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7 mistakes to avoid while renting a car

7 mistakes to avoid while renting a car

Renting a car can be an essential need when moving, traveling, or vacationing. They also come in handy while completing day-to-day tasks as they are a convenient and affordable alternative to public transport and long walks. Due to the increasing demand, there has been a surge in the number of car rental companies across the globe. However, the process of renting a car can be confusing, which is why many people make common mistakes.

Not making reservations
Waiting until the last moment to get a rental car is not a pretty choice. Especially if someone is delaying the decision just to explore all of the available options for travel. Failing to reserve a rental car in advance can lead to additional charges, hiked prices, and a limited selection of choices. It is important to contact the rental company at least a week in advance of the required dates. Advanced bookings of car rentals also increase the chances of getting the desired vehicle for the travel.

Not reading the fine print
It is known news that one must carefully read and comprehend the terms and conditions of any agreement. This also holds true for car rentals. When reading the contract for the rental car, make sure to pay attention to the minute details. Check the availability limit specified on the contract, the refueling policy for the automobile, and other similar details. Some rental companies may include redundancy charges in their contract when they utilize the unlimited policy. Similarly, some may have a set limit or impose additional charges for anyone who exceeds it. Rental companies also mention charges that may apply even if the vehicle is returned with the same amount of gas it initially provided.

Not comparing prices
Another common mistake people make when booking rental cars is not comparing prices. It is important to do some window shopping and compare prices from different companies to find a suitable option. Take advantage of the various websites and tools available that allow for the comparison of features and prices. Be sure to check for any available discounts or offers running on the rental company’s website. Some of these websites may offer prices lower than those on third-party sites.

Skipping policies
Auto insurance may be a tricky business. However, it is important to understand what is and is not covered by the policy. People should carefully examine the policy, review the options provided by the rental company, and select one that offers adequate coverage. Those who have an existing auto insurance policy should check if it can be extended to cover the rental. It is also important to check the policy coverage that is to be provided.

Overlooking vehicle inspection and other details
It is important to thoroughly inspect a rental car before leaving the rental company. Take note of any existing damages and inform the auto agency to ensure you’re not held accountable for any damages that you did not cause. Check for dents, scrapes, punctures, stains, or other possible damages— even on the interiors or upholstery. It is best to get these validated by the rental company and take prints for evidence. Simply driving off with the car without inspection can increase the risk of being charged for existing damages.

Opting for GPS
If the rental vehicle does not include a GPS, there is a high chance that the company employee may try and convince you to get one. At the time, it might sound like the right choice. But, is getting a GPS device really necessary? For one, the equipment cost is high and may not fit the rental budget one has set aside. Instead, a much cheaper alternative is to get a local SIM card and use the internet connection on a smartphone for GPS assistance. Alternatively, one can invest in a portable GPS device before hitting the road. These options are considerably cost-effective as opposed to paying daily rent for the one offered by the rental company.

Using Bluetooth while traveling
The general idea is to avoid using Bluetooth on a rental car, as it can be a costly mistake. In case one does use the service, make sure to erase all pertaining data before returning the vehicle. Even if one has only used the wireless connectivity feature to listen to music, the car’s Bluetooth device may have access to one’s data unless the connection is erased. Leaving the connection on the system may lead to potential risks.

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