What you should be aware of
Beware of These Hidden Costs While Hiring A Car
Published: 10/03/2022
For every travel enthusiast, finding a reputable and reliable car rental agency is as important as booking flights and hotel rooms. In both scenarios, they have to toil hard to hunt for one that is affordable. However, most people don’t scrutinize and do their research on car rentals as much as they do on other booking platforms. It is a misconception that car rental rates will be the same everywhere, which is why a little research comes very handy. Doing so saves you from the jolt later on. While most rental companies are straightforward with their rates, some tend to hide additional costs in the fine print. Here are a few tips on how you can avoid hidden fees when renting a car.
Full-Empty Fuel Policy
While there are several fuel policies when renting a car, you don’t want to be hit with a fuel bill before you have even stepped in the car. Many car rental companies offer a full empty fuel policy, where you pay for the full tank and return the vehicle when the tank is empty. As feasible as this sounds, it does come with its conditions. They may charge you with an inflated petrol price, or you may not be refunded for the remaining fuel present in the tank. A reliable car rental agency will provide you a refund on the unused fuel.
Early Return Charges
Yes, we all know that most companies will charge you for late returns, but are you aware of being charged for an early return? Yes, some car rental companies in Dubai may fine you for breaching the contract by returning the vehicle earlier than the scheduled date. In such cases, it is always wise to check about such policies with your car rental agency. While it may not be a prevalent factor, there are a few who do follow such bizarre rules.
Charges for An Additional Driver
If you plan on splitting the driving along your way, then be prepared to pay more. Sometimes you tend to forget about the additional charge, which may not be a lot, but it tends to add up each passing day. Also, it is not included in the insurance fee that covers the additional driver. To avoid being charged extra, it is best to look for companies that waive off the price if they are a spouse of the primary driver.
Extra Equipment Fee
While you might jump at the sound of a good deal or affordable car rental, beware of the additional hidden costs that may tag along. It could include GPS installation, baby booster seats, Wi-Fi devices, amongst many other add-ons. Don’t fall into the trap of buying additional equipment, and ensure you only pay what you signed up for, and no extra hidden costs.
Check for Any Noticeable Damage
It is highly advisable to inspect the vehicle before you pick it up. Alternatively, you can keep images or videos as proof to avoid any dispute after returning the car. If the damage has not been mentioned to you by the car rental, make sure you inform them before you leave. If you avoid doing so, you can be charged for it at a later stage.
Next time you rent a car; ensure you check all the points discussed here with your car rental agency to avoid any hidden charges.