Rental cars are a great option, they offer convenience and opportunity, especially when travelling. However, there are some common mistakes you need to know about before your next road trip.
If you’re planning a summer road trip in Ontario and you’re thinking about using a rental car, you’ve come to the right place. There are a few mistakes that happen quite often when using a rental car. We’ve shared the most common and some quick tips on how to avoid them.
Don’t forget to practice defensive driving while driving a rental car.
Three Simple but Common Car Rental Mistakes to Know
#1 | Rental Penalties
Not being aware of the car rental penalties is a common mistake that is quite easy to make. Be sure you’re aware of exactly what is expected of you or else you may get charged extra fees. Each car rental company has different requirements, but typically, these are safe rules to follow:
- Don’t smoke in your rental car, ever.
- Top up the rental car with gas before returning it.
- Don’t mistake the drop-off location or time.
#2 | Airport Rental Cars
The airport is known to have jacked up prices and expensive fees. Well, this is no different for airport rental cars. If you have time, it may be in your best interest to get a taxi to a nearby rental car location rather than renting your car from the airport. The fees and extra charges you will save will likely make the extra trip worth it.
#3 | Understanding Car Rental Insurance
Before you rent a car, make sure you speak with your insurance broker, as you may already have some personal auto insurance coverage on your current policy that may cover your rental car. Your insurance broker will be able to explain the details to you to ensure you’re protected with insurance.
If you don’t have coverage on your current policy, it’s a great idea to explore your options with the additional insurance coverage rental car companies offer. Remember, when renting a car, there’s a lot of room for mistakes to occur since you have likely never driven that type of vehicle before and perhaps the location is new to you as well. These factors typically increase your risk of an accident while on a trip.
Now you know some of the best tips for avoiding car rental mistakes! If you’re planning a summer road trip, be sure to read, The Best Long-Distance Driving Tips for Summer Road Trips. Remember these tips the next time you use a rental car.
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