Renting a car is sometimes a necessity when you travel. You might be inclined to think it’s as simple as booking the car, picking it up, and driving away. But the process is a bit more complicated these days. From all the extra questions the rental agent asks, to handling tolls, to understanding what happens to your car if the flight is delayed, renting a car can feel overwhelming. This week we give you our top tips for renting a car in the most efficient way to save you time and unnecessary expenses.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance? Every rental company offers insurance for you to add. Within the U.S. this is often unnecessary, but it’s important to check your own auto insurance policy first. The credit card that you use to rent the vehicle might also offer primary or secondary coverage, but the terms can vary significantly. The key is to understand what you have coverage for, and then determine what else you need. One benefit of purchasing the rental company’s protection is that any damage might not get reported to your own insurance policy, but this added peace-of-mind can come with a hefty daily rate increase. If renting outside the U.S., it’s usually a good idea to buy their insurance.
What if my plane is delayed? Rental companies understand that flight delays happen, and they usually will hold your reservation for a few hours past your planned arrival time. If there is a place to add your flight information, that also helps them know how to manage their inventory so there’s a car when you arrive. As soon as you know of a delay, it’s a good idea to call the local rental car number to let them know. If the delay is significant, they might be able to place the keys in a lock box or hold the car until the next morning.
Can I return my car before the office opens? If you have an early flight and the rental office isn’t open yet, oftentimes companies will have a lock box where you can place keys and paperwork before boarding your flight. Make sure you let them know of your return plans when picking up the car to avoid any confusion.
Should I rent a toll pass? The days of toll booths with attendants are mostly gone, and instead tolls are charged automatically through the license plate or toll transponder. Rental car companies vary on how they approach these automatic tolls. Some charge such a hefty fee for each toll transaction that it makes sense to buy their toll pass if you know you’ll be using toll roads. In other situations, it might make sense to pay a one-time administration fee. If you already have a toll account for the road you’ll be driving on, you might consider temporarily transferring it to your rental vehicle, or simply avoiding toll roads if you can.
What happens if I notice an issue with the car? It’s fairly common for rental cars to have small dings and dents, but it’s up to you to document them before leaving the airport. Closely inspect the vehicle, take photos and mention all damage to the attendant before checking out. It’s important that all previous damage (including any lingering smoking or pet odors inside) are documented in your paperwork. If something is unacceptable such as a burned-out headlight or low tire pressure, politely ask for a new vehicle.
How do I make sure I get the car I booked? This can be tricky, so it’s best to remain flexible. However, if you’re needing a specific vehicle type, it helps to book early, join their loyalty program, and prepay. If you’re renting an uncommon vehicle such as a passenger van or large pickup truck, it helps to call them a day or so beforehand to make sure the vehicle will be available. Most of the time, rental companies will have a vehicle available in the class you booked. Just don’t be surprised if it’s a slightly different make, model, or color than what shows in the paperwork.
Renting a car can be stressful, but knowing how to handle common situations will make the pickup process efficient and affordable. Knowing your insurance options and communicating clearly with the rental company is key.
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