A rental car is a practical solution, especially on vacation, to get from A to B flexibly. But unfortunately, booking a rental car does not always go as smoothly as you would like. Here you can read about the potential problems you can face and how to avoid them.
The fuel regulation
Misunderstandings can quickly arise when it comes to filling up the tank. If you return the rental car with an empty tank contrary to the contractual agreement, the rental company will not only charge you for the gasoline, but usually also a hefty service fee. Therefore, find out in advance about the fuel policy for your rental car.
The insurance cover
When it comes to insurance, many car renters are unsure: Which insurance really makes sense and what can you possibly do without? Stiftung Warentest recommends fully comprehensive insurance without deductible in any case, as this also covers self-inflicted damage. Make sure that the insurance covers everything – in many countries, car parts such as tyres or glass are not included! Additional theft insurance is also recommended.
The takeover
There are also black sheep among car rental companies. If someone wants to sell you an old, dirty or possibly damaged car when you take over, protest. Especially when it comes to the safety of the vehicle, you should not make any compromises. In any case, check the condition of the tyres: they must be undamaged and have a tread depth of at least 2 mm. If you book your car through a car rental portal, you often have the opportunity to read reviews and find out about the experiences of previous renters. However, problems can arise not only when picking up the car, but also when returning it. It is not uncommon for the rental company to discover damage to the vehicle, which he wants to blame on you. If you do not want to pay for the dents and scratches of the previous tenant, log all damages when you take them over and have them confirmed by the landlord. Don't forget the vehicle interior either.
Additional fees
Some rental car contracts contain additional costs, which are often only noticed on the day of payment. This includes, for example, extra equipment such as luggage racks or child seats, for which you will be asked to pay extra in most cases. Since there are large price differences between the providers, it is worth comparing. Another cost trap is the so-called additional driver fee: While some insurance policies include an additional driver, others require you to pay extra. In any case, all additional drivers must be registered to ensure full insurance coverage.
Long waiting times
Depending on where you pick up your rental car, there may be waiting times at the counter. You can avoid long queues at the counter if you do not book at highly frequented places such as airports, but look for second stations of the provider, for example. You may have the opportunity to get your rental car faster for an extra charge. However, the so-called "priority check-in" is only offered by some companies.
Sources:
- http://www.billiger-mietwagen.de
- https://www.test.de