8 Car Rental Mistakes That Quietly Cost Travelers Money
Rental car pricing is full of fine print. Here are eight common mistakes travelers make and how to avoid each one.
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Renting a car can turn a decent trip into a great one, but rental pricing is full of fine print. These are common mistakes, based on Wikivoyage’s car-rental guide, and how to avoid each one.
1. Booking Only at the Counter
Whether to book ahead or wait depends on the place and time of year. Without a reservation you run a greater risk of no availability, particularly in small locations or at popular times. A reservation can usually be made without commitment and cancelled, and it gives you priority over someone who did not book. Check the terms.
2. Only Looking at the Daily Rate
Rental companies are known for surcharges that sometimes only appear at the point of sale, such as airport or location taxes, admin fees and other local charges. Drivers under 25 are often charged extra, and some companies restrict renters under 21. Compare the full price, not the headline.
3. Skipping a Comparison
Prices for the same class of car can vary between providers on the same dates, and some comparison sites advertise fully inclusive prices, though it pays to check the fine print. A quick comparison search shows the spread in one place.
4. Buying Insurance You Don’t Need (or Skipping What You Do)
If a rental car is damaged or stolen, your liability can go well beyond the rental fee, including repair costs and the company’s lost revenue while the car is out of service. Before you pay for extra coverage, check what your personal auto policy and credit card already include, and confirm with your insurer or card issuer. Insurance rules also differ by country, and in some places certain cover is mandatory and included in the price.
5. Ignoring the Fuel Policy
A rental car is normally expected back with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. If you return it short, you may be charged a premium to refill it, up to three times the cost of the fuel. Prepaid fuel only makes sense if you will drive enough to nearly empty the tank, since many companies charge as if it were fully empty. Stations near airports can cost more, so consider refueling elsewhere and topping up just before you return.
6. Not Inspecting the Car
Before you go, inspect the exterior and windshield, and mark every scratch and dent on the contract form, or ask the staff to. Use your phone to photograph the car and the odometer at pickup and again at return. Your return will be checked against the damage on the form, so a few minutes now can save a dispute later.
7. Picking the Wrong Size
Cars are sold by class, from small to large, and the model you are shown is only an example of that class. A tiny economy car is fine for two people and a carry-on, but not for a family with luggage. Count passengers and bags first, then pick the smallest class that fits comfortably.
8. Forgetting About Tolls and Parking
Many rental companies offer a tolling service or an electronic tag in return for an administrative fee, and some charge that fee for every day of the rental once you pay a single toll. Work out the toll roads on your route and whether paying the toll authority directly is cheaper than the rental company’s service. Also factor in hotel parking costs.
Quick Pre-Booking Checklist
- Compare several providers for the same dates
- Check total price including taxes and fees
- Confirm your insurance coverage
- Review fuel, mileage and cancellation rules
- Make sure the driver meets age and licence requirements
Final Thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way. Compare options, read the fine print, and choose the car that fits your trip rather than the one with the lowest teaser rate.
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Quick tips
- Rent for longer. The price per day usually drops the more days you take.
- Mind the return time. Many companies allow about an hour of grace, after which they can charge up to another full day. If you will be late, call and arrange an extension.
- Book a small car. If small cars are sold out you may be upgraded at no extra cost.
- Have the fuel level noted. If the gauge shows less than full at pickup, do not leave without an agent noting it.
- Test a corporate code. A discount code from your employer may not always give a lower price, so compare.
- Check the safety features. Cars in some countries may lack features you are used to, such as a rearview camera or anti-lock brakes.
- Watch the age rules. Drivers under 25 are often charged a surcharge, and renters under 21 may be turned away.
Sources
Tips are paraphrased from the Wikivoyage guide Renting a car (CC BY-SA). Rules, fees and insurance differ by country and company, so check the terms on your own booking.
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