Car Rental Tips and Advice You Should Know

If you are like me, you have had at least one bad car rental experience. My last car rental experience was one in which they actually ended up giving away my car and had no more cars in stock. Luckily, they provided me a car from one of their competitors with a free upgrade. Nevertheless, I probably won’t use that company again. Apparently some car-rental companies frequently oversell their stock. Some things you just can avoid, but here are some important car rental tips you can control.

Use a Nationwide Well-Known Company: You are likely to have less problems such as car not available with a large nationwide car rental company. Nationwide car rental agencies are also more likely to upgrade you if the car you ordered is not available.

Don’t Take The Prepaid Gas Option: Even with gas prices as high as they are now, it’s still the better option to get your own gas. With the prepaid gas option you will pay for a full tank even if he returned with a few gallons.

Don’t Buy Car Rental Insurance: Often times you are ready covered for if you have an auto insurance policy with collision coverage. If you don’t have collision coverage check with your credit card company. Many of them already provide car-rental insurance protection. In a 2004 survey, 15% of car renters said they felt pressured to buy car insurance at the counter. Don’t let that happen to you. Know your coverage beforehand.

Use Your Credit Card Not Debit Card: Car rental companies always make you provide credit card information upfront but avoid using your debit card because rental agency can put a hold on your account for $100s more than the estimated total. You can always switch back to a debit card when you return the vehicle.

Do They Allow for Late Plane Arrival? If they don’t, your car rental reservation might get cancelled if you plane arrives late.

Pre-Check The Vehicle: report tiny dents scratches and dings before you drive the rental car off the lot. You don’t want to be charged for someone else’s damage.

How Much Will The Entire Rental Cost? Get it in writing. Most car rental companies have different weekday and weekend rates, but sometimes quote you only the rate for the first day of your rental. If necessary, call the rental company and confirm the rates for your entire trip.

Have a Great Trip!