6 smart rental car tips
Arrived at your holiday destination and ready to pick up your rental car? We have six tips to prevent stress at the counter. Plus: what to look out for when you return the car.
Are you looking to rent a car in Lahore? Contact Carlay Car Rental. It is a well-known car rental company.
1. Everything at hand
Good preparation is half the battle and prevents headaches at the counter. Something you are not waiting for when you have just completed a long journey. Therefore, make sure you have the following documents ready when you pick up your rental car:
- Reservation ticket/voucher
- Drivers license
- Credit card by the name of the main driver
- In some cases, an international driving license
2. Credit card check
When collecting the car, the lessor asks for a deposit. This is a guarantee for the lessor in the event of damage, theft, fraud, or negligence. The deposit is mandatory, but the amount can differ per provider. It can also be the amount of the deductible, for example. Because the deposit is deducted from your credit card (cash or debit card payment is usually not possible), it is important that you have a sufficient spending limit on your credit card; you can no longer spend the reserved amount. It can therefore be useful to bring an extra credit card or to increase your spending limit. If you return the car neatly and without damage, you will get the deposit back.
3. Read the fine print
Once you have handed over the necessary documents, the desk clerk will ask you to complete and sign a rental contract. The rental contract is a written confirmation of all agreements made. Read this carefully and take your time! Are the data correct, are all existing damages mentioned? Also, check carefully whether all insurance policies taken out are stated on the contract; the amount of third-party liability insurance is especially important. Also, read about the deductible, whether you can cross national borders, whether there is a maximum number of kilometers and whether an extra driver can drive in the car.
With or without extras?
An extra tire insurance policy, the surrender of the deductible, a vague upgrade: do you feel dizzy when the desk employee surprises you with dubious extras? Then choose the all-inclusive formula when you book, have an unlimited number of kilometers, standard third-party insurance up to $ 7.5 million (depending on the rental company), damage insurance for damage through your own fault, theft insurance, reimbursement of excess, and cover for glass, tire, floor and roof damage. This way, you can confidently say ‘no’ to all those extra options when you pick up your rental car.
4. Take pictures of existing damage
Only sign the forms after you have seen the car and have indicated any damage on the papers. Make sure that someone from the rental company is present at the inspection so that you can also demonstrate the damage. Always take pictures of existing damage! This prevents you from having to pay for scratches or dents that were already on the car afterwards.
5. Pay attention to the tank regulation
Many airlines work with the full-empty scheme; drive off with a full tank and return with an ’empty tank. It may sound appealing, but looks can be deceiving. You often pay too much in advance for fuel and service costs. And if you do not empty the tank, you will lose the money. Therefore opt for a full-full arrangement: you rent the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. You only pay for the petrol you really use this way.
6. Do you get value for money?
If you’ve reserved an SUV, you don’t want to get a shopping cart key in your hands. But sometimes the distinction is less clear: you are not renting a specific make and model, but a certain type of car (indicated by, for example, ‘economy’ or ‘middle class). Car rental companies sometimes want to be creative with these terms, resulting in you not getting the car you paid for. Be critical, and don’t be put off!
Return your rental car? You should pay attention to this!
Make sure there is sufficient fuel in the car
That is, as you agreed. Do you hand in the car without a full tank while this was the intention? Then the lessor will pass on the fuel costs to you, which are usually higher.
Provide proof that there is no new damage
When returning the car, make sure that an employee of the rental company signs proof after checking that there are no (new) damages. Therefore, it is not recommended to return the car outside office hours because then often no one from the rental company is present. And once at home, it is much more difficult to challenge any damages or disputes.
Check your credit card statements for the first few weeks after returning home
It can happen that rental companies incorrectly make depreciations; you authorize them when renting the car to make a reservation on your credit card for deposit, petrol, or deductible. Has money been withdrawn? Then contact the rental company and if this does not solve anything, go – with evidence – to the credit card company.
Wisdom of Life 