Are you renting a car for the first time? Maybe you’re looking to save money on your next road trip or just need a reliable ride for vacation. No matter the reason, it’s important to know the common mistakes people make when they rent cars so you can avoid them. In this article, we’ll look at 7 of the most common mistakes to avoid when renting a car.
Renting a car can be both exciting and stressful. You get to explore new places and have some freedom, but there are also potential pitfalls that come with it. The good news is that many of these mistakes can easily be avoided by doing research before you sign on the dotted line. Not being aware of some of these things can make you fall victim of car rental scams.
Here are 7 of the Most Common Car Rental Mistakes to watch out for:
You want to make sure your rental experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, so understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do! In this article, we’ll go over 7 mistakes that you should never make when renting a car so that your road trip goes off without a hitch. So let’s get started!
1. Paying Too Much Money Upfront
Paying too much money upfront when renting a car is one of the car rental common mistakes, which can be costly. It’s important to research rental rates before committing to one, as the advertised rate usually does not include additional fees like taxes, tolls and rental insurance. Public transport is an option if you’re visiting a city or urban area, as it may be more cost-effective than renting a car. If you plan to rent a car, make sure to check with your credit card company first, as they often offer additional benefits like free rental insurance. Also, consider researching different rental agencies – many big chains list their prices on travel and hotel websites, but there are many independent rental agencies that may not only have better pricing than the big chains but may be in closer proximity or offer more custom services and perks such as pickups, dropoffs, child safety seats, airport transfers, etc.. To avoid overpaying for your car rental in Etobicoke, compare rates across multiple companies – big and small – and look out for any add-on fees that could increase the total cost of your rental.
2. Not Negotiating The Lease Agreement
Another car rental common mistakes is not negotiating the lease agreement. Many rental companies have a ‘standard’ lease agreement, which may include more insurance than you originally wanted or need. It can also include additional fees that you weren’t necessarily expecting. Examples of additional fees that might be included are multiple drivers and young-driver premiums. Major car rental companies often offer bonuses such as some free mileage, automatic transmission cars, and other incentives to attract customers. Make sure to read through the entire agreement thoroughly before signing it. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for additional discounts or upgrades to vehicles–it can save you a lot of money in the long run! Additionally, make sure to check if your credit card offers any sort of rental coverage–many do, so this could be another way to save money while still getting the necessary coverage for your vehicle rental.
3. Not Buying Gap Insurance
When renting a car for a road trip, it’s important to consider all of your insurance options. Not purchasing gap insurance could be a potential mistake. Gap insurance is extra protection in case the rental car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than what the car is worth. Before renting, check with your credit card company to find out exactly what coverage you get for car rental insurance, and inquire about additional coverage from the rental agency. Also, don’t forget that credit card insurance plans usually only apply if you use that particular card for the rental fees. Just carrying a credit card in your wallet doesn’t mean you have coverage promised in the cards fine-print.
It may seem like an unnecessary expense at first but if you’re involved in an accident and don’t have gap insurance, it can leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars. This can easily derail your entire road trip plans. So take the time to look into all of your insurance options and consult with the rental agency about their gap insurance policies before getting behind the wheel.
4. Over/Underestimating How Many Miles You’ll Put On a Car
When renting a car, it’s easy to underestimate how many miles you’ll be driving. If you’re planning a future trip and want an enjoyable time while exploring the area, underestimating your mileage can leave you with limited options. When signing the rental agreement, make sure to read the fine print and confirm if there are any foreign transaction fees that come with car rentals. Also, consider renting a car with mileage so that you don’t have to worry about additional charges or running out of miles before your trip is over. If you think that you may need more than what is already included in your package, ask for an upgrade before submitting payment.
Similarly, if you pay extra for a car with “unlimited” mileage but you are going to be averaging less than 200km a day on the road – it may be cheaper to rent a vehicle with a 200km per day limit instead of spending the extra money on those “unlimited” miles you won’t actually be using.
Taking the time to do this now can save you from spending money later on when it comes time to return the car.
5. Not Maintaining The Car
One of the biggest mistakes people make when renting a car long-term is to not keeping up with its maintenance. Not only does this put your safety at risk, but it can also end up costing you a lot of money. It’s especially important to pay attention to manual transmission cars, as they require more upkeep than automatic ones.
There are countless mistakes sellers can make when renting a car as well, such as failing to properly inspect the vehicle before and after rental. There are many stories about people who where charged for damage that already existed before the renter left the lot – so make sure you use a reputable rental agency by checking their Google reviews, Facebook reviews, and by asking friends and family for recommendations. And, just in case, do your due diligence and check the vehicle for damage before you leave the lot. Make sure you log any vehicle damage with the rental agency before you leave. You do not want to receive unnecessary damage charges, or even worse – an unreliable vehicle with costly repairs that could have been prevented had the agency taken better care of the car. To avoid these situations, be sure to inspect the car yourself before and after your rental.
In addition to ensuring that the vehicle is safe and reliable for your journey, this will also allow you to hold the rental agency accountable for any damages or mismanagement of their vehicles – saving you from potential financial losses or being stuck somewhere with a broken down vehicle.
6. Paying for a Rental Car Instead of Your Insurance
If your car or truck is out of commission due to an accident, your insurance may cover the cost of rental until your personal vehicle is repaired or replaced. Call your insurance company to see if you are covered. But, don’t go and rent a luxury vehicle to replace your economy car – there are usually daily dollar limits the insurance company will cover you for, and usually time limits too. Get the details from your insurance company. You may be able to negotiate a longer rental period if you can prove you need it.
Many auto shops and tow-truck companies know the best car rental places near you. So, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or help finding a good rental company nearby. These are the people helping you deal with your auto accident and they will be happy to help you find a temporary replacement vehicle too.
7. Not Considering Lease-Specific Insurance Requirements
When renting a car, it can be easy to overlook the importance of considering lease-specific insurance requirements before signing your agreement. This is a common mistake people make when they’re in a hurry or excited to start their journey, only to find out later that they’re not as covered as they thought.
It’s important to check if your travel credit card covers rental car insurance and roaming policy. If you don’t, you may end up with huge charges from an accident that wasn’t your fault. According to the president of marketing for CarRentals.com, “many travelers forget about rental car insurance and end up paying thousands in additional coverage fees after a collision”. To avoid this costly mistake, ask for details about what type of coverage is included in the rental fee and if you need any additional coverage.
Take the time to research and read your rental agreement thoroughly before signing so you can rest assured that you won’t be stuck with unexpected hidden fees down the line. Be sure to consider all possible scenarios during your travels so that you can properly prepare and avoid any extra costs or hassles associated with insurance requirements on your next road trip!
Renting a car from a destination rental car company can be a great way to explore new places, but it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes. One of the most significant missteps is overspending on a rental car and then barely using it. If you are spending your entire time in a big city like Toronto that has great pubic transit, or you are spending your entire trip downtown and will be walking most places, you may end up parking the rental car more than you drive it. To avoid this mistake, carefully evaluate your travel plans and choose a rental car that suits your needs.
Don’t forget to compare prices from different rental agencies to get the best deal. And compare apples to apples. Don’t compare a Ford Mustang Convertible to the cost of renting an economy car; or a 12 seater Passenger Van cost to a compact SUV; or the cost of renting a pickup truck compared to renting a 16′ cube truck.
By avoiding these crucial mistakes, you can enjoy a stress-free and affordable car rental
Conclusion
It’s important to avoid making mistakes when you rent a car. These seven tips will help you make sure you have the best possible experience with your rental car. Paying too much money upfront, not negotiating the lease agreement, and not buying gap insurance are all common mistakes that can be easily avoided. On top of that, it’s important to accurately estimate how many miles you’ll put on a car and to maintain it properly during your rental period. Not considering lease-specific insurance requirements should also be avoided as they could negatively impact your rental experience.
By following these simple guidelines and using common sense, renting a car doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. I’m confident that if you take the time to research your options and ask the right questions, you’ll be able to find the perfect rental car for your needs without making any of these common mistakes.
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So go ahead and enjoy your rental experience – happy driving!
