Top 3 car rental scams you need to be aware of
Planning on renting a car on your next trip away? If you plan on doing your research before hiring a vehicle, then it can be a great investment as it allows you to see sights and scenery on your own accord. But while having your own car for a few days is generally a good idea, there are also scams one should be aware of before booking.
Most companies aren’t out there to con you out of your money, but there are a few bad eggs, and this is what you should look out for.
1. Overdue rental scam
While it’s known that a heavy penalty fee occurs if you drop off the car after the so-called agreed drop-off time, many times companies conveniently leave out important information – such as returning the car by noon. This is why it’s important to read the fine print and checking with the clerk before driving off.
2. Compulsory insurance fee scam
If you own a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card then chances are your provider automatically covers you for insurance. But in saying that, many customers are being coerced into paying hefty insurance fees, which is why you should check with your credit card company before tapping the EFTPOS machine.
3. The GPS scam
Let’s be honest, in this day and age with a smartphone at everyone’s fingertips, there is no need to pay extra for a GPS. While it’s an easy upsell, you don’t have to be out of pocket for a feature that’s available on your mobile phone. And if you’re worried about running out of data, you can pre-map routes before heading off on your trip.
And don’t forget…
It seems like a no-brainer to go for the cheapest car rental company you can find, but just remember, that isn’t always a good thing. Many times, you can be sucked into paying hidden fees which result in a huge price bump. Also, don’t forget to keep petrol receipts and photograph any damage to the car before leaving the rental lot.