The Do’s and Don’ts of Renting A Car

Car rentals have given travelers the power to choose how they wish to travel today. For instance, imagine that your parents are in town, and you want to take a road trip with your entire family of 7. Traditionally, you’d have to take two separate hatchbacks and travel in two groups, which is sure to dampen the fun. But with rentals, you could just book a 7-seater vehicle and travel together. Moreover, rentals have also made life easier for those who travel daily but do not want to own a car because of the fuss of maintenance.

Some may argue that booking a cab is just as easy too. But all of us have experienced last-minute cancellations, random surges in pricing, delays in getting access or unusually rash drivers. Rentals do seem like a better option, don’t they?

So, if you are planning on renting a car, this blog is for you.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Renting

Do’s

Do book the right car

Consider how many people are going to travel with you, the routes you plan to take, the frequency of driving, and other add-ons that will help you get the best out of your rental experience. This will spare you potential expenses from making the wrong choice.

Do compare prices

Some service providers may charge you more than others, but they might also offer you more features. Make sure to check what you are getting in return for your budget: are you getting 24×7 customer support? Is the vehicle well-maintained? 

Do check the paperwork

There’s one crucial thing that can make or break your rental experience: paperwork. From insurance to leases, it’s critical to be thorough with the paperwork. With respect to leases, be sure to also read the fine print to avoid additional costs with the service provider.

Do follow local traffic rules

When visiting a new country, it can be hard to understand the road rules. Read up on these regulations beforehand, especially if you plan to rent a car. Traffic violations can add up quickly and create a dent in your pocket. So, don’t drive rashly, and be mindful of all the traffic regulations. 

Don’ts

Don’t book too late

A lot of car rental services work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many rental companies take up to 48 hours to get your car to you. So it’s imperative to book your vehicle well in advance to get the car of your choice. If you’re lucky, you might just get a good deal too!

Don’t miss out on insurance

While your service provider will give you basic insurance coverage, you should also read up about the add-ons that might come in handy. For example, Personal Accident Insurance is an add-on that will cover you and your loved ones’ emergency care in case of an accident. So, it’s advisable to ask for the add-ons you need.

Don’t let extra costs slip

If this is your first car rental experience, you won’t know about the additional costs that can come your way. All such costs will be mentioned in your paperwork, but it’s easy to overlook them. For instance, some service providers might charge an over-mileage fee for exceeding a specific allotted number of miles. You should be aware of all such charges in advance.

Don’t forget to check your vehicle:

Once you get your vehicle, it’s of the utmost importance that you check it for damages. Make sure that the cooling and ventilation ducts are functional to avoid traveling in a stuffy car. Test drive your rental before accepting delivery to ensure that everything is in working condition. 

Ready to Rent?

Renting a car can seem daunting, but if you have the right service provider, it’s sure to be a smooth ride. One such example is ekar, a self-drive mobility solution that has a huge fleet of vehicles ready to be booked. It also delivers vehicles on-demand to your doorstep within two hours. With its transparent pricing and flexible policies, ekar helps you travel conveniently and hassle-free. What more could one ask for?

So, book a car rental on your next journey and get a taste of the freedom it provides.