15 Things To Know About Booking Rental Cars (And What To Avoid)

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Renting a car seems like a basic process and is likely something you’ve done before.

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But there are some things to know about renting a car that can save you time, energy, and money.

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Check out these tips and tricks for car rental that can help you avoid hidden fees, get elite status with rental agencies, and better understand rental car insurance.

Image Credit: Karan Shiwalkar

Inspect Your Car Inside and Out Before Driving Away

This may take a few minutes, but it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run — you don’t want to be charged for any damage the car had before you picked it up.

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Avoid Drop-off Fees

Many car rental agencies charge drop-off fees for things like bringing the car back outside of business hours or for one-way rentals. Another option is to consider renting at city-center locations, as many airports charge additional drop-off fees.

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Check Before Crossing Borders or State Lines

Some rental companies charge for crossing borders, and you should let your agency know what you’re doing in case there are restrictions or you need additional insurance.

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Understand Car Rental Insurance

We advise doing your homework on insurance before renting. You’ll want to be sure you understand the types of insurance offered and the policies you’ll need to keep yourself, others, your rental car, and other cars safe and covered.

Image Credit: Karan Shiwalkar

Your Credit Card May Offer Car Rental Insurance

Many credit cards offer some form of car rental insurance. If you do decide to purchase insurance offered by the agency, it’s important to read and understand the terms, how to claim it, and how to apply it.

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