How to avoid extra charges for car rentals
At the car rentals counter, there are two types of customers who deliver a vehicle. The happy ones and the frowned ones. What has happened to the latter, is that they were charged with extras. Despite having made an economical reservation, they found themselves having a not inconsiderable amount to pay. If you want a happy ending to your journey, read below how to avoid extras and beat the companies at their own game.
- Skipping the rental car Insurance
Truth be told, this is a tricky one. Rental car companies often try to persuade you to pay extra for insurance. Below are mentioned the 3 primary types of insurance:
I)The one that covers car damage in case of an accident
- II) The one that covers medical expenses in case you get hurt in an accident
III) The one that remunerates you in case your belongings are lost or stolen
Not paying for them might turn out to be a pricier choice. However, before you address car rentals, it’s wise to know whether you can benefit from the following options.
- Your car insurance. Ask your agent whether car rental coverage is included in the insurance policy, you already are paying for your vehicle. There is still a chance to pay out of your pocket, in case of an accident.
- Rent a car coverage by credit cards. Another option would be to take advantage of the free rental insurance offered by some credit cards when you rent a car.
- Third-party insurance. Finally, some companies offer car rental insurance for half the price the companies do.
At the end of the day simply keep in mind not choosing an insurance package at all might mean that you will have to pay even more. So, do your math, learn your options, and make the best decision for you.
- Time to be the photographer you always dreamed of
It is of vital importance to check the vehicle you hired before leaving the pick-up point. First things first, search thoroughly the external parts of the car; the trunk, the hood, the rooftop, the fenders, and the mudguards. After you make sure that there are no dents or scratches take a photo of all these parts. Once you are done proceed with the vehicle’s interior. Check the dashboard, the mats, the seatbelts, and all the seats. Take a photo of these too. Then send all the photos via mail to yourself. This way you can prove the date the pictures were taken. If the company tries to charge you months later, which is possible in some cases, you will have proof of your innocence.
- Rent a car Athens: Use your extras
GPS devices, car seats for children, and satellite radio are a few useless additional fees, some will charge you. Instead, before making your reservation, search for rent a car Athens company, which does not apply charges. Choose to bring your GPS and car seat, if possible. When it comes to music, making a playlist with your favorite songs would be fine, not to mention a nice way to spend your time while preparing for your trip.
- Return the car where you picked it up
It might be convenient to leave the rented vehicle at a different location. But most companies charge extra costs for delivering the car from another spot. Prefer to deliver it yourself, and ask for some discount since you made it easier for them. The car delivery is anyway included in the total price. By letting the car yourself you are saving time from a clerk, so a discount might be negotiable.
- Skip the second driver
It might be more convenient to list your wife or husband as a second driver, but this option comes with a cost. Yet, there are companies that do not charge. You have to do your research on that. Also, bear in mind that the declared driver must be over 25 years old. If not, some companies have age limits and they charge for drivers under 24 years old. Others have a restriction regarding people under 20 driving.
- To avoid rent a car Athens airport or not?
That is the question. Well, this is a double-sided coin. On the one hand, rent a car Athens airport services are a bit expensive, due to the fees the company pays at the airport. The alternative you have would be to waste some time getting downtown using public transportation in order to pick up your car from the city center. This one is totally up to you and it depends on what you prefer to spend; Money over time.
When it comes to planning a journey, it’s essential to figure out what’s the more convenient transportation means. Do your homework before renting and find out all available options. This way you will make the most out of your experience.