7 do's and dont's when hiring a rental car

It's easy to make mistakes when you are renting a car. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned renter or a first-timer. It's hard to perfect the rental process and it seems like it was designed that way.

This doesn't mean you should be a victim of the system.  But with all the available options out there and the upgrades and upsells that come with them, are you really making the right decision? Knowing the do's and dont's in car rental is necessary if you want to get the best out of your hired car. To help you out, we've listed down 7 of the things you should do and not do when hiring a rental car.

 

DO prioritize smaller companies 

If you try to look at the car rental industry, it is still dominated by big companies. Luckily, smaller companies have closed the gap significantly over the years. Competition is almost always a good thing for customers. While bigger brands focus more on the profit and getting more sales. The smaller companies focus their energy on customer service. While it is true that bigger companies can be convenient to use at times, independent car hire companies can offer better options for customers in terms of pricing and upgrades. Car rental companies like carhiremaltagroup.com can provide the same kinds of cars at a fraction of the price published by bigger companies. Just make sure you check both big and small companies the next time you hire a rental car.

 

DO find the right vehicle

Consider your needs before choosing what vehicle to rent. Going for the smallest available model can help you save on rental fees or gas but may not be good if you are traveling with co-workers or if you have supplies to haul. Also, don't forget to ensure you are reserving a car with automatic transmission if you can't drive a stick shift.

 

Don't book at the last minute

If you want to get the best price and have a wide variety of cars to choose from then be sure to book way ahead of time. Car hire companies often give discounts to advance bookings as they can properly schedule their fleet availability. Making an early booking gives you flexibility both in pricing and choice. This also means not wasting time in the airport talking to the agent about your car rental needs.

 

Do decide on the designated driver

A lot of car rental companies charge extra for a second driver. If you are going to travel with a friend or co-worker, it is economically sound to just designate one driver. If there is really a need to switch drivers, ask around first for fees for having a second driver.

 

Don't disregard insurance

Most of the agents working for car rental companies will push insurance when you rent a car. This is to cover the car in case you get into an accident. However, if you already have a comprehensive car insurance coverage, you might not need it. Ask your insurance company whether your personal car insurance extends to a rented car. If it does, then you don't have to pay extra for insurance when renting a car. It is also worth noting that your credit card may also provide some form of insurance when renting cars. Talk to your credit card provider about it.

 

Don't hesitate to ask about fees

A lot of people fall victim to hidden fees when they rent a car. That's why you should always ask for them when you get the chance. If you are booking a reservation online, make sure to read the terms and conditions for possible fees. If booking with an agent at the airport or their office or through the phone, go and ask about the fees. These can range from penalty fee for no-shows or additional fees for returning the car late. This way, you won't get surprised when your bill arrives.

 

Do inspect the car properly before and after using

Take note of every scratch, blemish, or dent in the car during the pre-rental inspection. If possible, take pictures or shoot a video while slow-walking around the vehicle to check. Also, don't just settle on the outside. Check the inside of the vehicle as well and also the knobs and buttons. This is also applicable during the final inspection after you return the vehicle. Nobody wants to pay for damages they didn't cause.

Renting a car can be an exciting experience especially for those who are traveling abroad. Just make sure you follow the do's and dont's we posted and you should have no problem driving that rental. Also, don't forget to always stay safe when driving and always follow traffic rules.