Four Things to Consider When Renting a Car
When you travel abroad, renting a car can be the best option for your mobility. Unlike using public transportation, you will have more freedom with a rented car. But scams are not uncommon in this business. If you are not careful, you may have to pay for fake damages or liabilities that are not supposed to be yours.
Therefore, here are four important things to think about when you want to rent a car:
Review the Law
When you are traveling to a different state or even abroad, you must know if your license is acknowledged or not. There may be additional documents required also. And you must be prepared for this at least a week before you book for a rented car.
The Rental Service’s Reputation
If you go directly to the nearest rental, the chances are that you may not know how reliable their service is. Therefore, you’d better use the Internet.
Sort the available rentals based on their ratings. Start with the top on the search result pages by finding out the reviews of their former clients. If you don’t understand the language used on the website, don’t hesitate to look for assistance.
Review the Rental Agreement
First, you must read the terms regarding your liabilities as a renter. If you somehow crash the car, you must know what’s the procedure for claiming the insurance. Please note that, sometimes, insurance is not included in the agreement, and you have to buy it separately. Although the price may look high, your rented car had better be protected because it is a fixed cost. If you are not insured, the repair cost may escalate beyond your ability to pay.
Second, see if the insurance includes protection from auto theft. This may add some significant amount of expense to your budget, but auto theft is not uncommon. Your mind must be set up to face the worst-case scenarios.
Inspect the Car Carefully Before You Drive It
It is your right to inspect the car. First, check for any scratches, dents, or any signs of wear out on the car’s body. If you find any, take photos of them, so that you have evidence that you are not responsible for those. Second, check the engine’s oil, radiator’s coolant, and look for any signs of leaking. Also, try to drive the car around the rental’s proximity to find out if there are any faulty mechanisms during a ride. Only after you are 100% sure that the car is good to go, you can drive to your destination.
