Whether you are done with purchasing new vehicles, whether you need an alternative for a small period of time or you just need a car while you are visiting a new city or country, you will need to rent. Renting a vehicle is much simpler, cheaper, and easier than purchasing one. It is a much smaller and shorter investment. You will not have to worry about it too much. But, just because you will have it for a shorter amount of time that does not mean that you should not care what you are going to rent.
Picking the right car is actually not that simple. There are several different factors you will need to consider that heavily depend on what kind of use you need from your newly rented vehicle.
Fortunately for you and everyone else that is in the same situation, you can read this article about the most important things you will need to check and consider before renting a car. After reading through this article, I am sure that you will be able to make the right decision and that you will be satisfied with what you have chosen.
Ensure that the car is in good shape
One of the most important things that you will have to worry about when renting a vehicle is whether it is in good shape. Most of the time, they are because companies that provide such services are legally bound to ensure that their products are always in good shape and up-to-date. In fact, in some countries, such companies are not even allowed to offer models that are older than five years. Once the model passes that five-year mark, they have to sell it.
So, when picking a car, I think that one of your determining factors should be that it is in good shape and that it is as new as possible. The more recent the year, the smaller the chances that something may happen to it. Although, as I already said, most companies that provide such services usually take care of their cars as best as possible. The chances that something may happen to it are incredibly low. Even if something does happen, they will always be ready to help you and provide you with a new vehicle for free.
Make sure that your driver’s license is up-to-date
The modern human life is very hectic. We never get to sit down and take a moment. We are constantly working, King out with friends or family, and having fun. That is simply how life should be. But, because we do not have enough free time, we seem to forget about important things. More specifically, I am talking about the driver’s license. Sometimes it is the government-issued ID, passport, and other important documents.
These documents have an expiration date and many of us have the habit of forgetting that expiration date. So, if your driver’s license is expired, a company will not provide you with the services that you need. They will not let you borrow a vehicle.
That is why it is so important to ensure that all of your documentation is up-to-date before you go on your trip. Otherwise, you will get there only to be met with bad news.
Credit card instead of cash
Whenever I decide to travel and rent a vehicle, I always tend to use a credit card. I think it is a much safer option than paying in cash. Why is that? Well, not that I expect something bad will happen, but if it does happen, I will always have evidence from my bank statement that I have paid through my credit card. When you pay in cash, you simply do not have that kind of information to prove that have paid.
Do a short inspection once you get it
I also think that it is very essential to do a short, but thorough inspection of the vehicle once you obtain it.
Companies do make mistakes and sometimes they can miss a certain scratch or dent that was done by a previous client of theirs. If you do not do the inspection, you might end up paying for that dent. Why pay for something that you are not guilty of, right?
So, if you do the inspection in front of an employee of the company and if you find any dents or scratches, you will have proof that you are not the one at fault.
Do your research on the company
Before making any kind of decision, it is best to do a little bit of research on which company’s services you plan on using. Instead of picking the first one you see at the airport once you land, you can save yourself a lot of money and time by picking the company beforehand. There are tons of websites on the Internet such as fmnrent.com where you will easily be able to schedule the pickup time and the drop of time. It is easier just pressing one button.
If you do not do any previous research, you end up paying a lot more money. Since the companies at the airport have not been notified of your arrival, you will have to pay an extra fee/expense. You might even end up with a worse vehicle because they will have no other option for you.
Bring back the car with a full tank
This is not always essential, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Some businesses that meant cars require you to bring it back with a full tank of gas. Otherwise, they will charge you with a very expensive fee to fill up the tank themselves.
Instead of having to pay hundreds of dollars to the business, you can just spend a couple of dozen dollars and fill up the tank.
Keep in mind, there are some companies out there that do not require you to return the car with a full tank of gas.
These are some of the most important things you will need to check and consider when renting a vehicle. If you follow this guide, I am sure you will not have any trouble with your rented car.