Renting a car gives you unlimited freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want. It also provides you with the ability to cater to your needs more efficiently. For instance, if you’re travelling around Singapore with your kids, fitting everyone into a car takes away the hassle of trying to organise everyone onto public transport. Plus, they are more accessible nowadays with plenty of locations around Singapore, beyond just the exclusive car rental in Ubi.
However, while renting a car is unquestionably convenient, it can be rather pricey. Numerous factors go into the cost of car rental services. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid paying additional costs when renting a car. To help you save some cash, here are 5 tips on how to safeguard your money when renting a car.
1. Book early
Whether you’re a seasoned renter or a novice, it’s always good to book a rental car early. Early booking gives you the option to pick a vehicle model that best suits your needs. There may also be early booking discounts available for you to take advantage of. But the most significant benefit is that it gives you time to compare the product and service standards of different car rental companies.
Especially nearing peak travel seasons, be sure to book a rental car as far in advance as possible to avoid surcharges and ensure that you’re able to choose your ideal car.
2. Beware of additions that could inflate the deal
Car rental services often come with a plethora of optional add-ons that come at an extra cost. From a GPS to child seats, optional add-ons can pile a lot more cash onto your car rental expenses.
However, many add-ons aren’t necessary. For instance, instead of paying for an extra GPS, you can easily download a navigation app on your phone for free. If you’re travelling with children and have your own child seat, it’s wise to bring it as well.
So, before you sign up for additional features, make sure that you need them. Skipping these add-ons can save you a significant amount of money.
3. Inspect the car before driving off
Rental cars in Singapore are often in great shape and condition. But that doesn’t mean you should be any less thorough when examining the car given to you.
Check both the interior and exterior of the vehicle before driving off. If you find any small scratches or dents, be sure to take pictures of them and report it to the rental car attendant before you leave the facility. This will act as proof that will save you from any charges after you’ve returned the car. It ensures that there’s no reason for dispute regarding the car’s condition before your usage.
4. Confirm the fuel type
Confirm the fuel type with the car rental service providers before you pick it up. You wouldn’t want to be paying for premium petrol when you don’t have to. Using the wrong type of fuel can also lead to engine damage that will end up draining your wallet when you pay for repairs.
5. Check the policies carefully
Depending on where you rent your car, insurance might be included with the price of the rental or come at an additional charge. You can either buy rental car coverage from a third-party or opt for insurance from the rental car company – and these options come in varying costs. Many credit cards also provide insurance if you pay for your rental with that card. Either way, read the fine print and exclusions of the policy carefully to know what you will be covered for if anything should happen.
Additionally, check the terms and conditions of your car rental lease. Doing things such as returning a car with an empty tank, returning your car to a different specified location, or late returns can get you penalised with additional charges.
Conclusion
Before you sign a car rental contract, be sure to keep these tips in mind to ensure that your car rental booking stays well within your budget. Car rental is definitely a worthy option that provides you with convenience, freedom and flexibility – and it doesn’t have to be costly.
At Cars and Trips, our platform provides you with great ease to book cars in a neighbourhood near you. Whether you’re looking for a car rental in Yishun or Bukit Batok, we offer the best price possible with a wide range of car rental companies for a hassle-free experience.
