Considering getting a rental car for your trip? Most people think that the process of renting a car is straightforward, but at times it is not always the case. Factors like getting additional insurance, the cost of renting, and even using the car can make the car hiring decision complicated. Other considerations include car inspections when renting, ability to drive the car in another country, and whether you need the extras offered by the car rental company. Most people do not know what to do when renting a car or what not to do. Here is a list of things you should not do when renting a car.
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Do Not Prepay for Gasoline
The reason prepaid fuel charges appeal to most travelers due to their convenience. Unless you are sure you will return the car with an empty fuel tank, do not consider prepaying for gasoline. Also, do not fall for the service where the car rental company promises to only charge you for fuel used. It is always more expensive to use the prepaid fuel option than to fuel the car yourself.
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Failing to Check for A Fuel Location You Can Use on Your Way Back
Immediately after you pick your car rental, you need to find a fueling location close to the car rental company. At the end of your rental, you may need to fuel the car before you return it. The last thing you want is to drive in circles looking for a place to fuel especially if you have a flight to catch.
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Don’t Purchase Insurance
There are numerous reasons and benefits associated with purchasing of insurance for a rental car. However, before you decide on this matter, find out if your car insurance covers car rentals. If your policy is a full coverage one, then you do not need additional insurance since car rentals are already covered under your current cover. A car rental falls under the replacement vehicle category in your cover. If you have comprehensive coverage for your car, it may well be that your rental car is covered. Call your insurance provider to confirm.
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Do Not Pay Out of Your Pocket
If your car insurance does not cover car rentals, and you fail to get additional insurance, any damages to the car are covered from your pocket. Another way to ensure you do not pay out of your pocket even when you do not have additional insurance is by using your credit card coverage. Your credit card coverage will cover any costs your insurance company may not be willing to cover based on your policy.
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Do Not Ignore The ‘Loss Of Use’ Caveat
If a car rental is damaged while in your hands, the ‘loss of use’ charge is applied. This is done to cover any potential losses the company faces as the car is being repaired. This cost is charged per the daily amount for renting the car. Most auto insurance companies will not cover this cost. However, most credit cards do.
