“A rental car is basically an ashtray on wheels.”
– Scott Adams (Author and Cartoonist)
The quote by Scott Adams comments on the shared nature and lack of care in the context of rental cars.
So while renting one, it becomes important to check for any pre-existing damage. Otherwise, those will be put in your name, and you would be paying the penalties for the damages you never caused while returning the car.
In this article, I will inform you about rental cars and how to save some money while booking one. Know what you should and shouldn’t do for all rental phases, from picking it up, driving it on the road, to returning it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Join the rental membership beforehand and rent for a longer period to save some money.
- While picking it up, check its condition, take a photo, and ensure proper paperwork.
- Familiarize yourself with local car laws.Return the rental car on time.
Before renting the vehicle, you should perform some essential safety checks.
Inspecting the vehicle’s condition comes first. Check for both the outer body and the interior condition, in addition to the functionality.
This is necessary as a penalty for even the smallest of dents or scratches can be added to your charges while returning the vehicle. The same is true for the interior, so don’t ignore it either.
Also, check that all the features are functioning as they should.
Things to check:
Read the rental agreement thoroughly.
Take photos/videos from multiple angles to document all pre-existing damages on the rental car.
It’s best if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars as well. In that case, you can ditch the integrated insurance coverage that comes with your rental car and get a reduced bill.
If not, just get the included coverage, but review the collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), and third-party liability (TPL).
Also, get the insurance claim helpline on speed dial.
So you picked up the car. But you need to keep in mind some more things during actual driving.
To get ready to drive, first check the GPS navigation unit. Plan the route you want to take and set it up in the GPS.
Phone network mostly ditches you whenever you need it the most. For example, when you are in the middle of nowhere. For these situations, download the offline maps of the area or get a good old paper printed map.
But when you end up in the middle of nowhere, don’t just stop and check your map. First, make sure the car is parked in a safe and well-lit area. If not, drive to one.
Just check that some emergency things like first-aid kits, flashlights, and spare tires are in the car before driving it off.
Also, note down important numbers:
Familiarise yourself with local driving laws:
Also, remember to drive as defensively as possible. You haven’t spent enough time in the town to know the driving temperament and style of the people there.
To avoid any hidden charges while renting a car, ensure there are no hidden fees for add-ons like drivers, GPS, late return, etc.
Get clarity on how much the security deposit rental car firm is holding, and when it will be refunded. However, I would suggest you go for a company that offers rent a car no deposit.
Don’t go for pre-paid full tank; It’s cheaper to fill up the fuel yourself. And as already stated, take photos/videos before driving off, and check if your personal insurance covers rental cars.
To save some more money while booking, consider the following:
FUN FACT
As per the European Commission, 62% people go for prepaid full tank but can’t use it all up till rental car return.
Follow the simple steps while returning the rental car:
Renting a car can be a lot of stress, returning it more so.
To save money while booking, join the rental membership and rent for a longer period.
While picking up the rental car, just check its condition, photograph it, and ensure there is proper paperwork. Read the fine print on hidden charges. Ensure all emergency kits are with you in the car. Don’t go for a prepaid full tank; refuel by yourself.
Before going on the road, familiarize yourself with local car laws.
While returning, refuel and be on time. Also, ensure no personal belongings are left in the car. Finally, take a photo of the rental vehicle as well as the return inspection receipt.
Enjoy the (rental) ride!
Just check the car’s condition and take photos of pre-existing damages. Also, ensure all paperwork is proper.
Refuel and return on time. Check for personal belongings. Take some photos alongwith the final inspection receipt.
No proper carwash needed, just return in a reasonably clean condition.
