It's not hard to find a car rental deal on the internet these days. But a lot of them aren't as good as they might first appear. It's the total package that you have to look at, not just the appealing number flashing on the home page. As they say in the classics, "the devil is in the detail".
Don't go grabbing the first "great looking" offer
that you come across. There are a number of questions you
need to have answered before you sign up, and several more
before you take delivery of the car.
Before signing up for anything you need to ask about:
* Check offline: Yes, rental companies still do business on
the phone too. They may have a cancellation, or too many
cars in one location, and will offer a special deal to move
that excess stock, rather than have to transport the car to
another depot.
* Local taxes/fees/charges: Many local authorities and
airports levy rental car companies for access, use of
facilities etc. Be sure these are included in your quote.
* Frequent Flyer points surcharge: Many car rental companies
now add a surcharge to offset the costs of issuing frequent
flyer points. Be sure these are included in your quote.
* Insurance: The cost of insurance waivers can vary greatly.
Rental car agents' earn commission selling these add-ons,
which can double your daily rate. Find out if your own car
insurance covers you for rental cars as well. Some major
credit cards will cover you if you charge the cost of the
rental to their card. Find out what cover you already have,
in advance.
Before you take delivery of the rental car:
* Check the car's condition thoroughly. Some unscrupulous
companies will try to blame pre-existing scratches &
dents on the first ‘victim’ they can find. If you have a
digital camera or camcorder, then take a few "happy
snaps" of any pre-existing damage to the car. Then you
have photographic proof of the exact condition of the car
when you first took delivery.
* Carefully check the terms of your car rental deal. Make
sure you've got unlimited mileage if you're planning on a
long trip. Some deals have a mileage allowance, after which
you get charged a high dollar amount for the extra miles.
* Check the terms to see what time you have to return the
car, and if you need to have the gas tank full or nearly
empty. You don't want to give them a full tank, only to find
out later you didn't have to.
Before you return the rental car:
* If you got the car dirty, clean it. If you don't the car
rental company will add an extra cleaning charge onto your
credit card.
If you follow these simple suggestions then your car rental
experience should go smoothly, and need not include any
nasty surprises at the end.
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