Car Rental Scams To Watch Out For

Car Hire has a bad reputation from car rental companies policies of charging your credit card once the rental is finished with additional costs for damage and fuel. This practice in itself is legitimate but it leaves the opportunity open for less reputable car rental suppliers to scam their customers.

With this in mind here’s a quick list of some things you should be alert for when hiring a car:

• Damage, what damage?
This scam involves charging you for damage that was already on the vehicle. It’s relatively simple to avoid by checking the car out before you drive away, but taking photos when you collect and return the car should protect you.

• Getting all Fuelled up!
Most companies rent their cars out with a full tank of fuel and charge you for the difference between what’s left and refilling the tank. Often the price per litre of this charge is higher than the pump price and it’s very difficult to prove how much or little was in the car when you returned it. Avoid this by filling the car at the nearest garage just before you take it back. Hold onto the receipt just in case and if they try and charge you, you’ve got some pretty good evidence on your side.

• Hang on a minute, all these extras cost more than the rental!
Check the cost of your rental as car hire as an industry is notorious for it’s extras charging. You can get charged at the counter for extras like additional drivers, child seats, insurance upgrades, young driver surcharges, and more. To avoid this make sure you read the rental terms when booking, and make sure your quotes are like for like. A company that appears cheaper may not always be the lowest cost option.

Related Links
• Car Rental Articles : A full list of our car rental articles