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You can rent a car
for cheap these days, especially with the offer of great internet deals. But,
watch out, not all of these ‘deals” are good “deals.” Check the fine print.
Get Unlimited
Mileage
Be sure the car
you’re renting can be driven unlimited miles. Cars with limited miles may save
you money if you don’t plan to drive very much. But, if you think you may
exceed the limit, look elsewhere. Getting hit with the fees for exceeding the
allotted mileage can be hefty.
To Buy or Not
To Buy the Gas
Most car rental
companies have several option from which to choose when it comes to gas. Some
let you bring it back empty, some let you fill it up before you bring it back
and some let you bring it back empty and they’ll fill it – at a price.
Find out what they offer and make the best deal. Its usually cheaper to find a
gas station with good prices and fill it yourself.
Check the Car
for Damage
A lot of people
are on vacation and are anxious to get going. Take a few minutes to check the
rental car thoroughly. Don’t feel like you’re nit-picking. Ignoring a
scratch or small dent can cost you money when it wasn’t your fault.
To Get Their
Insurance or Not
Okay – this is
tricky. Does your auto insurance policy cover a rented car – really cover it?
Sometimes the “car rental” add-on that your policy has just covers the rental
car company’s lost income for renting the car and NOT the car itself.
Also, check the terms of the credit card you're using to rent the car.
Many credit cards cover the insurance needs for a rental car. If you aren’t
sure, you may very well want to get the insurance – just in case.
Return a Clean
Car – sort of
Normal dirt and
wear is expected during the time you have the car. But, if someone gets sick in
the car, spills something etc. Clean it up! You may get charged an extra
cleaning charge – remember, they have your credit card.
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