11 Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Car Rental Agency Near You
As per reports, the rental car market will see a 10.7% growth by 2027 compared to 2019. These numbers project the fact that many people are now relying on car rental services.
Hiring a car is quite simple, and you will save money as well. Get a car, run the errands, take a road trip, and return the car. This short-term service can help get a vehicle when urgent and removes long-term car-owning responsibilities.
However, making mistakes while choosing a car rental agency is pretty common. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid during the process.
1. Going Light on the Research
Use the internet and make the most out of it. Check various sites and forums to know about the best car rental services in town. Dive deep into the sites and verify their credibility before narrowing down your preferences.
You can also ask around and get referrals from your family and friends. They might also suggest some good companies who they hired from previously.
2. Skipping the Reviews
If you are doing online research, never skip the reviews. Most of the time, reviews can give a better picture of a company’s services. When you read testimonials, you can get a good idea of what the said company offers and whether the customer experience is up to the mark or not.
3. Not Comparing the Prices
When you are shopping, comparing the prices of the products will help you find a better option at a given price. The same goes for renting cars. Spend some minutes comparing the prices of the rental cars. It will help shortlist options easily and pick a service that fits the budget.
4. Not Calling Them in Person
While searching for a rental car service, make it a point to call them in person. Yes, you can find all the needed benefits and services listed on the site. But, talking to customer support in person helps build trust. You can also use this to find out if the company is reliable and has an eager and active customer service team.
5. Avoiding the Fleet
When you hire a car rental agency, never forget to check out their complete fleet. You may have a car in your mind and may think of hiring the first rental service that has the exact vehicle in their fleet. However, it is crucial to avoid such things while hiring a rental company.
You may even find a better car at the same rate if you look hard enough, so remember to check out all options available.
6. Not Asking about Pick Up and Drop Off
Are you planning to go to the rental company and pick the car up? Or do you want the vehicle to be dropped off at the address? It is crucial to check with the agencies beforehand to know if they provide pick-up and drop-off services.
7. Hiring a Rental Service Late
When you are in a hurry, you are most likely to hire the first rental company you find. However, this is a big mistake. You must do enough research before making a decision. Take some time to check their services, fleet, pricing, customer support, etc. Start your search at least a week before you intend to hire a car.
8. Not Discussing the Details of Payment
Are you planning to pre-pay the base price, or are you looking to pay after returning the car? This should be discussed beforehand. It’s also important to check if your preferred payment method is acceptable to the rental agency.
9. Skipping the Mileage Cost and Plans
When you hire a rental agency, you should pay attention to their mileage plans and cost. This cost can vary from company to company.
Some companies are for long-distance rentals, and some are for in-city rentals. Usually, the cost of the mileage plans can differ based on the service type, which is why it’s important to do your research beforehand.
10. Not Discussing the Insurance
If something happens while driving, you are responsible for the damages. That is why insurance is of such importance.
While renting a car of any type, you will have to pay for insurance. But, at times, you may end up getting less coverage or end up paying more. Therefore you must discuss the insurance policies, coverage, premium, etc., beforehand.
11. Forgetting about the Roadside Assistance
You must also talk about roadside assistance with the rental company. Most car rental services provide well serviced and checked vehicles before renting them. Talk about the time and type of assistance the car rental agencies offer. Also, discuss the cost of repair and assistance work beforehand.
While renting a vehicle, you should be well prepared to ask the right questions and do some research beforehand. If you don’t make these mistakes, you will get the car you want at a comfortable price.
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