The average car rental is a process that should receive more attention than the last minute during the trip. Unfortunately, many families (and business travelers) can’t do a few little things up front that could lead to a more stress-free car rental travel experience. As any frequent traveler knows, getting a car rental right at the beginning of the journey can certainly result in a much more enjoyable journey for all concerned at the end. Here are 5 keys to a successful car rental that every traveler should keep in mind:
- Do a little homework. As with any smart buying decision, even a little preparation can save dollars. For example, the wise and experienced traveler will ensure that their own car insurance is up-to-date and sufficient for their planned car rental needs. It is widely accepted that travelers do not need to take out the insurance of the rental company offered if their own coverage can adequately protect them. The only exception to this could be: lack of insurance because the lessee does not have a personal car. In this case, the insurance of the highest priced rental company is better than none.
- Understand your rental agreement. Wise car rental customers will absolutely make sure they understand the terms and requirements of any vehicle or vehicle rental agreement. This is an important part of preparing for travel and car rental, and should not be something that is studied only when a problem arises. Some details that should always be confirmed include: 1) How many miles are allowed per day (experienced rental customers agree that unlimited mileage is best for most travelers), and 2) Is the customer required to refill the gas tank when you return the car? Rental companies generally offer a fuel option that allows the customer to prepay a tank of gas. This means that the driver can return the car without filling the tank. In most cases, it’s best to buy gasoline when necessary, filling up the tank just before returning the car. To avoid later issues use companies Uber Clone apps for rental cars & manage for all requirement.
- Know what you are renting. While many travelers will really consider insurance, mileage, and gas when renting a car, most won’t take the time to look at the car’s physical condition to check for dents, scratches, and other appearance issues. Customer feedback and customer complaints indicate that car rental companies sometimes try to blame these problems on the current tenant. To avoid this difficulty, prudent car rental customers will point out any issues before taking the car, making sure the company representative takes note of scratches, dents, and upholstery issues in writing. Tip: Experienced tenants use their digital cameras to document any problems before leaving.
- Seek courage but pay for happiness. The car rental industry has grown rapidly and now includes dozens of options. This level of competition has led to reduced prices, even from some of the major companies. Of course, the best offer for the lowest price is everyone’s goal. However, experience in the field of car rental has taught many people that the lowest price is not always the key to happiness. As options expand, customers are tempted to choose lesser-known companies to save money. Many of these casual tenants assume that state and federal laws will protect them from any major problems. While it is generally true that “recognized brand” corporations and many smaller companies will provide a quality and carefree experience, problems may arise with some of the smaller companies. The prudent renter will be sure to answer any questions about the terms and conditions of the car, especially with smaller fleet businesses. The pressure of creating and growing a business can lead some to take shortcuts. In the end, the customer may have to pay for that pressure.
- Highlight the little details. There are a number of small print items in rental agreements that can add to or subtract from the total cost you end up paying. Two that should be fully understood at the beginning are: 1) Return Requirements: Is the original renter required to bring the car back to the same place? There may be a charge to return the vehicle.
Holidays can be hectic enough without adding the stresses of a bad car rental to the equation. The mistakes the average traveler makes when renting a car range from lack of planning before the trip begins, to doing little things during the rental process that end up costing you more money in the end. Wise travelers can avoid these mistakes by following the five tips outlined above for a successful stress-free car rental.
