When was the last time you rented a car? Whether your daily driver is in the shop or you frequently fly to other cities and need a vehicle, renting is sometimes necessary.
It appears that’s the case for lots of people. Statista says the car rental market in the U.S. is expected to generate $31.54 billion in revenue this year. It adds that the market could grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.95% between now and 2029, reaching $38.29 billion.
Don’t Rent Until You Consider a Few Things
While most car rental agreements go off without a hitch, not all do. You don’t want to get a nasty surprise that could have been avoided. So, before renting a vehicle, here are 15 things you must do to avoid unnecessary drama.
Research Rental Companies
Before looking for a rental car, research rental companies serving your area. No two rental companies are the same, so it’s in your best interest to check for companies with a good selection of rental vehicles, competitive rates, and excellent customer service.
Check Online Reviews
Ever heard that the best way to see how a company will treat you is to see their client history? Fewer statements are more true. That’s why it makes sense to check out online customer reviews. You can learn a lot about car rental businesses this way.
While taking anything you read online with a grain of salt makes sense, considering what others say is one way to learn things you might not otherwise find out. It can help you make sound decisions.
Compare Prices
It’s vital to compare prices and ask about special rates. Weekend and holiday rates can be considerably higher than other periods. Booking well in advance and leveraging discounts through AAA, AARP, and other memberships are other ways to save.
Understand the Rental Agreement
You might be surprised at how few people read their car rental agreements word-for-word. They might half-listen to what the customer service rep says but often don’t read the terms and conditions. That’s a mistake since you need to know about mileage limits and fuel policies to avoid hefty penalties.
Verify Insurance Coverage
It’s essential to verify insurance coverage. Depending on the insurance policy you have for your vehicle, you might not need additional coverage from the car rental company. Check with your insurer to see if your policy covers rental cars. You won’t need to pay extra at the car rental place if your insurance coverage extends to any vehicles you rent.
Car rental locations will be happy to sell you overpriced extra coverage, but you can decline if you already have coverage from your insurer.
Research Any Renter Restrictions
Before choosing a car rental business, look at any driver restrictions. You’ll need to show a valid driver’s license, but that’s not all. There will be age restrictions, for instance.
While the legal driving age might be 16, some car rental companies won’t rent to anyone under 20 or 21. They don’t want anyone under age to operate their vehicles at all. You must learn about restrictions.
Pick the Right Size
It’s also vital to pick the right type of car. Depending on how desperately you need a vehicle and its availability, you might find the pickings slim. But it’s best to rent one sized appropriately for the number of people you’re traveling with, how much you’re packing, and how far you’re driving.
Consider Fuel Efficiency
You might not be overly concerned about fuel efficiency if you need a pickup truck or large SUV. After all, you already know you’re in for a pricey trip. The wrong vehicle on a long excursion can cost you a ton, whereas the right one can reduce the number of stops at the gas station.
Consider Additional Features
Consider additional features that may be necessary. Will you need GPS navigation, child seats, or other things that may not come standard with the car rental? If so, verify that the car rental company offers the extras and that they’re available with the vehicle you want.
Check for Towing or Roof Rack Options—If You Need Them
Depending on where you’re headed and what you plan to do, you might need some extra towing or hauling capabilities. That means renting a vehicle with the correct weighing or towing specs and asking about possible roof rack options.
Inspect the Car Thoroughly
You must carefully inspect the vehicle inside and out, taking pictures if necessary. The last thing you need is to rent a car, return it, and hear that you caused damage that wasn’t there when you left. If there are dents, rips, scratches, or chips, point them out to the customer service person immediately so you’re not liable afterward.
Check the Odometer
Before driving away from the car rental lot, check the odometer. Ensure that the tally printed on the car rental contract matches the odometer reading in the vehicle.
You don’t want to be hit with extra mileage fees, which can add up quickly. If you have a mileage cap, ensure that you and the car rental company are on the same page regarding the odometer reading. That way, there’ll be no unpleasant surprises on your final bill.
Test the Lights and Signals
Check the signals, lights, and other features before you leave. The setup of your rental car might not be the same as your daily driver. You don’t want to wind up in a situation where you can’t find a particular switch or button. Check everything ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Check Tire Condition
You might be surprised how often you’ll find underinflated tires on rental cars. If you’re led to a rental car and find the tires underinflated, point it out before you drive off the lot. The company should properly inflate all the tires before you get the keys.
Verify Emergency Contact Information
Another thing to do before renting a vehicle is to verify the emergency contact information. While you’ll hope there’ll be no issues, sometimes things happen. The car could break down, you could get into an accident, or something worse. Knowing who to contact is a good idea.
Happy Renting!
If you follow these recommendations, you’ll rent cars with little to no problems. It’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself into so the transaction goes smoothly.
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