While most of us might occasionally rent a car for travel or when our own car is in the shop getting a much needed repair,  sometimes it’s wise to take advantage of rental agencies when we’re looking to purchase a specific vehicle and would really like to see how it handles for a much longer period of time than a dealership test drive offers us – but no matter why you find yourself needing to rent a car, here are some tips to make your rental experience much more enjoyable: 

Inquire About Specials

Many times rental agencies offer specials on certain makes and models of cars, as well as online only rentals, summer deals, holiday specials, etc. Shop around, both online and locally, compare different agencies and discover which rental agencies offer the best deal for you and your needs. 

Inquire About Specifics and Fees

You’ll need to know what the rental agency requires, what time the car must be brought back and if you’re dropping it off in another location, you’ll need to know about drop off fees and fuel charges. Some rental agencies will want the car filled with a tank of gas, while other rental agencies will fill the tank and charge you for the amount. Also ask about mile allowances and what the cost is for going over these allowances, as well as additional driver fees, surcharges, taxes, out of state charges or any airport surcharges.

Inquire About Insurance

Ask about personal accident insurance, collision damage and personal effects coverage and all fees.  Call your insurance company to find out if your auto insurance already covers some (or all) of these liabilities. 

If you’re car is in the shop, sometimes your insurance company will reimburse you for any out of pocket expense you incur, while other insurance companies will make the necessary arrangements to rent a car for you (this is generally true if you’ve been involved in an auto accident).

Some motor clubs and credit card companies offer free rental protection when you use the card to pay or show your memberhsip identification card.

Inquire About Forms of Payment and Refundable Fees

Ask about refundable fees. Most (if not all) rental companies these days require a major credit card, even if you do not intend to use the credit card to pay for the rental car. This charge is refundable and most rental agencies will not actually process the amount to your credit card (unless you don’t return the car), however, this charge may severely limit the amount you have on your credit card to spend until the car is returned.

Check It Out

Inspect the actual car you will be renting for signs of wear and the overall condition of the car.  Make note of all scratches, dings and dents and make the rental agency aware of everything you’ve noticed.  What may seem like minor imperfections at the onset could turn into major expenses for you down the road when you return the car.

Read the Fine Print

Look over the contract carefully before signing and ask if you have any questions or there is something you don’t understand.  If you are still in doubt about something, ask to speak to the manager for clarification of terms.

Other Tips

• Do not let unauthorised drivers behind the wheel.
• Do not smoke in non-smoking vehicles.
• Let the agency know in advance if you will be transporting pets.
• Keep track of credit card charges.

Rental Agencies

• Enterprise Rent-a-Car
• Hertz Car Rental
• Avis
• Budget
• eQuocar (Burbank and Southern California – hybrid rentals only)
• Thrify
• Alamo
• Advantage Car Rental

Tags: Advice, General, Guides // 5 Comments »