What's crucial when renting a car?

What's important when renting a car, and how not to get duped?

The invention of the automobile at the end of the 19th century marked a milestone in human history. It paved the way for a new level of mobility, granting people the freedom to travel longer distances and reach various places more easily. Today, the impact of the automobile on human life is immense. Sometimes we don't even realize that the car has become a part of our lives: it enables us to easily commute to work, travel between cities, and leisure spots. It's hard to imagine life without it. The emergence of Eurorenta company is also influenced by this essential means of transportation for humans, but not for purchase, but for car rental, regardless of the type: short-term, long-term, or business. We've been with you on your journeys for over 25 years. With the experience accumulated over these years, we want to share with you a detailed guide of tips on what to pay attention to when needing the services of car rental companies.

Car rental, key steps:

Car rental can become a convenient and practical solution in various situations: for vacation or business trips, daily errands, providing a temporary vehicle for an employee, or unexpectedly encountering problems with your own transportation. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises and unplanned expenses, it is essential to carefully examine all rental conditions and details. In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know before renting a car to ensure a smooth car rental experience.

1. Before deciding which company to choose for car rental, consider several key aspects:

• Are all the conditions clearly stated when choosing a vehicle?
• Is there a mileage limit? What is it? How much does an additional kilometer cost?
• Is there an additional charge for crossing the border (so-called border crossing)? If so, how much does it cost?
• Is roadside assistance provided? If so, is there a cost associated with it?
• Is a replacement car provided? If so, is there a cost and how much?
• Franchise and deposit are two different things. Is your deposit the same as the franchise? Manipulations often occur when a customer leaves a deposit of 200 Euros, signs a contract where the franchise specified is much larger.
• Additional insurance. How much does it cost, and what is included in the price? Glass, tires?
• Additional driver? How much does it cost?

2. Check the reputation of rental companies:

Before deciding whether you've found the most suitable company, take the time to read other customers' reviews about the rental company. This will help avoid dishonest companies and ensure quality service. Use online platforms such as Google Maps, Facebook, Trustpilot, Rekvizitai, etc., where customers share their experiences. This is very important, and you can form an opinion on how the company operates and whether you will have problems with it in the future.

3. Compare prices and offers of different rental companies:

Take the time to compare the prices and conditions of different companies. Pay attention not only to the price but also to all the details discussed in the previous points. This is necessary to make sure you get the best deal.

4. Choose the best option in your opinion - before signing the contract:

Thorough reading of the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement:

• Allocate enough time and carefully read through all (or at least the main) terms of the contract, not just focusing on the price aspect. Pay special attention once again to these essential points of the car rental:
• Deductible: This is the maximum amount you'll have to pay for damage to the car in case of an accident. Does it match your deposit amount (there have been cases where the deposit taken by companies was half the deductible, and the customer, thinking they wouldn't have to pay 700 Euros, ended up paying 1400 Euros). A lower deductible usually means a higher rental price.
• Deposit: The rental company freezes a certain amount of money in your bank account during the rental period. The deposit is refunded if the car is returned clean and on time.
• Mileage restriction: Some rental plans limit the number of kilometers you can drive per day or throughout the rental period. Exceeding the limit incurs an additional fee for each extra kilometer. Pay attention to your exact mileage and the cost of each additional kilometer.
• Late return fee: If the car is returned later than stipulated in the contract, what is the applicable fee for the delay? How much leeway do you have?
• Additional services: Ensure that all ordered additional services are clearly reflected in the contract, such as a navigation system, child seat, or luggage rack.
• Car model: Inquire about the car model and its specifications, such as engine type, fuel consumption, trunk size, etc., to ensure it meets your needs. Also, what is the likelihood of receiving the exact model you selected?
• Fuel type: Pay attention to what fuel the car runs on.
• Age restrictions: Rental companies may impose age restrictions on drivers. Check if your age meets the requirements. Failure to comply with the conditions may result in being liable for full damages to both the injured party and the rental company.
• Insurance conditions: Make sure the car is properly insured. The rental company may offer various insurance options, but you can also consider your own insurance.
• Payment terms: Familiarize yourself with the payment terms and conditions, including applicable taxes and fees.
• Dispute resolution procedure: Find out how disputes between you and the rental company will be resolved.

5. Choose the most suitable type of car:

Assess your needs and select the most appropriate type of rental car. If you're traveling with family or friends, you may need a larger car with more space for luggage. If you're traveling alone, you may opt for a smaller and more economical car. Pay attention to the size of the car's trunk, the number of seats, fuel consumption, and driving comfort.

6. Additional services:

Consider whether you need additional services such as a navigation system, child seat, luggage rack, car delivery, driver service, or comprehensive insurance. Additional services may increase the rental price, but they can be useful and make your trip even more comfortable.

Before leaving the rental point:

1. Carefully inspect the rental car: both exterior and interior, looking for any scratches, dents, dings, or other damages. If you notice any defects, be sure to photograph them from different angles and inform the rental company's employee. Record the car's mileage readings. Do all of this by taking photos; ideally, take 4 pictures from the outside (photographing the car from all 4 sides) and several shots of the car's interior.
2. Check the fuel level, ensure the gas tank is full, and return the car with the same amount of fuel. Take a photograph of the fuel level indicator before leaving and upon returning the car.
3. Familiarize yourself with the car's controls, spend some time adjusting features such as mirrors, setting radio stations, activating cruise control and lane-keeping systems, steering sensitivity, etc.
4. Only when you're sure that everything is in order with the car, and you understand the aspects of operating a new vehicle, can you start your journey.
5. Sign the rental agreement:

• When you understand all the terms.
• You are fully satisfied with the provided conditions.

Using the car:

1. Obey traffic rules to avoid fines and additional troubles (rental companies often apply fines administration fees).
2. Park cautiously, avoid parking in overcrowded areas where the car may be damaged. It is recommended to always park rear first, as the front bumper may be low, increasing the likelihood of damage.
3. Report any incidents, if you have experienced an accident or noticed new damages to the car, inform the rental company immediately.
4. It's important not only to follow traffic rules but also to know specific regulations applicable in the country where you rent the car, such as parking rules in different countries and cities, payment methods, etc..
5. Don't forget to change tires (at the beginning of November and April), if you rent the car for a longer period, pay attention to the condition of the tires and replace them in time if needed.
6. Maintain the cleanliness of the car, when returning the car, ensure that it is clean inside and out, as stains in the cabin that require chemical cleaning will incur additional costs.

When returning the car:

1. Return the car on time, late returns may incur additional charges.
2. A rental company employee will inspect the car with you and assess whether there are any new damages.
3. Is the gas tank full? Most companies practice renting out the car with a full tank, and it should be returned in the same way. Otherwise, it will cost not only the tank refill but also the price per liter specified in the contract, and a fee for refueling.
4. Clean the car, when returning the car, make sure it is washed and cleaned. This way, it's easier to identify new damages or confirm their absence. This increases the chances of getting back the full deposit faster.
5. Check the car's mileage, before returning the car and make sure you haven't exceeded the limit specified in the contract, as this may incur additional charges.
6. Return all accessories, if you rented additional accessories such as a navigation system or a child seat, make sure they are undamaged and return all of them together with the car.
7. Request confirmation of the car's return and record the time that the car was returned and registered to avoid possible misunderstandings or difficulties in the future.

Conclusions:

Car usage has become a common phenomenon for us today, just like car rental, so to avoid misunderstandings, spending just a few minutes can save you a lot of nerves after the rental. So, what's most important? Carefully choose a car rental company, the biggest doesn't necessarily mean the best, and the cheapest doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the best final price. Evaluate the reputation of the rental company, check customer reviews, this will help avoid unpleasant surprises. Compare prices and conditions, pay attention not only to the car rental price but also to all additional aspects. Carefully read the rental agreement, and before and after the rental, inspect the car, this will help avoid misunderstandings (if possible, always take photos). Attention to details: pay attention to details such as insurance conditions, additional services, and car specifications.

To avoid disappointment after the rental because the car was poor or old, because the deductible and deposit were different, resulting in significant financial loss, and all other aspects marked with small stars that cost dearly, don't spoil your mood - choose companies that clearly explain the rental terms and have positive feedback from their customers, or simply choose us, and in all your trips, you will receive maximum attention from us, so that your journeys are smooth, and rental prices are the best in the market.