Renting a car is a fairly common part of travelling, so one would think that the process from beginning to end should be fairly straightforward. Unfortunately, this is sometimes the complete opposite of what really happens. You may have questions each time you rent a car, and each time, you might get a different answer depending on the company and the country in which you rent the car.
Listing all the things you should do when you rent a car could change depending on the circumstance, but there are some things you shouldn’t ever do when renting a car. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Purchase Insurance
This rule might not apply to everyone, so check with your own insurer directly. Having said that, your own auto insurance should cover your rental car, so there’s no need for you to buy it from the car rental company. Most personal policies will cover you even if the rental costs more than your own car. If you have comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle, it’s likely that your policy will also cover comprehensive insurance for the rental.
Please note that if you’re in an accident with the rental car, your personal insurance rates will probably go up if you make a claim through the insurance policy.
Anything that your car insurance doesn’t cover, your credit card might. Sometimes your credit card insurance will be even better than your car insurance. This requires you pay for the car rental using your credit card.
2. Pre-Pay for Gas
Pre-paying for gas might seem like a good idea, but unless you plan to return the car’s tank empty, or have a super-early flight that would make it worth it not to have to gas up the car yourself, don’t pay for pre-paid gas. The best way to avoid extra charges is to do it yourself. Look for gas stations near the rental company as you drive away, and make a note to return to the best-priced one on your way to return the rental. This will save you time since you won’t have to drive around in search of a gas station at the end of your rental period.
3. Ignore Loss of Use Insurance
When a rental car is damaged, regardless of the cause, “loss of use” charges cover the potential revenue lost when the car is off the road being repaired. This is usually the cost of a day’s rental for that particular vehicle, and most personal auto insurance policies don’t cover this. If you have and use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card for the rental, they will typically offer “loss of use” coverage.
4. Ignore Potential Offers for Upgrades
In many cases, if you’ve reserved a low-priced car and ask for upgrades at the rental desk, you might just get lucky. If it’s busy and the rental company is running low on its least expensive vehicles, you might get a free or affordable upgrade to a more expensive car class.
5. Perform an Inadequate Inspection Before Departure
When you first get the car, before you leave the lot, check it both outside and in for anything that could be considered damage. Loose parts, scratches, dings, dents, scuffs, power mirrors and windows; keep an eye out for any problems. If you don’t say anything and the rental agency didn’t notice when the car was brought in by the last renter, you will be held completely responsible. Take photos and do a slow walk-around the car. If it’s possible, do it with one of the staff at the rental agency.
6. Fail to Check for Reward Programs or Discounts
A lot of membership programs work with car rental companies to offer deals as a membership perk. Rental car discounts and reward programs are usually listed on the organization’s website. If you belong to one of them, like AAA, AARP, or sports-focused groups, you might get a great deal.
7. Leave Final Inspection to Chance
Never leave your key in a box and walk away without talking to someone at the car rental company. If you leave it without an agent to check it over first, any dispute in damage claims become your word against theirs.
