Top Five Areas Where You Can Lose Money With A Car Hire

Renting a vehicle seems like a pretty upfront kind of thing to do but there are many companies that aren't so forthright and many consumers that are unaware of the potential ways in which an automobile rental business can take them for a ride. Understanding these issues can help make consumers more informed and less likely to get in over their heads.

1. MILEAGE. In the past many rental car companies only charged for miles on long distance and one-way rentals but times have changed. Currently, most car hire companies only offer a couple of miles free with a daily rental and then they charge a per mile fee for anything over. This can take what appears to be a good deal on a per diem car hire and make it cost a whole lot more at the end of the rental period resulting in unexpected additional charges to the consumer.

2. INSURANCE. This is one way in which most leasing companies are really making a killing. They have their representatives convince you that this insurance is necessary for you to take or that it will somehow cover you in addition to your own vehicle insurance. This very simply is not true. Unless you very simply don't have car or truck insurance at all, or if you're traveling in a foreign country you do not need to pay the car hire agencies for insurance for every day you rent the motor vehicle. In the end, even if something happens you are going to likely find that this does not actually provide you with any extra coverage.

3. EXTRAS. Simply allow the car rental agency to take advantage of your failure to plan. The items that the car hire agent can supply you with will include a GPS, car seat, DVD players, and even a bike or luggage rack. While you may come up in need of one of these items last-minute, some advance planning can help you avoid these unnecessary extra charges.

4. ROAD SERVICE. Most consumers believe that road service is a given. When it comes to dealing with a vehicle leasing business, however, it is likely that you fully understand. For instance, if your motor vehicle gets a flat tire, you best just change it as this isn't considered a mechanical problem. And for the most part if you contact your car insurance agent prior to getting any work done the payment for it could be coming out of your own pocket. It's really important that consumers understand this and read their rental agreement well to fully understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to accidents and mechanical problems.

5. Car or truck CONDITION. Most companies are legitimate, however there are a couple of that are looking to take consumers for a ride. When it comes to a car or truck leasing you're responsible for that motor vehicle for the entire time it is in your possession and for returning it in the same condition it was rented to you in. The best way to cover yourself is to make sure you carefully examine the vehicle both inside and out to assess any damages that might exist and make a note of said damage. Doing so will cover you and cut your liability. Any significant damage should be photographed and it is very important understand that you may perhaps refuse any car or truck that you consider to be unacceptable, unsafe, or in unsatisfactory condition.