Need A Rental Car? Avoid These 3 Costly Mistakes
Whether planning a vacation or simply embarking on a road trip, you might be thinking about renting a car. Not only can renting a car be quite convenient, but it can save your personal vehicle from wear and tear in the process. Before you book your rental car reservation, however, there are a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid that could otherwise end up costing you.
Prepaying for Fuel
Many car rental companies these days provide you the option of prepaying for your fuel so that you don't have to stop at a gas station and fill up the tank before you return the car. The idea is that doing so is convenient and saves you time, but agreeing to prepay could also cost you a lot of additional money. That's because, when you prepay, you're automatically charged for a full tank of gas--even if you still had half a tank when you returned. Furthermore, when you prepay, you're charged a flat rate by the rental car company, which could be a lot higher than the price-per-gallon you'd pay by filling up yourself at a local gas station.
Ignoring the Inspection Report
Both before you take the rental car out and when you return it, the car rental company workers will do a walk-around inspection of the vehicle, making note of any damage. You'll be given a copy of this inspection report, but many people make the mistake of ignoring the report. When you take the vehicle out, you should carefully review the report (and request to be present during the inspection) to ensure that all damage is properly marked. If you see damage that isn't marked on the report, be sure to point it out so that you're not held responsible for it when you return the car.
Failure to Read the Fine Print
Finally, be sure to read all the fine print of your car rental agreement before you sign any paperwork. Specifically, if you're going on a long trip, make sure the contract stipulates that you're allowed to take the car across state lines. Furthermore, check to ensure that there aren't any mileage restrictions on your car. By making sure of this before you reserve your car, you can avoid possible fees and penalties down the road. As a result, you'll be able to better enjoy your car rental experience and save some money in the process.
For more information, contact a local car rental company like Hertz Clifton-Passaic Rent A Car.