To avoid the hassle of long self-driven journeys and the hassle of public transport, you’ve decided to rent a car. That’s a great choice, especially if you’re new to a city or traveling formally or for leisure in Pakistan. However, like any service, there are some errors people make when renting a car that make the journey challenging. This informative guide will help you understand the mistakes to avoid when renting a car to ensure a stellar experience. Read on!
Beginner’s Guide to the Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car
Let’s plan for a smooth and enjoyable time renting a car! It’s crucial to know what to avoid just as much as it is to know what to do when you rely on a rented car to travel in Pakistan—or anywhere in the world!
In this guide, we’ll discuss ten common mistakes to steer clear of when renting a car:
1. Inattention to Rental Terms
One of the common car rental mistakes to avoid is not thoroughly reading the terms and conditions. These terms contain details about significant aspects such as fuel and maintenance, damages, insurance, time constraints, and so on.
Before you confirm your booking and pay (advance or complete payment), go through the conditions set by your rental company. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any doubts!
2. Ignoring Discounts for More Days
A great perk that some car rental companies offer is reduced rates when you rent a car for numerous days. Therefore, you will make one of the most common mistakes of missing discounts when renting a car if you ignore this incentive. Usually going for more than five days or a week makes you eligible for discounts.
Can’t spot the benefit of lower car rental rates for more number of days on the company’s website? You can always contact the customer service and ask if they offer this advantage to their customers!
3. Not Checking Driver’s Documents
Always pay attention to this: are the drivers of your potential car rental service licensed and experienced? To they have any other proper documentation they needed for driving you at long distances—particularly if you intend to travel across cities?
Additionally, if you want to drive a rental car yourself, make sure you have an active license. Rental car companies are not responsible for run-ins with road laws you encounter due to license issues!
4. Booking Via a Travel Agency
Need to rent a car for a trip to another city or country? You may be tempted to book with a tour agency due to ‘low’ rates, but direct booking may be more cost-effective.
In case there are changes to your itinerary or you need to make cancellations, then your third-party booking can become one of the costly mistakes while renting a car. Also, there are many pros and cons of renting a car in Pakistan, one of the benefits being specific discounts. When booking a ride through an agency, you may not know what incentives you’re missing!
5. Forgetting To Refuel the Vehicle
Going off on a long trip in your rented car? While there may be some fuel in your rental car, it’ll suffice for a short way. Most rental car companies do not provide fuel as part of the service given that fuel consumption varies based on driving style, terrain, and other factors.
So, one of the things to avoid when renting a car if missing that low fuel sign! In case you plan on taking the rental car to remote areas, make sure you have a full tank.
6. Not Inspecting the Vehicle
One of the key mistakes to avoid when renting a car is sitting in a driving off without checking the car! In case there are any issues, such as a faulty seatbelt, you need to point these out to the driver or the call the company.
Not only will inspecting the car prior to travel allow you to ensure safety and convenience, but you also avoid any potential penalties. By uncovering any faults that may be left by previous renters, you can let the company know.
7. Not Taking Care of the Ride
One of the most important tips to avoid mistakes when renting a car is driving carefully. Look after the rid as if it has been given to you for safekeeping. Not only is it unethical to be careless when driving a car you’ve rented and not bought, but this can result in damage costs you’ll have to fulfill later on!
Whether your rental car situation is a self-driven journey or you have a professional driver, avoid risks. This means choosing safe routes, keeping any children from dropping food and drinks stuff, and ensuring overall proper driver/passenger etiquette.
8. Going Past Your Rental Time
Yes, checking the time and sticking to it is difficult when you rent a car for personal celebrations and leisure trips. However, keeping the vehicle past your given rent date and time is one of the things to avoid when renting a car.
It helps to have some grace period in case of traffic issues, fuel stops, and other unforeseen circumstances. However, going beyond that means you’ll violate terms and have to pay extra (possibly a full-day charge!).
9. Making Changes at the Last Minute
Last minute changes such as altering time or picking another pick-up/drop-off location will increase your total rate. To get the vehicle of your choice on the date and for the time you need, book your rental car ahead of time. However, do so if you are sure that you will be able to stick to travel details till the day of renting.
Avoid paying extra charges by choosing a car rental company that allows some flexibility in case of emergencies. And, be considerate about avoiding changes at the eleventh hour as well!
10. Paying Extra for Basic Amenities
Do you want facilities such as fully-functional air conditioning, navigation system, radio/music player, or baby car seat compatibility when you rent a vehicle?
Of the many things to avoid when renting a car, do not pay extra for these amenities. Book a rental car provider who does not charge additionally for such basic, vital facilities. Ask about all the features of your rental car prior to confirming booking.
Opt For a Convenient Car Rental Service With Nafees Rent a Car!
Book your car with us, and you do not have to worry about mistakes to avoid when renting a car! Our honesty and transparency—along with fair, affordable rates and exceptional customer service—make us a rental company you can count on to put your ease and comfort first.
Call Nafees Rent a Car today at +92 3177100001 to book your car. Our customer service representatives will promptly ask any question you have to book your vehicle with utmost peace of mind!