Krit of Studio OMG
Hiring a car is often a must for travel, but encountering unforeseen fees can really tarnish the experience. Here are some tips to consider when renting your next vehicle to avoid unnecessary costs.
While it’s convenient to secure insurance through the rental company, it’s not your sole choice. If you already have personal auto insurance, it might cover rentals; just be sure to check your policy for the details. If not, or if you prefer not to risk a hike in your auto insurance premium, you can purchase rental car insurance in advance from a travel insurer or the rental company. You can also check if your credit card provides insurance perks, as Kevin Fairbanks-Bloom, a senior travel advisor at AAA, explains. “Consider what might go wrong,” he advises.
Fairbanks-Bloom emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading the policy fine print, as coverage can differ significantly between companies. Some policies may only cover specific vehicle sizes, and many have restrictions on where you can drive. “If you misuse the vehicle or drive it off-road, your insurance may be invalidated,” Fairbanks-Bloom warns.
Consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch usually suggests using a credit card with collision coverage to pay for your rental, thus avoiding extra insurance costs. “If you booked the rental with a credit card, review the card’s benefits, as many include rental car collision insurance at no extra charge,” she notes.
Before collecting your car, Fairbanks-Bloom recommends preparing a list of questions for the customer service representative. “It’s about being proactive and not reactive, thinking ahead instead of regretting later,” he advises. Among the questions to ask are: who to call if you get a flat tire, the car breaks down, or you need a tow. If you opt for insurance through the rental company, ensure you understand the policy fully before leaving so you can ask any lingering questions.
Also, inquire about toll fees and mileage limitations, advises Alex Black, the chief marketing officer at EpicVIN, a company that offers the history of used cars.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask about upgrades! “You never know if there’s a more spacious or luxurious option available, depending on current demand,” Woroch points out.
This is a crucial step! In addition to checking for dings, scratches, scuffs, and dents on the exterior, inspect less obvious areas, like the tires. “Sometimes they’re almost worn out,” Black notes. Check the windshield wipers to ensure they’re functional. “If you’re tall, also check for roof damage, as items might be tied down with straps and cause harm,” Fairbanks-Bloom advises.
Don’t overlook the interior, either. “When you start the car, check the fuel level and any check engine lights,” suggests Mark Mannell, the CEO of CarRentalSavers.com. Mannell recommends documenting everything with photos or videos.
If you haven’t pre-paid for gas, make sure to fill up. Woroch advises seeking out a gas station near your drop-off location—though be aware that those near airports often charge more. “If you’re running on empty, fill up at a cheaper station not near the airport and then top off at the more expensive one closer to the return area,” she advises.
While dropping off the car, it’s easy to rush, but you don’t want to accidentally be held responsible for damage or forget anything. “Be sure to photograph or video the fuel level, interior, and exterior at drop-off,” Mannell says. And keep all these photos or videos for six months if you’re renting domestically, he advises.
Lastly, do a final check to ensure you haven’t missed any personal items. “Gather all your belongings, checking the center console, side door pockets, and under the seats to ensure you don’t lose anything valuable, as you may not get it back,” Woroch advises.
