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Things to Look Out for When Renting a Car

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When you think about car rental, it seems pretty straightforward and easy; however, when you take a closer look you’ll realize that plenty can go wrong if you’re not attentive. This is even truer if you’re not clued up about what the rental process entails. Questions start to pop inside your head like fireworks on New Year’s Eve; do I really need additional insurance? Do I need to return the car with a full fuel tank? Does there need to be another person with me when I inspect the car upon rental and return?

There are plenty of dos and don’ts regarding car rental. There is definitely more to this process than meets the eye, so it’s best to keep certain points in mind. With a little help and advice from others plus the instance of past experiences, you should be able to get a hang of things. Here are a few things to consider when approaching your next car rental

  • Be prepared for delays: One thing’s for sure – plenty of people have experienced delays when renting a car. Even though you may book in advance, there is no guarantee that it be ready as soon as you arrive. Supply and demand itself can affect the time, place, and model of vehicle you ultimately get. If you’re looking for a quick pick-up, look into getting the car earlier in the week—or, for that matter, at the beginning of the day. That way, there will be fewer people picking up and dropping off cars, thus making things easier for you.
  • Remember to check the car thoroughly: This is a no-brainer, but then again a lot of us tend to forget this important step. Dents and scratches are one thing, but more noticeable and serious damage is another. Take your time and properly scan the car inside and out. Taking pictures may also be a good idea. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get behind the wheel. Remember to take a proper look at every nook and cranny of the car. More serious issues like the mudguard and lights not working may actually end up being dangerous for you, especially if you’re driving at night. So make sure you are watchful and alert, even when it comes to the tiniest of details.
  • Keep an eye on the final bill and overall expense: You’ll need to do a bit of homework about the rental company before committing. You may end up being charged with a price slightly higher than the one you were quoted in your reservation. That may happen sometimes when the initial car you pick up happens to have a problem or is unavailable, causing you to rent another car that has a slightly higher rate. So be watchful of certain details.

This post contains sponsored links from City Car Rental.