Essential Safety Tips for Airport Car Rentals -Tips After arriving at the airport, you’re likely to be exhausted and hungry, so you need to find the rental car counter, sign a contract, and drive away.
You’re either in terrifyingly congested airport traffic or out in the middle of nothing in seconds. You’re swerving to dodge bus and taxi drivers as they race by, attempting to decipher many signs, and blindly reaching for the proper knob to switch on headlights, window controls, change the temperature, and more while trying to find your bearings.
In other words, you’re doing every single driving offence you’ve ever chastised other drivers for. The first thing to remember when getting into a rental car is that you are unfamiliar with it. You’re unfamiliar with your surroundings, and position is the primary cause of accidents within a few hundred feet of the vehicle rental lot.
COVID-19 vaccinations lead to an increase in tourism as more people get vaccinated. So much so that Forbes recently predicted a “car rental apocalypse” owing to poor activity last year.
So, where can you go if the large car rental companies are out of vehicles to rent at the airport? It’s been bothering me since their previous trip when they booked a car from an unknown company off-airport after finding a decent deal online. They waited nearly an hour for the “every fifteen-minute” shuttle and had to fight their way onto the van with more people than seats.
When they arrived, they discovered that many Jeep Wranglers, and that is all there is to it.
They wished to have a Toyota, but each person got a Jeep instead. As soon as the chaos subsided, everyone rushed to the rental counter for help. They to their rental cars; rather, they “keep pushing the unlock button” to see which car was flashing.
Select a Vehicle
A family may need an SUV or minivan to accommodate their baggage, car seats, and passengers. Still, a small party, such as a couple on a romantic break or a group of friends, may require an economy vehicle, saving you money on the rental and the petrol.
At airports, stay away from onsite rentals
If at all possible, avoid renting a vehicle from an airport office. There is a slew of extra expenses when you pick up your rental from the airport counters. Many hotels have airport shuttles, so take the shuttle to your hotel and then reserve your rental vehicle from a downtown location if feasible.
Rent for a more extended period
If you rent for a more extended amount of time, you may be able to receive a better deal. Some rental properties charge a weekly fee, and you’ll want to find out when the week begins and finishes so you can arrange your vehicle rental accordingly to maximize your discounts.
Take pictures and familiarise yourself with your policies
Before you leave, snapshots of the car’s body as you to your rental vehicle. Especially if the rental company’s employees aren’t present. If the firm discovers any problems with your new car, they won’t penalize you.
Before consenting to any supplementary insurance offered by the rental businesses, be sure you understand your vehicle insurance policy. If your insurance already covers it, the guidelines aren’t always essential.
“Your insurance policy may transfer to rental vehicles without charge,” Chen added, adding that “your travel rewards credit card or bank’s card may also give additional coverage.” “Some rental firms demand exorbitant charges for insurance or protection plans, even if you don’t need them.”
Have faith in your instincts
If anything about a business, a vehicle, or your experience doesn’t seem right, it usually isn’t. Even the most well-prepared traveler may have a bad encounter with a company, so speak out. Get out of there if you ever feel threatened when renting a vehicle anywhere.
Even if it means losing a deposit, always put your safety first and worry about the financial consequences.
At the rental desk
The most important thing to remember at the rental car counter is to make sure you’re receiving the pricing you anticipate and that you know who to contact for assistance if the rental vehicle breaks down.
Ask the salesperson when they last serviced the vehicle and if there are any issues. Start to be sceptical if the cashier cannot answer this question.
- This number should be written down on your rental agreement or saved on your phone.
- Before you leave the rental vehicle office, grab a couple of paper towels from the restroom — they will explain why in a minute. Before you book a rental automobile, consider the following factors.
- The primary line is that you should secure a decent bargain on a rental automobile and know how you want to insure it before you book it.
- To learn more about your existing rental vehicle coverage, check with your insurance provider and your credit card travel protection.
- Add extra automobile rental coverage to your flights from Delhi to USA travel insurance plan when you purchase it if you need it.
- Check with your roadside assistance provider to check whether your coverage includes rental automobiles at your destination.
- In your carry-on, put a tiny flashlight or headlamp. If you pick up your rental vehicle late at night, you’ll need this to dig about in it.
- Have a camera with a flash in your carry-on as well — they will explain why in a moment.
Before leaving the parking lot
Once you’ve found your rental car, double-check that you won’t be held liable for any third-party damage and that the vehicle is generally safe and well-maintained.
- Take shots of all the panels as you go around the automobile. If there is any damage, note it on your papers. If the rental business attempts to hold you accountable for injury later, the images will be helpful too.
- Visually inspect the tires to ensure no noticeable uneven tread wear that might signal a vehicle issue.
- Check the odometer — a vehicle with 25,000 miles is classified as an old rental car, and you should be wary of it.
- Look locate the spare tire in the trunk and make sure it’s properly inflated. Check for a jack and a lug wrench if the tire has to be changed (many tools disappear from rental cars).
- Check the fluid levels by opening the hood — this is why you brought the paper towels (and a flashlight if it’s dark). If you know how to check the oil, antifreeze, and washer fluid, that’s wonderful; if not, a brief visual examination will likely be enough.
- Please get in the vehicle, switch it on, and wait for it to warm up while double-checking the gas gauge and setting the temperature controls.
- Become acquainted with the vehicle. Check the window controls, adjust the seat and mirrors (rear-view and side mirrors), switch on the danger lights, test the windshield wipers, turn signals, headlights, etc.
- Take the vehicle for a brief ride around the parking lot when you’re ready, turning, braking, and listening. It’s essential to determine whether there’s an issue or an odd sound before going on the road.
- Consult your map or instructions, and use your GPS if unfamiliar with the region. Most rental car firms are outside of the airport, and you may go through baggage claim again if you take a mistake turn.
- Turn on the radio before leaving the parking lot if you wish to listen to music.
