Renting a car? Do your homework to avoid any surprises on your bill
The first time my father tried to rent a car, he couldn’t. It was in the 1970s and he didn’t believe in credit cards. For that reason, car rental companies didn’t believe in him. He hauled out a wad of cash — his preferred method of currency — but no dice.
These days you probably have a credit card, and car rental agencies definitely still want it. It makes it easier for them to play a convoluted game of diminishing returns: If they’ve decided you owe for a whole whack of usurious fees and crazy charges, it’s easier to get your money if they already have it.
If you rent cars regularly, you know the drill. But for those of us who do it less frequently, negotiating the fine print can be like running across a minefield in orthopedic shoes. These are some expensive mistakes to avoid:
BOOKING
When you reserve a car, check the calendar. Prime vacation times create more demand; if you really want that minivan or convertible, book early. Calculate your intended mileage and book accordingly; mileage surcharges can pile up fast. You can be charged for cancelling, and you’ll be charged if you don’t show up.
HOLDBACK
Most rental agreements contain a clause about reserving a charge — usually a couple of hundred dollars — on your credit or debit card that you’ve surrendered when you signed your contract. Understandably, it’s to cover their butt if you dump a coffee all over the carpet, but if you’re on vacation and have a chunk of available credit go missing that you hadn’t planned on, it can leave you in a bind.
PICKUP
Take pictures of your rental before you get into it. A rep will usually do a walk- around with you, but pay attention to what he or she is doing. Look at that page before you initial it. Call attention to anything they might have missed, and look in the back seat and trunk, as well. Note any damage or stains before you take possession. Take a picture of the fuel gauge and the mileage.
INSURANCE
First, check out your own car insurance policy on your personal vehicle. Make sure you have collision coverage and check the deductible amount. You can also investigate what your homeowner insurance might provide. Call your credit card company to determine what is and isn’t covered by your card. If you’re counting on that credit card for coverage, make sure you actually pay for the rental with that card.
Rental companies are happy to provide protection, but daily rates can climb quickly and you don’t want duplicate coverage. Conversely, you don’t want any flank left exposed.
TOLLS
You can usually opt for a daily rate to offset automatic tolls, which is great if you already know that you’ll be using toll roads and if you’re certain which ones are covered off by that fee. Guess wrong, and you will be charged peak tolls — plus an administration fee. Either pay tolls manually as you go through them, or do some intense homework. If you’re in Ontario, steer all the way clear of the 407 ETR. There is no good way to take a rental car on the 407. Even if you have your own transponder, there is no guarantee the rental agency — and you — won’t be billed.
THE RETURN
Take pictures again, including the mileage and fuel gauge. Do the walk- around with the rep, and do not initial anything you don’t agree with. Again, include the trunk and the back seat.