6 Car Rental Tips to Keep You From Getting Ripped Off

Renting a car can be an expensive endeavor, but there are ways to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. If you let them, rental car companies will charge you for numerous extra components that aren’t necessary when renting a car with montway auto transport reviews. 

Whether it is hiding things in the contract that you aren’t aware of or adding upcharges for things you don’t actually need, paying attention to what you are paying for will help keep you from getting ripped off. Using these tips can help you have an affordable rental car experience and allow you to use the extra money to enjoy your trip. 

Car Rental Tip #1: Ask for an Itemized Receipt

Rental car companies are notorious for extra little charges that don’t seem like a big deal but can add up to more than you should be paying. One of the most common mistakes people make when renting a car is not asking for an itemized receipt. 

If you simply look at the total cost and give the company your payment information, you don’t actually know what you are paying for in regard to the rental agreement. Pay close attention to each item on the receipt and ask any clarifying questions to make sure you know exactly where your money is going. 

Car Rental Tip #2: Use Your Personal Car Insurance Whenever Possible 

Car rental companies like roadrunner auto transport reviews love to convince customers that it is imperative to use their private insurance when renting a car. However, that is only sometimes the case and can sometimes even double your bill depending on everything you added to the rental agreement. Unless you know for a fact that your personal car insurance does not cover rental cars, it is always worth checking with your car insurance company to see what may already be covered in your plan. 

In fact, most car insurance companies cover rental cars. Before looking at potential rental car options and making a reservation, take a few minutes to call your car insurance company to see what they cover for rental cars. Make sure to ask specific questions about damages and deductibles to make sure you have all the details. 

Car Rental Tip #3: Plan Far in Advance

If you know you are going to need a rental car months in advance, it is worth booking early. Some rental car companies even offer early bird discounts. Waiting until the last minute to book a rental car often means that you are left with limited options and those options are typically the most expensive cars on the lot. 

Just like travel experts advise booking early morning flights, the same is true for booking rental cars early. You will have more options available and it is much less likely that you will end up having to deal with cancellations and extra fees. 

Car Rental Tip #4: Pay Close Attention Before Driving Off the Lot

Since rental cars are used by hundreds of different people over time, there are bound to be some scratches and dings along the way. However, you want to make sure that you are not the person paying for those damages before you have even driven the car. Almost all rental car companies will do a walk-through with you before you get into the vehicle. While it may be tempting to rush this part of the process, it can cost you. 

When going through the walk-through, make sure to point out any damages you see no matter how small. Make sure the damages are documented on the rental agreement and that you have a copy of the agreement that is signed and dated by both you and the employee. 

Car Rental Tip #5: Join the Rewards Program

Many travelers skip the rental car rewards program because it seems like too much of a hassle with little reward to actually join. In actuality, if you keep track of your rewards it can be beneficial. Rental car companies may send out emails with certain deals that non-rewards members may not have access to receiving.

 It is also likely that once you reach a certain status of the rewards program you will receive discounts and possibly even a free rental. So the next time they ask if you want to join the rewards program, instead of dismissing away the paperwork, take a few minutes to join and earn some money back. 

Car Rental Tip #6: Get Gas Yourself

Another common upcharge rental companies will use is to charge more for gas than it actually costs. It is an easy way for them to make a little extra money, but can add up for you over time. While it is true that gas prices fluctuate and are often on the rise, the amount the rental car companies charge is sometimes twice as much as what gas actually costs. 

When you are completing the paperwork it will often ask if you want to return the car with an empty tank and they will fill it for you. Always choose to fill it yourself so that you know exactly how much you are spending on gas and protect yourself from being ripped off by their gas prices and upcharges. Make sure to also clarify how much gas needs to be in the tank when you return the car. You don’t need to pay for someone else’s gas by putting a full tank in the car when it only needs a half tank to be returned. 

The more you work with rental car companies to rent cars, the more you will become familiar with how the process works and where to look for hidden charges. When in doubt, always ask questions and document everything from your payment to the physical car itself and any damages that it may have. Using these tips will not only help keep you from getting ripped off, but may actually save you money in the long run and make you a pro for renting cars.