Have you decided to opt for a rental car?
Congratulations! You have made the right choice.
But whether you opt for rental cars bay area or any other locations, you have to be well familiar with the terms and conditions of the rental car agreement.
For example, if something goes south while you had the rental car, who would be held responsible?
How much do you need to pay to the rental car agency when you return it?
What if the car gets scratch while you are driving it?
You need to factor in such questions before signing a rental car agreement. We know that seems like a lot of research work. Furthermore, it’s difficult for you to identify the right questions to ask or the factors to consider when opting for a rental car.
So, below we share several important things you need to know before going for a rental car to make your job easier. Read on.
Hidden Costs
You may think that the rental car agency’s quoted price is the final price you have to pay. But that’s not always the case.
Your final bill may reflect additional charges and cost much higher than the quoted price. So, you need to double-check before taking up a rental car.
Are you wondering what kind of extra changes are we referring to?
Well, then below is a quick rundown of such charges.
Tax
Of course, you have to pay taxes on your rental car. So never ignore that.
Gas Charges
Check with the rental car company if they charge for gas. Some might charge a flat fee for gas and ask you to return the car close to empty. Others may not charge you anything if the car is returned full.
We recommend that you fill the rental car up yourself. This is because the rental car providers often bill more than the gas station down the street.
Late Fees
Many car rental car companies charge for late fees. So do not forget to inquire about the late fees. And always try to turn the car in on time.
Charges related to Driver’s Age
If you or the driver on the agreement is not 25 years old yet, be ready to pay an extra fee. Some rental companies do not even allow such drivers to drive the car.
Additional Driver Charge
Check if you have to pay an extra fee for adding additional drivers to the agreement. Many companies offering rental cars in the bay area often do that.
Insurance Costs
Insurance is a must-have for any car including the rental cars in the bay area.
Think about it.
If something happens to your rental car, who would be responsible to pay the damage fee? Without insurance, you would.
But that doesn’t mean you need to opt for the rental car provider’s insurance policy. First, check with your personal car insurance provider. Figure out what your existing car insurance company covers on the rental cars in the bay area.
You may find out that you already have full coverage on rental cars with your insurance provider. In such a case, it doesn’t make sense to go for your rental car agency’s insurance provider.
Also, check with your credit card company if you pay via credit card. You may find out that your credit card provider already put rental car insurance on the car you rented using their credit card.
However, if you do not have insurance with either of these sources, then you have to buy from the rental car company. Please note that it’s not only the accidental damage expenses you have to pay. You might also be charged for the lost time on your rental car.
If it takes five days to fix the car, you have to pay five days of rental on that car. This is because the rental car provider would be unable to make money during that time period.
Also, you should check the car thoroughly to make sure there are no damages even if it’s a small scratch. And ensure any visible damage is noted on your agreement.
So do you’ve any questions about rental cars in the bay area?