Renting a car can be a confusing experience. There are a number of things to consider, including rates, service, insurance, the car’s condition and the convenience of returning it. American Express offers some smart tips to help avoid car rental headaches and ensure more enjoyable travels:
Method of Payment: Using a credit card is a practical method of payment for car rental purposes. Without a major credit card, renters may be charged an administrative fee for a credit check or may be required to leave a large cash deposit and possibly a return airline ticket.
Insurance: It is a good idea to investigate the extent of existing car insurance coverage before agreeing to buy insurance from a rental company, which can cost up to $30 per day. Several credit card companies offer selected car rental insurance policies.
Signing on the dotted line: It is important to always check the fine print before agreeing to or waiving any coverage. For instance, renters should be aware of extra charges, like the Additional Driver Fee, a daily rate ($4 to $10 per day) or flat fee charged by some car rental companies for extra drivers.
The Fuel/Gas Option Plan is an extra charge which eliminates the need to bring the car back with a full tank. However, filling the vehicle with gas before returning it can be less costly than opting for this Plan.
Renters should also inspect the car with the attendant for scratches, or other car damage before departure.
Returns: When returning a rental vehicle, travellers should remember the 24-hour clock rule. Renters are usually charged for two days when vehicles are returned more than 27 hours after picking up the car. An extra fee is usually charged if a car is returned to a different location than where it was picked up. Although this fee varies with location, the charge can be as high as $1,000.
Renting Overseas: It is always important to be prepared for surprises, especially overseas. For instance, rules and regulations on car rental insurance vary by country and by company. Some destinations now require extra insurance because of high crime rates, local regulations and taxes.
