We all know the tendency of car hiring companies to rip off their customers but not too many of us know the gimmicks these companies apply. But, in order to always keep on higher grounds; you should have an idea of how to avoid being ripped off. So here’s what the most experienced lenders have to offer.
Early Booking
The earlier the better, when you book for a rental car in advance, there’s a good chance that you will get a great price. But waiting for the holidays may mean, you will be left with no choice but to settle for whatever price is available.
Make Comparisons
Don’t be tempted by brand names or advertisements, big names don’t always offer the best prices. Before you choose a car hiring company, you need to have different options, do a background check on all your available options, then go for the company offering the best price.
Insurance
Car hiring companies are good at convincing their customers to buy Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), these excess insurance are usually expensive. You don’t have to buy from the hiring companies; you can get Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) from a third party at a cheaper rate.
Buy Annual Worldwide Car Hire Excess insurance
When you travel abroad, your personal insurance may not cover rental cars in the new country, this is an opportunity many car hiring companies try to utilize and sell their expensive Collision Damage Waiver, however, with the best car hire excess waiver insurance, which is an annual worldwide car hire excess insurance policy, you are covered from collision damage and supplementary liability, no matter where you are in the world.
Read Terms and Conditions
About 80% of people don’t go through the terms and conditions offered by the car hiring company, they just hastily sign the contract. Car hiring companies take advantage of the customer’s ignorance to add hidden clause, or a different price from what was offered in the quote. So you have to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before you sign it, also take note of the return date and time, mileage limit and fuel level policy.
Ignore Extra Accessories Offered
Car hiring companies will be glad to offer you accessories like baby seats and GPS map for a fee, you don’t have to pay for these accessories, remember to bring along your baby seat and if you have an android phone, consider using Google maps for navigation.
Inspect the Car Before You Drive Off
It is customary for car hiring companies to inspect the vehicle and take note of scratches and damages before you drive off, however, it is important for you to make your own assessment, take pictures and videos, this will protect you from paying for damages that you know nothing about.
Tank Policy
Car hiring companies have different fuel level policies, it’s either they want the tank filled when you return the car or you pay for a filled tank and return it empty, whichever way, don’t get cut up in the middle.
Upgrade
It’s common for car hiring companies to ask you to upgrade because they have run out of the category you offered, they may ask you to pay extra for an upgrade, don’t be a victim of this rip off, and insist they give you a higher category without paying extra or a lower category with refund.
Don’t Hesitate To Say No
When you get to the insurance company front desk, their staffs will try all means to convince you into paying for things that you don’t need, you have to be firm and resilient in your decision, kindly turn down their offer without causing a scene.
Don’t Buy Coverage If You Are Already Covered
If we already have a annual worldwide car hire excess insurance, personal insurance or premium credit card, there’s a big chance you are already covered from collision, so there’s no need buying Collision Damage Waiver from the insurance company.
Ignore Ad–Ons
Stick to only basic packages, other add-ons are features that you can do without. They only lead to unnecessary hike in price.
Conclusion
Renting a car is not as easy as it seems, if you are not careful you’ll easily get ripped off by the car hiring companies, the common strategy is trying to woo you into buying extra insurance, to avoid buying their coverage, get the best car hire excess waiver.
