What should you pay attention to when renting a car?
A rental car is a difficult product to compare, because in the jungle of rental companies it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. Let alone make a good comparison. In this blog I, Jetty - Manager Operations Rotterdam, would like to give you some tips on what to look out for when renting or comparing a rental car. So that you don't get any unwanted surprises.
Comparing apples to oranges
Once searching for a rental car, price is usually the first thing that entices. Logical, but please note that the saying "comparing apples to oranges" is the best description in this process. Rental Company A offers a Vauxhall Corsa for €15 per day and Rental Company B offers that same Vauxhall Corsa for €25 per day. Most people would go for lessor A because of the rate, but end up cheating at the bottom. Below is an example of the build-up:
In addition, car rental always refers to a "Category" and type of car, for example, an Opel Corsa. When booking an Opel Corsa, this does not automatically mean that an Opel Corsa will be waiting for you when you pick it up. This can also be another car, but always in the same category as booked. This can never be indicated with certainty in advance.
Stay alert, even in a hurry!
Rental companies are aware that a business traveler is generally in a hurry to arrive at the airport. One often needs to catch a meeting or appointment and wants to get back on the road quickly. When picking up the rental car, a contract must first be signed. Usually a signature is signed quickly, without reading carefully and accurately. Perhaps the traveler is just told that they have prepared a newer and larger model especially for the customer!
Without suspicion one gets in and drives away with the offered model. Upon returning home, the credit card statement (example landlord A) shows that as much as €300 has been charged by the rental company on top of the previously paid rental amount. How is that?
The harm has then already been done, because in 9 out of 10 cases, these extras were also legally rightly written off, since one signed the contract on the spot. In fact, this contract stated that one agrees to such things as:
- The upgrade of the rental car (while the customer may have thought it was free of charge);
- The gas tank had to be returned full (this was not named on site but was in the fine print);
- The deductible is waived to €0;
- A total of 550km was driven, however, only 300km was included. So 250km must be paid extra;
- Local taxes had not yet been settled.
TIP! Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing the car rental contract! There is no way to recover these costs afterwards.
Car rental with no surprises
Unfortunately, these situations occur daily and are more the rule than the exception! So pay attention to that when renting a car. We therefore like to work with Sunny Cars. They offer mostly All-in rates, with no surprises or unnecessary additional costs on site. In addition, they have an emergency number which is available 24/7. If any extras are wrongly charged to the credit card, they arrange refunds.
Would you like to rent a car during your business trip? We know exactly what is or is not included and which rental company has the best offer for you. Our systems will compare the options in no time and we can provide you with the best advice. In addition, we will draw your attention to what is included and what is not and indicate to check this when signing the contract on site. We also act as a mediator between you as a business traveler and the rental company in case of a claim or complaint. Found a great rate yourself? We are happy to compare this for you!
Travel well
Jetty Ter Haar,
Manager of Operations Rotterdam
Update: This blog first appeared on Sept. 1, 2020 and was updated with new information on Sept. 08, 2022.
