Before you rent a car, make sure to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s features. Learn how the gas tank works, where the turn signal is, and how to operate the headlights and wipers. Ideally, do not start driving the vehicle before feeling comfortable. You can also request the agency to test drive the car before you finalize it. Let us consider a few more tips to make your life easier when dealing with car rentals.
Tip 1: Prepaying In Total For A Car Rental
Prepaying in total for car hire can be a great way to save money and eliminate the possibility of no-shows. Prepayment rates are usually 5 to 15% lower than standard rates. Most reservations are possible with a credit card, but you may have to pay a cancellation fee or even lose the entire amount if you don’t show up for your reservation. However, this risk isn’t notable if you are sure about the trip. Moreover, if you pay in advance, you can opt for a flexible rental plan that allows you to cancel or reschedule your requirement.
Prepaying in full allows you to make a plan ahead of time. In addition, many car rental companies will check the credit of customers. This way, they can determine whether the car renting is trustworthy and has sufficient collateral. However, this method may result in a credit hold on the original card, which will remain on your card for 15 days. Prepaying in full for car hire can help you save up to 15% on the total cost of your rental. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about missing out on a better deal if you have to cancel the rental.
Tip 2: Inspecting The Car Thoroughly Before Signing The Rental Contract
Inspecting the car thoroughly before signing the car rental contract is an essential part of renting a car. Whether you plan to rent a car for business or personal use, it’s best to inspect it thoroughly. This step can help prevent any future liability issues. In addition, it will stop the rental car company from charging you for damages that aren’t your fault. The car you rent should be in good condition before you pick it up. Inspecting the vehicle before signing the rental contract will ensure you’re not responsible for any damages. Be sure to check both the interior and exterior of the car. It’s also wise to check the inspection report and take photos. When choosing the car, pick a model that you’re comfortable driving. Also, inspect all vehicle functions before you leave the rental agency. It’s not uncommon for rental cars to have malfunctioned or be damaged. Such instances can cost the company money to repair, which they may make you cover.
Inspecting a car alone might be challenging since you will not always know what to expect. These days, companies like Inspektlabs are making this part of the car rental process much more efficient by automating inspections. AI inspection tools enable reliable and accurate vehicle condition reports that give you a comprehensive overview. If your rental car goes through this inspection process before and after your rental, you can rest assured that you will not face any hassle. Many customers report being falsely charged for damages they did not cause. So, these inspections are the best way to ensure you do not face the same issue.
Tip 3: Getting A Second Driver For Free
Many car rental companies offer free or discounted second drivers if you are a member of their membership programs, such as AAA and AARP. If you are a frequent renter, this can be a unique benefit. It can minimize the time spent in the car at rest areas and hotels. Additionally, having a second driver can make your trip much more comfortable.
Some car rental companies make it easy for you to add a driver. You don’t need to fill out any additional paperwork. Many of these car rental companies will pre-authorize your other driver. You can also ask the car rental company if you can add another driver after you have rented the car. The fees to add a driver vary from company to company. Some rental companies charge as little as $12 daily, while others charge more. Some even waive the fee if you are a State resident or a frequent customer. Some companies also allow spouses or partners to drive for free.
Conclusion
Your car rental experience can significantly impact the rest of your experience during a holiday. Therefore, you must keep these factors in mind when booking your next car rental. Many other helpful tips available online can improve your car rental experience. If you want to save some money, you can quickly find comparison websites online that will give you an accurate estimate of the current rates in the market.
