7 Mistakes Made When Renting a Car and How to Avoid Them

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Car rental is one of the most practical solutions that provides freedom and comfort during holidays and business trips. However, many users lose both time and money due to small mistakes made in the process. Knowing the common mistakes when renting a car and avoiding them ensures a safer, more economical, and smoother experience.

Renting a Car Without Doing Research

One of the most common mistakes in car rental is choosing a company without doing research. Users often focus only on price and skip detailed review.

Not Comparing Prices: Renting from the first company you find may cause you to miss better price opportunities.
Not Reading Company Reviews: Ignoring online customer reviews may lead you to rent from an unreliable company.
Choosing Companies Without Transparent Pricing: To avoid hidden costs later, you should carefully review the contract details.

Solution: Always compare several companies before renting, read customer feedback, and check the terms carefully. Working with reliable companies that offer transparent policies eliminates possible risks.

The Cost of Not Booking Early

Another major mistake when renting a car is leaving the booking to the last minute. Especially during holiday seasons and public holidays, it becomes difficult to find a car, and prices increase.

High Price Risk: Last-minute rentals can be up to 30% more expensive compared to early bookings.
Limited Vehicle Options: Popular segments (SUV, minivan, sedan) run out quickly, and you may not find the car you want.
Extra Costs: In rushed bookings, additional fees for insurance, accessories, or delivery options may apply.

Solution: Once your travel dates are confirmed, book at least 2–3 weeks in advance. This way, you can both benefit from lower prices and choose from a wide range of vehicles.

Ignoring Insurance and Coverage Options

One of the most frequent mistakes users make in car rentals is ignoring insurance and coverage options. A rental that seems affordable can become very costly in case of an accident or breakdown.

Relying Only on Mandatory Insurance: This insurance only covers damages to the other party, not the rented car.
Skipping Minor Damage Coverage: Small scratches or cracked windows can result in unexpected expenses.
Avoiding Full Coverage Packages: Although initially more expensive, they protect you from thousands in damages in case of major incidents.

Solution: Always consider comprehensive insurance options when renting a car. "Full insurance" or "full coverage packages" save you from major risks with a small additional fee.

Not Considering Fuel Policies

Another common mistake in car rental is not paying attention to the fuel policy. Rental companies usually apply several types of fuel policies:

Full-to-Full: You receive the car with a full tank and return it the same way. This is the fairest option.
Full-to-Empty: You get the car with a full tank and return it with whatever is left. Most of the time, the customer loses money.
Fixed Fuel Policy: The car is provided with a certain fuel level and must be returned with the same level.

The wrong choice of policy can lead to unnecessary costs. For example, returning a car without refilling may result in the company charging a high fuel fee.

Solution: Always ask about the fuel policy. If possible, choose full-to-full. This ensures fair usage and helps you avoid extra costs.

Not Checking the Car Before Pickup

Another critical mistake is not thoroughly inspecting the car before pickup. Most users rush to get the car and are later held responsible for pre-existing damages.

Exterior Check: Look for scratches, dents, or paint damage.
Interior Check: Inspect the upholstery, multimedia system, air conditioning, and other equipment.
Take Photos: Photograph or video any damage and have it confirmed by the rental staff.
Check Tires and Spare: Before long trips, make sure the tires are in good condition and the spare tire is present.

Solution: Prepare a detailed checklist before receiving the vehicle. Even small scratches should be noted in the contract to prevent unfair charges when returning the car.

Not Knowing Mileage Limits and Extra Fees

Another important point in car rental is the mileage limit. Many users sign the contract without checking this detail and face extra costs after their trip.

Limited Mileage Policy: Some companies set daily or monthly mileage limits, e.g., 300 km per day.
Unlimited Mileage Option: Better for longer trips, though slightly more expensive.
Extra Fees: If the limit is exceeded, you pay per kilometer. This may seem small but can add up on long trips.

In addition to mileage, there may also be other extra fees:

Airport delivery fee
Late return fee
Additional driver fee
Child seat fee

Solution: Always check the mileage limit in the contract. For long trips, choose unlimited mileage. Also, ask about all extra fees in advance to avoid surprises.

Choosing the Wrong Vehicle Segment

One of the most fundamental mistakes in car rental is choosing the wrong vehicle segment. Users often focus on price and pick cars that are too small or unsuitable for their needs.

SUVs: Suitable for large families, long trips, and mountainous terrain.
Minivans: Ideal for families with children or larger groups, offering 7+1 seating.
Sedans: Stylish and comfortable, suitable for business trips and city driving.
Hatchbacks: A practical and economical choice for small families or city use.

The wrong choice negatively affects both comfort and safety. For example, a large family renting a hatchback may struggle with luggage, while a driver needing an SUV may not be satisfied with a sedan’s performance.

Solution: When renting a car, always consider your trip type, road conditions, number of passengers, and luggage needs. Choosing the right segment ensures both comfort and safety.

Mistakes in car rental often happen because users rush or don’t read the contract carefully. Ignoring fuel policies, not checking the car before pickup, not knowing mileage limits, and choosing the wrong vehicle segment are among the most common mistakes.

To avoid these mistakes:

Always check the fuel policy and prefer full-to-full.
Inspect the car carefully before pickup and take photos.
Ask about mileage limits and choose unlimited if going on a long trip.
Select the vehicle segment that matches your family or travel needs.

Bera Rent A Car, with its transparent policies, wide fleet, affordable insurance packages, and customer-friendly services, turns the car rental process into a safe, economical, and enjoyable experience.

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