Although rental cars provide comfort and ease, they come with certain costs which can be complex and difficult to understand. When you are out on a vacation and your guards are down, it is possible to miss out on minute details which can dig a hole in your wallet and you can end up paying much more than you expected.
We go through some of the costly car rental mistakes to avoid which will help you save your hard-earned money. Here are our top 4 tips to avoid spending too much for your car:
Don’t be late in returning the rental car
Some cheap car rental companies offer 30 minutes grace time to return the car. On crossing that time limit, you will have to pay a hefty fine or a rental for another day. If, under unavoidable circumstances, the return is delayed, call the company and enquire about the late fees or extend the rental return date.
Don’t buy the insurance
The existing insurance policy on your car may cover you to a certain extent for the temporary use of a rental car. If you book the rental car using your credit card, it is best to consult with your credit card company if they offer you insurance coverage. This can help you in saving a few good bucks on the total cost of the rental.
Don’t forget to top off the fuel before returning
It is always a good idea to top off the fuel tank when you return the rental car. This helps you to avoid paying a higher fee for the fuel in case the gauge is lower than where it was when you took it away. The car rental company may charge you a premium for the difference in fuel level.
Don’t rush through the inspection
To avoid paying for pre-existing damage, you should always make sure that you inspect the car properly before you drive it away. Take pictures and point out any dents, scratches, etc. to the auto rental company. Take your own time and check all possible areas for any kind of problems or damage.
