What you should check before renting a car?

There are ways to save time and money if you plan well.

Renting a car is not as same as renting a hotel room. Renting a car and renting a

hotel often go together, the users may both need a hotel accommodation as well as

a car for rent.

How important, how easy, and how costly renting a car is depends primarily on a

few things, such as the location you are planning to rent a car, the type of car you

are planning to rent, etc.

Some efforts and time spent on a little bit research can help save both time and

money, and avoid last-minute stress.

The article discusses some vital things that you as a tourist may want take into

knowledge of before renting a car, especially renting a car in any new location you

are travelling to.

Before Renting... While Renting... After Renting...

So, what are some of the things you need to look into

before, while, and after renting?

Prioritize your requirements : Consider prioritizing your requirements which include type of the car you

need: economy, mid-sized, or luxury, VIP, Sports, Four-wheel, etc, number of members going with you,

number of hours/ days you need the car for, etc.

Collect Information: Collect as much information as possible, such as list of car rental agencies, list of

services they offer, best deals and packages available including hourly, daily, weekly, monthly rentals and

packages, customer service contact Information and their working hours, hours of operation and return

policies of the agency.

Get to know the Requirements: Make sure you know the legal and other requirements when you rent a

car. These include requirements such as, parking fees and requirements, driver’s license, additional

driver requirements, age requirements, insurance cover (if covered in credit card used), emergency

contact information, etc.

Compare Rentals: Compare car rental companies in tariffs, packages, discounts, deals and offers, extra

amenities, customer support, services offered, etc. Read reviews and check web sites that provide

valuable information. Travel Auto is one such site for car deals and budget car hires. The site offers car

rental search in numerous locations around the globe and accepts booking online. Many membership

programs have tie up with car rental companies and the members qualify for reward programs or other

offers and discounts. Memberships in travel organizations, hotels, frequent flier programs, etc. may have

these offers and coupons available. Also look for any general offers or discount coupons.

Check for Insurance coverage: Please check if insurance is already covered, so that you don’t pay for that

which is already covered. Check if your own car insurance or your credit card covers it already. Please

also note that such an insurance cover your credit card may provide will be available upon your having

used that particular card for renting the car.

Know your car rental agreement: be aware of the terms and requirements as in your car rental policy or

agreement. Some companies prohibit use of their cars on unpaved roads. Also know your rights as a

consumer and how best are you protected.

Check what is included: you may check beforehand what is and what is not included in the car. Child

seat, GPS system, radio, etc. are a few things you may look for, and check if it is worthwhile carrying your

own.

Before Renting...

Check the brake, lights, fuel, air: Check the brake, lights, and fuel. You may check if the lights are

working, both front and rear lights, as well as parking/ brake lights. You may check the lights even if you

take the car during the day time. Make sure there is sufficient air in the tires. Check whether the car has

enough fuel to travel before you can refill in the next gas/ petrol station. Also remember to look for the

petrol/ gas stations soon after you pick the car up.

Check the condition of the car you are renting: In the event of you finding any unusual condition or

problem in the car, you may immediately report it to the agency. The problem may be as big as a dent in

the car or a crack in the windshield, or it may be as simple as a minor scratch or damage in the

upholstery. Whatever it is, it is best to take a picture and report of any evident problem soon after you

notice it. Sometimes, it is possible that the damage was caused by the person who rented the car before

you, and the agency did not notice it when the car was returned. Therefore go around the car and check

thoroughly both outside and inside. It may be best to take pictures of the car or a video if required.

Know how to operate: become familiar with the basic functions of operating the car. Know how to

operate headlights, windshield wipers, trunk release, GPS system, parking brakes, etc. Ask for a owner’s

manual if the car doesn’t have one, and keep it for a quick reference just in case. Check if there is a spare

key, and check if you may need one, just in case of loss of key.

Keep a map: Keep a map handy. A map of the locations you are visiting will serve a great help and avoid

stress of going in circles. Get to know the locations and landmarks of your visit areas.

Have a pleasant drive: Wear your seat belt! You can indeed have a pleasant drive if you have looked into

the details as explained before, and especially if you treat your rental car as if it is your own car and

return it clean and on time.

Take back your stuff: Last, but not the least, do not forget your belongings in the car. Return the car

clean and on time.

Visit Travel Auto site for more such valuable articles. Travel Auto also offers online car rental bookings in

several locations across the world. Its powerful search filter displays results in local prices.

With such preparation beforehand, there is also a need for you to look into a few things when you

actually take the car.

While Renting...

After Renting...