Renting a car from a car rental company has become increasingly popular among travellers as it offers an added level of convenience and flexibility. Whether you are planning a road trip, a business trip, or simply need a temporary vehicle to run some quick errands, renting a car is definitely an excellent solution. Not only does it allow you to explore your destination on your own terms, but it also provides you with a hassle-free way of getting around.
Learn More: Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Singapore?
Although renting a car can be a convenient way to travel, there are several factors you have to consider before making a reservation. Some of them include
1. Checking The Exterior Of The Car
Before renting a car, check the exterior of the vehicle thoroughly before driving it off the lot. Start by examining the body of the car for any dents or scratches to avoid being held responsible for any existing damage. Be sure to note any issues you find and bring them to the attention of the rental company.
Checking the exterior also ensures your safety on the road, allowing you to identify any potential hazards that might cause an accident. For example, a worn-out tire could blow out while you’re driving at high speeds, or a cracked or chipped windshield could potentially impair your visibility while driving, putting you and other drivers on the road at risk.
2. Familiarise Yourself With The Rented Car
Even if you are an experienced driver, taking some time to familiarise yourself with the specific car you are renting is crucial as every car is built differently with different features, control and driving dynamics. This includes understanding the location and functions of all the controls as well such as headlights, wipers, signals and emergency lights and the car’s driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking and handling to ensure your safety and prevent any unexpected surprises when you are driving out on the road.
3. Plan Your Travel Before Renting The Car
An essential step before renting a car from a car rental company is to plan your travel to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. When your trip is planned out perfectly, you have a better idea of your destination, the route you will take and the duration of your trip. This information will come in handy when it comes to deciding the type, size, and features of a car you should rent to make your trip more comfortable.
Planning your trip also enables you to estimate the overall budget needed. You will be able to budget out your expenditure for fuel, meals, and lodging among others.
4. Insurance Excess
Understanding the concept of insurance excess before renting a car is definitely important as it can significantly impact your financial liability in case of accidents. Insurance excess refers to the amount of money that you are responsible for paying out of your pocket if the car is damaged or stolen during your rental period. Should the insurance excess be high, you could end up paying a significant amount of money, even if the damage or theft was not your fault. So, do take note of the exact amount of insurance excess and what it covers before renting a car.
Note: If you are planning a trip to our neighbouring country, Malaysia, do be aware of the insurance coverage offered as different rental companies have different policies and not all of them provide coverage for trips to Malaysia.
5. Return The Car At The Given Time
Make sure to return your rented car at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid paying any penalties. Some premium car rental companies may charge additional fees for late returns and some of these fees can be substantial and even exceed the original rental price. Certain rental companies also keep records of late returns, impacting your future ability to rent from the same company!
If you are looking for an affordable rental car in Singapore, do check out Hertz’s wide fleet of modern vehicles, from functional sedans to spacious 7-Seater MPVs and luxurious BMWs to suit your short-term and long-term car rental needs. Hertz offers you convenience, comfort, and a worry-free experience when you book with us online. Find the most competitive and attractive rates with us! Contact us today to know more!