Renting a car is quickly becoming a staple for travelers exploring from one corner of the globe to another. You’d think because it is now a standard in the industry, the process would be more transparent and smooth.Â
Still, in most cases obtaining a leiebil (translation: rental car) is not straightforward but, instead, complex and fraught with mistakes. Most people never know whether it’s wise to pay upfront to have the vehicle refueled or buy extra insurance in case there’s an unfortunate mishap.
There are so many tales that run online about claims relating to false damages and a plethora of unanswered questions clients have that no one seems to have a direct answer to. The most favorable advice comes from season travelers who have already gone through the chaotic hurdles of car rental.
When researching, which you should do a lot of before ever applying to hire an auto, it’s wise to look for guidance from someone who has already been through the experience a few times and offers sound tips and tricks on maneuvering the challenges.Â
Many will tell you some things aren’t necessary, and some are vital. It’s merely a matter of self-educating and ultimately making a few mistakes that you’ll come to learn from. Let’s look at a few things you want to avoid when taking out a hired vehicle.
What Not To Do When Taking Out A Hired Vehicle
As with anything new, it takes time and patience to learn the ins and outs of car rental. You will likely make some mistakes the first few times, but these are teaching tools that will help you the next time out.Â
You can cut down on these a tiny bit if you engage in research, especially from those who have been through the process a few times. These individuals can tell you what’s worthwhile and what isn’t entirely necessary. The thing to be mindful of is that no two renters are created equal.Â
Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances. That means there might be services you require that someone else finds unimportant and vice versa. Here we’ll go into what some deem things you should avoid when renting a car. Let’s dive in.
1. Prepaying for gasoline
The charges for having the rental agency refuel the vehicle are typically higher than they would be if you were to handle filling the tank yourself. That means even in the case where you receive charges for only the amount of gas you use, the agency is favored since they will receive an excessive payment.
Unless you genuinely believe you won’t be able to get the tank filled before returning the car, or if you have a fear of missing a flight being stuck at the rental agency, you should take care of refueling on your own.Â
You can fill up when leaving the lot and take note where you can refill when coming back after your excursion.
2. Finding a refueling center you can use upon return
Soon after picking up the auto is the most suitable time to locate a fuel station you can use when returning the vehicle. Once leaving the lot, pay attention to where the nearest gas stations are and intend to come to the one that offers substantially better price points with ideal accessibility.
Local communities can be complex to maneuver. That’s not something you want to waste precious time on when bringing a car back to the lot, especially if you’re waiting on a flight. You’ll be able to take your time to search for the most convenient choice before the trip.
3. Purchasing insurance from a rental agency
Auto insurance plans vary for each person, so before you disregard the agency’s insurance offering, ensure that you have adequate coverage through your carrier. If you carry what is minimally permitted legally, a car rental might not be part of the policy.Â
On the other hand, if you have what deems “full coverage,” rental coverage is relatively standard as one of the benefits or will be in the home country. Contacting the insurer will clear that up quickly.Â
Carriers view the rental as a “replacement” auto while you’re away. The suggestion is whatever coverage you carry with a primary vehicle will carry over to an auto hire. That means a primary car with comprehensive coverage would also apply to the car hire.
Generally, the coverage applies even if the rented car is of a higher quality than your vehicle or offers a greater value, so you’re fine if you upgrade your choice or opt for a more refined car than your own. But as it would with your vehicle, an accident in the hired car will result in raised rates when you file the claim.
4. A premium credit card can help
Whatever an auto insurance provider might not cover will likely be handled by a premium credit card. Often this coverage is equal to that of auto insurance, and sometimes it’s even somewhat better. Some consider it a secondary coverage for anything a carrier doesn’t take care of.Â
That particular card will need to be the one you use to pay for the rental. Merely having an eligible card in your possession doesn’t provide protection.
5. “Loss of use” protection
Agencies attach charges to a car that has been damaged for “loss of use” that is then used to cover the possible revenue unattainable when the vehicle is incapable of renting due to the need for repairs.Â
It’s usually charged as the cost of a full day’s charge for renting the car, and many insurance carriers won’t recognize this fee. Credit cards, on the other hand, do. Check your card’s terms and conditions to learn what’s covered.
6. Neglecting upgrade offers
The suggestion has always been to reserve the most budget-friendly hired vehicle and then ask about potential upgrades once in the office. It’s ideal when companies are hectic, and the cheapest cars steadily disappear.Â
The agency might provide an upgrade at either generous costs or even free for a larger vehicle class, especially if management problems occur with the inventory selection and budget-friendly cars are overbooked.
The person working the counter has the potential to determine the rates for the upgrades. If they inquire whether you want to take a better vehicle, your answer should be that that would have to depend on the cost. Usually, with this response, you can find yourself in a substantial auto with only a little extra price.
7. Inspection before departing
A critical step in renting a car is to inspect the auto with the agent’s assistance. That means looking over every detail on the interior and exterior and taking pictures of already incurred damages.Â
You need to check that the features are functioning and sufficient fluid where they need to be. When scoping out damage, look for even the most minuscule scuff or scratch, whether power windows or mirrors operate, and search for any parts that appear loose.Â
Too often, clients do a hurried walk around looking for tiny problems, but it’s essential to look for significant issues.Â
You could find a loose bumper that the company is unaware of, which would be made your responsibility once you drive off the lot. Make sure to give a kick where you need to in order to really do a once-over.
8. International borders
As a rule, car rental agreements in the U.S. disallow cars from crossing international borders; plus, the United States auto insurance will typically not cover international hired cars making the rental car insurance consideration.Â
Again, a prime credit card is a good option since it will provide coverage for international travel.
When outside the U.S borders, crossing from border to border favorably can vary depending on your destination and the hiring agency. Some countries will permit entry if you give upfront notice and provide a fee.Â
If you cross an international border without following specific protocol and there are any difficulties, any protections in the car hire contract, the insurance, and other resources could be voided.
Final Thought
When returning a rented auto to the agency, many times, the process is to simply leave it in the garage, remove your things, keep the key in the ignition and leave without coming in contact with anyone representing the company.Â
That can be somewhat unsettling since these agencies have your card and can tack on fees for virtually anything once you’ve left the lot, with it being time-intensive and exhausting to attempt to dispute these charges. Ultimately a case will come down to your word against the agency representative.
Your best recourse is to take a video of the car’s condition upon return in slow, gradual detail. This way, you can ensure there is a date/time stamp, so when it does come down to your word against the company, you have video proof to compare to the one you took when signing out the vehicle. Hopefully, these match up.