Renting a Car
What You Need to Know When Renting a Car
When renting a car or other vehicle, whether for a trip, or because yours is “out of commission”, there are several things you should be aware of, and steps you should take:
Contact your insurance agent to see if your insurance policy will cover your liability with regards to the rental.
If you are renting a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired from an accident, check with your insurance agent to see if your policy will pay for all or part of the rental. If someone else was at fault in the accident, check to see if their insurance policy will pay for your rental.
If you are renting a “replacement” vehicle, make sure you stay within the guidelines of renting a “similar” vehicle.
Be aware that your insurance policy will not pay for you to rent a vehicle for pleasure, or if your car is in the shop for maintenance type repairs.
Club memberships (such as AAA) may give you a discount on your car rental, but will not pay for the entire fee.
Make sure you read the rental contract from the car rental agency. If you have any questions about your responsibilities, liabilities, or about any charges, make sure to get the answers clarified.
Be sure to walk around the vehicle with a representative from the rental agency. There should be a place on the paperwork you are signing for you to indicate any “existing damage”. Make sure you do this with the rental representative prior to signing any contracts. This will save you from being told you have to pay for damages for which you were not responsible.
When renting a car, moving van, or any vehicle, make sure that you confirm your reservation within a day or so of when you are scheduled to take delivery of the vehicle. Otherwise you could be left “high and dry” at the last minute.
Always try to rent from a reputable rental agency. Ask friends, relatives, or your insurance agent for a referral.
Most rental companies will “pick you up” at your home, place of work, or even at your body shop, and bring you to their office to fill out paperwork. You should not have to get yourself to the rental agency, unless that is somehow more convenient for you.
These are just a few suggestions to help make your rental experience more enjoyable!