Top Ten Tips - Renting A Car
By Tip Diva | Apr 23, 2008
Categories: Adult, Auto, Automobile, Budget, Car, Difficulty, Safety, Savings, Services, Shopping, Tips, Travel, Websites
Renting a car can be a complicated and confusing experience for someone who’s never rented one before. There are so many intricacies to choosing and paying for a car, but the following will make the process easier:
- Shop Around - Check car rental companies’ websites directly and travel websites like Expedia and Travelocity to find the best deals for rental cars. If you’re under 25, also check if there are any age restrictions that may prevent you from renting a car or make you pay a fee.
- Choose A Vehicle For Your Needs - Choose a car best suited to your needs, and take in mind the passenger load, the amount of luggage, your budget and your car experience.
- Do Not Give In To Pressure - Many car rental companies pressure you into getting GPS systems, extra protection and upgrades - all which cost money. If you don’t want something, you have every right to refuse.
- Know Your Insurance Options - Your regular car insurance may be enough to cover you in case of an accident, so check with the company before you rent a car. Your credit card, especially corporate-issued, may even provide additional coverage. Getting covered by the rental car company is pricey, so if you’re already paying for protection, you may be able to skip that option.
- Read The Fine Print - Before you initial and sign the receipt, make sure you read the terms and conditions so you know what you’re in for. It will outline extra charges, the time to return the car, what happens if you don’t return the car as promised and more. If you don’t read the fine print and sign, you’re liable.
- Check Out Car Thoroughly Before Leaving Lot - Check for dings, scratches, stains and other damage before leaving the lot and make sure it is noted on your receipt. If you don’t, you may be liable for the damage later, because you’ll have no proof you didn’t cause the damage. Also learn about the car - where the buttons are, how to turn on the lights, where the emergency kit is - so you’re prepared.
- Write Down The Make, Model And License Plate And Put It Somewhere Safe - You’re not used to the car, so you may have trouble finding it in a parking lot. Or, in a worse case scenario, your car may get stolen. Having this info handy is important.
- Give Yourself Time To Return The Car - If you have to return your car by a specified time, make sure you leave early enough and have enough leeway for traffic or getting lost. Some rental care companies will charge you extra for a late return - even half an hour.
- Fill Up Before The Return - Make sure to fill up your rental car with gas before you return, because you may have to pay extra to have the rental car company fill it at their lot. If you think $4 per gallon for gas is bad, you’ll have to pay much more if you don’t - one rental car company in Atlanta charges over $10 per gallon.
- Check Vehicle And Receipt Before Return - Check for your belongings. Also check for dings that may have occurred during your journey with a rental car attendant to make sure you’re charged for that and nothing more. Also make sure your receipt is settled before you leave with no strange or stray charges.
Other Tips To Check Out:
