5 common car rental mistakes to avoid

5 common car rental mistakes to avoid

Car rentals are a popular option in the country, allowing users, especially tourists, to move around freely without relying on public transport or paying excessive cab fees. Renting a car also enables one to experience different types of vehicles, including luxury cars, if their budget permits. However, the car rental process can sometimes be complicated and could lead to individuals making several hiring mistakes. Making informed decisions can help steer clear of such errors.

Lack of research
The most common mistake when looking for car rental companies is not researching enough. One must look for reputable rental companies with a track record of positive customer experiences. Even if one comes across negative feedback, the individual should check if the company helped resolve the issue or how they responded to ensure that one is renting from a reliable company.

Not checking for the allotted miles per day
Not all rental cars offer unlimited mileage. Some might offer limited miles, following which a customer might be charged heavily for each additional mile drive, as per the state policy. For instance, some companies may charge 50 cents per mile, while others might charge over $1, which is a substantial fee. One should always confirm the allotted miles per day before signing up with a car rental company.

Letting the rental service cover tolls
A rental car company might offer to cover the cost of tolls, but this might be significantly expensive. Most companies may charge between $3 to $10 per day in administrative fees (not including tolls) or administrative fees plus toll costs. One could save on such added costs by paying tolls themselves.

Buying insurance
A car rental company may have an attractive insurance coverage option. But one could do without it if one already has a personal car insurance policy or a credit card that covers rental car insurance. In this case, paying for additional insurance would mean added costs that could amount to over $100 or higher.

Neglecting vehicle inspection
A rental car is typically used by several other individuals who might be involved in mishaps that lead to scratches and damages. A rental company would usually have details of any damages to the vehicle by a previous user. However, one should always check the interior and exterior of the vehicle, including under the hood and the car, to look for signs of damage. If any defects or damages are noticed, one should immediately report them to avoid any issues with paying for damages later on.