A travel checklist can tell a lot about a traveller. For instance, if a traveller’s checklist mentions doing a car self drive rather than booking cabs, they’re probably seasoned travellers who realize the pitfalls of choosing the latter option.
Yet, even seasoned travellers who prefer to rent a car sometimes overlook these important factors. These are some of the things that nobody should ignore when renting a car for a holiday.
Additional Fees:
In addition to the rental fees, renters should be aware of other charges they’ll have to cover out of pocket. For instance, a rental service providing the freedom to drive as much as needed would usually not agree to pay for fuel. This would be something that the renter would have to pay for. Further, renters should inquire about insurance-related details, as buying a new plan may increase the cost of renting.
Existing damages on the car:
Existing damages can not only ruin a traveller’s driving experience but also expose them to the risk of having to pay for inevitable repairs during the journey. When renting a car in person or through a car booking app, renters should carefully inspect the car’s interior and exterior. Additionally, the car’s fuel rating should be confirmed to avoid racking up expenses. Any noticeable concern should be reported to the rental service before the start of the journey. Usually, car rental services would respond positively by providing a replacement.
Local traffic laws:
If travelling to an unfamiliar state or country, renters should obtain information about local traffic laws from either the rental service or the authorities. Certain places can have different laws outlining the legal age, fitness level, parking or toll policies, restricted areas, and so on. For instance, when driving in high-altitude areas, authorities may require drivers to possess greater fitness and drive under a certain speed limit.
Fuel policies:
Many rental services expect clients to refill the fuel tank when they return the cars. Failure to do so can imply a breach of the agreement, and the renter may have to pay penalties.
Policies for late returns/cancellations:
Travellers usually have flexible holiday plans – it’s not unusual to stretch or shorten the getaway by a few days. While a traveller might not mind this, the car rental service may. Different services have unique cancellation and late return policies for letting a car for lease, which can also prompt a penalty for the renter.
Required equipment and arrangement:
Any car being rented should have all the arrangements to ensure the safety of all travellers. For example, snow tyres would be needed if travelling in winter or A.C. when driving in the scorching heat. Likewise, those travelling with kids may want the car to have a children’s seat installed. Other tools like GPS navigation systems may also be required for overseas travellers.
Roadside assistance options
No matter whether a person is travelling overseas or nationally, their car lease service should be able to assist at multiple locations across the country. To check this, travellers should refer to the service’s website or contact a representative for an exhaustive list. Usually, it’s best to use a local renting service from the place being visited to ensure that local assistance will always be available.
The Crux:
The fine print is not the only thing a car renter must check before renting from a legitimate service provider. Renters should also be mindful of local regulations, additional costs, and policies to avoid making their holiday heavy on the wallet and mind.