10 Things to know before
renting a car
Renting a car can
be one of the most bewildering
experiences to face. There are a
number of things you need to know
before booking a rental car for your
trip or vacation:
1. Shop around
Always compare at least three car
rental agencies to get the cheap
booking. Make every effort to get
the best deal. A rate that sounds
unbelievable low might not be so low
when all is over. Clarify which
taxes, surcharges and other fees
you�ll be expected to pay and be on
the lookout for charges for extras
you really need, such as permission
for additional drivers to use the
car.
2. Discount and
coupons
When booking a rental car online, be
alert for little areas where you can
enter a promotional code or discount
code. That�s a sign to open a web
browser is another window and do a
quick internet search for the car
company�s name along with the same
catch phrase you spotted. You could
find a coupon code in seconds and
save on your rental. Remember that
you also may have access to discount
codes through organization
memberships and other affiliations.
3. Rent A Car
according to your need
Always rent a car that is suited to
your needs. For example if you want
to travel with your full family a
small compact car is not enough for
you. Make the entire necessary
request when you plan your
reservation. For example, if you
know you will need a child�s car
seat, don�t forget to reserve it,
but if you are only going to the
airport from the hotel you might
want to consider getting a smaller
car to save money.
4. Print the
voucher
If you booked a car online, most of
the times you will receive a voucher
by E-mail, which specifies all the
information regarding your
reservation. Check that all the
details on the voucher are correct.
Print the voucher and give it at the
car rental company counter when you
pick-up the car (if you won�t give
the voucher, there is a chance they
will charge you twice).
5. Check the
contract thoroughly
Check the rental contract to make
sure you�re getting the correct
rates and car type you ordered.
Furthermore, make sure the dates and
time of pick-up and return are
accurate.
6. Check for
damage
Once you received the rented car, do
a quick check for any damages; check
that all the lights work, that there
aren�t any hits or dints on the
sides of the car, that the radio\CD
player works fine, etc. If you spot
anything significant, call it to the
attention of the rental company
before you take the car off the lot,
so you won�t be penalized for
damaged you didn�t cause.
7. Think twice
about the insurance
The car rental company may offer you
all kinds of insurance to purchase.
however, your personal auto
insurance may be all you need in the
event of an accident with a rental
car. Check properly before paying
extra at the rental counter.
8. Keep credit
card or debit card handy
Have a credit or debit card handy to
reserve the rental car with, most
companies will only guarantee a car
with this insurance.
9. Gas up
Don�t prepay for gasoline and then
don�t forget to fill the tank back
up before you return the car. If you
fail to do so, expect to pay much
more than the market price for the
gasoline you owe.
10. Be on time
If you return your car late, the
rental agency may charge you as much
as a full day�s rental, sometimes at
a rate higher than before. If you
are going to be late, call the
agency and explain your situation.
It may help. Also, clarify what
charges you might have to pay if you
must drop the car off early.
If you�ll follow
all these tips, it might help you to
avoid frustrating car rental
experience and should save you a lot
of time.
