Travelers need to be careful when renting a car so that unexpected problems do not spoil a trip that started off great with the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or discount travel packages.
Travelers typical car rental experiences are as expected. Generally car rental companies, particularly the well known ones, deliver exactly what they promise. However, there are actions you can take to protect yourself from things an unscrupulous car rental agent might try:
Never accept a car rental whose tank is not full, particularly since you will have to return the car with a full tank of gas or pay a hefty price.
Do not sign any document without first reading it. Usually you will be given a diagram of a car before leaving the lot where you can write down any pre-existing damage to the car. Make certain to note every scratch and dent because otherwise your rental company can later hold you responsible for pre-existing problems.
If there is mention of damage when you return your car, try to resolve the issue before you leave. Do not let a representative tell you that they will get back to you. Either try to speak to the representative who originally rented you the car, or ask to speak to a manager.
If a car rental company claims that it has run out of vehicles when you first check in, ask that it find a car from another company at or below the price in your reservation. This is industry standard policy.
If a car rental company sends you a bill to pay for damage to a car that you did not cause, you should:
Write a letter requesting written evidence that you were responsible for the damage, including repair bills and any evidence of loss of use of the car by the rental company.
Ask for time stamped photos and invoices that show the car rental company fixed the car after you rented it.
Copy the state attorney general and insurance commissioner in the state where you rented the car.
Frequently a car rental company will back down when presented with such a letter because it is difficult to prove without question you were responsible for the damage.
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