Renting a car is easy if you really know how to. But the fact is that whether you are a first time or seasoned traveler, car rental can be daunting if you don’t understand how to rent a car.
Do you want to avoid the common hidden fees charged by the car rentals? Here are 8 critical things you must know before renting a car.
- Have Your Genuine Documents and Papers Ready
There is nothing as bad as reaching a car rental just to notice that you have left all the necessary papers or documents you need for the contract such as your credit card, driver’s license, and lots more at home. As a result, make sure you have your credit card and a legally binding and genuine driver’s license with you before approaching any company to rent a car.
Note: Credit Card is a Must
In order to cover for incidental charges like traffic violations, parking tickets, and missing fuel among others, a number of these car rentals will want you to produce a valid credit card as a guarantee. In this type of transaction, debit cards are normally not acceptable as a kind of security. and car rental companies will ask for a valid credit card under the renter’s name.
- Avoid Renting a Car at the Airport
Don’t book a car for rent from agencies located within the airport as you will be paying through your nose. The best you can do is to take a taxi to a rental service outside the airport. On the other hand, you can book by phone before your arrival at the airport.
- Do a Thorough Inspection of the Car
Before you sign an agreement, make sure you have a careful inspection of the car in the presence of rental cars agent or representative, so that you will not be held liable for existing damage that must have happened to the car. In addition, let the representative sign off for any dent, scratch or ding you detect. A good number of rental cars necessitate you to sign an inspection form. Make sure you are not in a hurry or rush through the process. Make sure to go through this post about The Best Type of Car To Rent.
- Fill Up the Gas Tank Before Returning the Car
When you are through with the car, you just have to return it. Car rental companies always require that you return the car with a full tank of gas. Otherwise, they will charge you exorbitantly to fill the tank back for you. Make sure you do the filling yourself at a gas station very close to the outlet of the rental company.
- Use Your Credit Card to Carry Rental Cars
Renting a car is a no-brainer, but make sure you pick rental cars from the company, using your credit card. You can also make use of a debit card to your bank, but a number of rental car companies will always confirm your credit score to ascertain that you are creditworthy to pay any charges.
However, you won’t have to border about going through a credit check if you make use of a credit card. You must also be aware of the fact that some car rentals will withhold some funds from your card until you return their car.
- Take Your own Personal Things (Extras) with You
Taking your personal belongings or extras with you on your trip will save you a lot of money. For instance, you may need a baby seat (if you are traveling with your baby), radio and GPS system. All these will come expensive from the rental cars. Therefore, pack your own traveling extras along with you whenever possible. And make sure the rental company remove their own from the car before you pick up the car to avoid the costly charges of the extras.
- Keep the Number of Drivers to a Minimum
When you rent a car, you will have to pay for additional drivers. The more extra drivers, the higher the amount you will pay. The practice is that you will have to add the names of the additional drivers you are taking on your trip on the rental contract. Which will increase the cost considerably?
Another factor that will affect charges is the age of the extra driver. That’s because drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 are always expensive. Hence, reduce the number of additional drivers to the minimum you can afford in order to avoid unbearable costs.
- Return as Scheduled
Rental companies operate on a very tight schedule, particularly in the high season and peak periods. As a result, make sure you return the car as soon as you agreed because returning the car later than the agreed period can cost you the whole rental day charges plus additional charges, particularly if you didn’t keep the car rentals informed. To avoid this problem, don’t keep the vehicle until it is too late.
Final Thoughts
You can take pleasure in the convenience of having a car rental, without paying unanticipated charges, if you understand things to look for when signing the contract. The best tip of all when it comes to renting a car is to carry out a bit of research and ask many questions. This is all for you to know what you’re really getting – and what you’re paying for – with your rental cars. Make sure to also check this list of top 10 car rental tips and tricks for an efficient and stress-free process.
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