Courtesy of Emilio Labrador
When it comes to renting a vehicle while traveling, it’s important to do a few things before agreeing to make a purchase and leaving the parking lot. To ensure you’re getting a vehicle that’s safe, affordable and comfortable for you and your traveling companions, you’ll want to:
Check on your insurance coverage and how it can apply to your rental car. Every rental car company is different, so before making any purchases, talk to your insurance provider about what kind of coverage you can expect for rental cars under your policy. If it ends up that you need additional coverage, be sure to add it to your travel insurance plan when you purchase it.
Ask if the vehicle has received any recent maintenance. There should be a record of each vehicle’s current condition, including recent maintenance. You should be able to see if the car has had proper oil changes, alignments, tire rotations, and all other routine services to keep the car safe and in good condition.
Familiarize yourself with all of the car’s buttons and features. If you’re relying on a built-in GPS or similar feature, take some time to become familiar with it before hitting the road. Test out the brakes, the lights, the windshield wipers, the mirrors, the hazard lights and any other essential feature that might not be working properly. If there are any poorly or non-functioning pieces, let your rental car company know so they can be sure to fix it before signing it over to you.
Document the current condition of the vehicle. Although most rental car companies keep updated records of the current conditions of their vehicles, it’s always a good idea to document this for yourself to ensure that you can prove the vehicle’s original condition upon returning it. Take photos of the interior and exterior, the mileage, the fluid levels, etc. Be sure to look for specific damages or missing parts on the vehicle and document them appropriately.
Inspect the spare tire. Every vehicle should be equipped with a spare tire. Before leaving the lot, check the trunk for the spare in your vehicle and see if it is fully inflated or not. You’ll also want to make sure the proper tools are included in the trunk to change the tire, including a jack and a lug wrench.
Ask about what to do in emergency situations. If your vehicle were to break down or malfunction in any way while under your care, or if you were to misplace your key, it’s important to know exactly what the rental car company’s policies are for those circumstances and what you would need to do in order to remedy the situation. Be sure to keep these contact numbers with you, so you have easy access to them in case of an emergency.
For more information pertaining to questions you might have before making your car rental purchase and leaving the parking lot, visit our helpful FAQ page to find answers to a few common questions we often get at E-Z Rent-A-Car. You can also contact us online or call 1-800-277-5171 to get started reserving your next rental car with us!
