
When you’re traveling, renting a car gives you so much freedom to explore your destination on your own time
Whether you’re exploring a cute coastal town or heading up into the mountains, car rental services let you plan your trip on your own schedule, so you can see everything you want to see and really make the most of it.
But we all know that travel can be frustrating as well. Things don’t always go smoothly and your trip can hit a bump in the road. And sometimes the bump in your road is actually the rental car you’re driving.
There are a lot of things to watch out for when you’re renting a car in terms of saving money, saving yourself headaches, and making sure you stay safe. Taking a quick second to consider each of these items will help ensure that you have the best trip.
8 tips for a smooth rental car experience
1. Reserve your car before your arrival
This one is so important, but so often forgotten. Waiting until you’re at the airport to find a car can become really frustrating really quickly. And who wants to start their vacation that way?
You may end up having to wait for the car rental agency to get a car ready or you may have a limited selection of cars to choose from. And it’s really avoidable. Reserve your car before your trip so that it’s already taken care of and you can get the car that’s right for your needs.
2. Insurance through the rental car company should be a last resort
Insurance when you’re in a rental can be a little bit confusing. Your own car insurance may cover some potential incidents while you’re in a rental car, but it won’t cover all of them. And depending on which credit cards you have, you may be able to get car insurance for your rental through them. This is often the best bet for travelers, because getting additional car insurance from car rental services is going to be extremely overpriced.
Depending on your own insurance and credit cards, you may not need insurance through the rental car company at all. But checking what is already covered will at least help you only purchase what you really need from the rental company.
They usually break insurance out into liability coverage, collision damage waivers, personal effects coverage, and personal accident coverage, so if you do need insurance through them you can at least just get the type that you need. This is another area where it’s really helpful to figure out your best option before you’re at the rental counter, so you’re not stuck considering confusing insurance options at the checkout desk.
3. Beware of add-ons
Most car rental services are going to try and sell you add ons like GPS, satellite radio, toll passes and more. These features might sound nice, but they’re going to be extremely overpriced – and some of them can be done right on your smartphone. Add-ons can add up quickly so just be aware that they’ll be really upcharged and only take the ones that you really want.

4. Check for any damage or scratches before you get in
Before you get on the road take a quick walk around the car – including inside – and check for any damage. Scratches, dents, cigarette burns, etc. Ask them to make a note of this on your paperwork or take pictures of everything before you leave the parking lot. This way you can make sure you avoid getting extra charges for any damage that wasn’t actually your fault if they try and charge you for it.
5. Make a note of any differences from the car you’re used to driving
Cars are going to have different controls in different places. Take a moment to get familiar with your rental before you start driving. Especially when it comes to controls you won’t need until you really need them – things like hazards, windshield wipers, four wheel drive. That way you’re comfortable and know you can handle whatever the road throws your way.

6. Fill up the tank before you return it
Car rental companies will often tell you not to worry about filling up the tank before you bring it back. But depending on your agreement, chances are you’ll end up paying a lot more than if you’d have just filled the tank up yourself. Unless you’re really in a time crunch, make sure to stop at a gas station before you bring the car back so you’re only paying for the gas itself.
7. Don’t be late – or else
This one goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway. Do not be late returning your rental. Policies and grace periods vary by company, but they are not as lenient as they used to be. You’re likely to pay for a full extra day with that vehicle if you return it too late. And that’s on top of the stress of potentially missing your flight since you’re behind schedule. As tempting as that one last walk on the beach sounds, try your best to stick to your schedule on the final day of your trip.
8. Choose your rental company carefully
When you’re traveling, any bump in the road seems to feel considerably more frustrating. Things are not always going to go according to plan. Cars can be returned late, lines can be long, and rental companies might be understaffed.

That’s why it’s so important to be selective about car rental services. You want the company that seems to have the least amount of customer complaints to minimize your chances of something going wrong. And in the event that something does go wrong, you want a company that will take excellent care of you and try to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
And don’t forget to check out your rental company’s customer reviews on Trustpilot before you choose a rental company. Make the most of your trip by taking advantage of reviewers and choose your company based on their experiences.
Plan ahead so you can enjoy the moment
Hopefully this list helps you plan the stress-free trip of your dreams and save yourself some unnecessary costs so you can spend that money on more excursions, poolside drinks, or whatever floats your boat. The moral of the story is that when it comes to travel details, planning ahead usually saves you money and saves yourself from headaches.
Why stop the planning there? Check out travel & vacation companies on Trustpilot to start planning some activities and outings for your trip! And once you return, make sure to leave your rental car company an honest review so you can help future travelers find the right company for their needs.
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