Whether you’re travelling in a foreign country or driving around to run errands, renting a car can come in handy to give you added convenience. Economy car rental is perfect when you have to travel with seniors or children, and you wish to avoid the hustle and bustle of public transport. Or maybe you want to gain some flexibility and not restrict yourself to a bus schedule.
Regardless of why you’re renting a car, there’s no doubt that having the freedom to drive around in a private vehicle is gratifying. However, you could make some mistakes which can turn an otherwise good experience into a nightmare.
Here are 4 common and costly mistakes you should avoid when renting a car.
1. Rushing to choose a company
Settling for the first company you see is a common mistake many customers tend to make. The rates of car rental services vary, depending on the company or the amount of lead time. Don’t miss out on a car rental provider that offers efficient and cheaper services! Conduct your research and compare the rates of different car rental companies so you can pick one that gives you the most value for your money.
Once you’ve found a suitable company, be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of their contract before signing it. Use this time to clarify any doubts you have as well. Overlooking or not fully understanding the contract can make you miss out on certain details and potentially cause you to pay for extra charges.
2. Paying for additional features you don’t need
A car rental deal tends to come with a variety of impressive features, such as a GPS and extra child seats. More often than not, however, these features add on a big sum to your bill – and they aren’t necessary either.
For instance, if you know the route to the destination, it isn’t practical to pay extra for a GPS. Or if you need help navigating your way, you could also download a free app on your mobile phone. It’s also wise to bring your own child seat if you already have one.
Before making any payment, check the car and its features. See if there are extra features that are causing a price spike and if so, eliminate these unnecessary expenses.
3. Skipping the inspection
If you tend to drive off in a hurry after collecting your rental car, this is also another common mistake. Don’t fail to conduct a pre-takeover and handover inspection of the vehicle.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect the body of the vehicle and do a quick check on the vitals before you take up the car. If you note any issues, point them out to the car rental company. Carefully inspect the car and take a few photos – these will act as proof to highlight any existing scratches or damages before and after you return the car.
Most car rental providers will lay the costs of any damage to the client. Thus, you need to be double-sure that it is in mint condition so that you’ll be free from any extra charges after you’ve returned the car.
4. Returning the vehicle late
Both car rental services in Singapore and car-sharing service providers operate on strict timelines. A breach of these timelines often results in costly and unnecessary surcharges.
Many car rental services providers in Singapore allow for a short grace period within which you can return the vehicle without incurring an extra charge. However, it is upon you to avoid overdue fees. Make sure that you plan your trip properly. Plan your route, make allowances for the unforeseen, and estimate the return time reasonably.
Conclusion
Take note of these common errors and avoid making them when renting a car to avoid unnecessary dents in your wallet! Make your car rental experience stress-free when you know what to look out for.
