, you might escape financial liability for damages you did not cause.
Not Returning the Car on Time
You will be charged for staying in the car beyond the agreed-upon return time. Because you signed a contract specifying certain pickup and drop-off times, it will cost you a lot of money after the time the car was supposed to be returned has passed. As a result, you should avoid committing this error.
Not Choosing the Right Vehicle
It is essential to choose the appropriate rental vehicle that suits your needs. Failure to do so may result in overpaying or obtaining a vehicle that is too small for your requirements, which can incur extra expenses. Consider how many people will travel with you and how much baggage they will carry. Remember that if you have more than four passengers besides the driver, you should consider renting a bigger vehicle, such as an SUV or a minivan. Although five people can fit in a car, the journey will be much more enjoyable if everyone has their seat and space.
Procrastinating the Booking
No matter where you are traveling, it is strongly advised that you reserve your rental car as early as possible. This will likely result in a lower overall rate. More cars will also be available for you to choose from, boosting your chances of reserving the perfect car for your trip in terms of size, seating capacity, and other essential features.
Designating More Than One Driver
Some car rental companies charge extra for insuring each additional driver on the hire car. To save money, reduce the number of drivers you add to your rental agreement as much as possible. However, if you belong to a certain organization, the extra driving expenses may be waived. Some companies do not charge additional fees when you add your spouse or domestic partner as a driver. As a result, it is important to check the price of adding another driver to the rental car agreement.
Overlooking the Importance of Insurance/Coverage
When you hire a car, the rental company will do its utmost to offer its insurance if an accident occurs and the car has to be covered. Therefore, before making a reservation, check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers automobile rental insurance. Getting the extra insurance that the car rental company offers may be wise if you only have liability insurance or a limited amount of coverage. So, when renting a car, the most essential thing you can do is make sure you have enough insurance coverage.
Not Checking into Weekly Rates
If your vacation will take more than a few days but less than a week, you should look at weekly vehicle rental prices rather than daily ones. There are weekly rental discounts, it may be worth it even if your vacation won’t last a week. Whether you pick the weekly rental but intend to use it for only part of the week, you should find out whether there is a fee for returning the vehicle before the end of the week.
Using a Debit Card to Pay the Rental Fee
It is better to pay for a rental car using a credit card. One of the major reasons for this is that most car rental companies do not accept debit and prepaid credit cards as primary forms of payment. Furthermore, some credit cards provide discounts and privileges that may be used to rent a vehicle. If you need it, credit card rental car insurance may help to pay for damages to your rental vehicle.
Conclusion
Don’t allow your fear of the unknown to prevent you from renting a car for your vacation; you will have more flexibility and privacy and spend less money if you do. Just try not to make the same mistakes that others have. Hopefully, this article helps you learn about these mistakes and how to avoid them.
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