First-time car hire: avoid these 7 common mistakes
Thinking about renting a car for the first time? You've probably got questions. Let us walk you through some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
There's a first time for everything – but whether it's zorbing, chopsticks or ballet lessons, you can often find yourself worrying about things that could possibly go wrong.
Car hire is no different. If you're considering it, it's because you can see the advantages: an affordable way to get about without having to bother with maintenance, cleaning and all the rest. You just fill up the tank and get on your way.
Nevertheless, plenty of people are reluctant to hire a car because they're worried they'll get rinsed by a disreputable firm. And we're not going to pretend that's not an issue in an industry that has its share of dodgy dealers.
But if you partner with a firm like us, you can be sure of an honest, friendly service with no strings attached.
We want our customers to be satisfied: it's as important to us as the cleanliness and roadworthiness of our fleet. In that spirit, we've put together this guide for first-time renters. Avoid these mistakes and you'll be back for seconds in no time.
1. Skimming the rental agreement
Contracts are an essential part of our day-to-day life, from receipts to tenancy agreements. But many businesses know that their customers won't go through them in detail.
If you're working with an above-board company, that shouldn't be a problem. But if you go for a shady operator, they may conceal some booby traps in the nooks and crannies of the contract.
Either way, you should treat your rental agreement with the same care as a barrister preparing her case. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, the fuel policy and the hire period. Don't get caught out and end up paying more than you signed up for.
2. Letting documentation expire
The preppers of the world will roll their eyes at this one but it's worth pointing out nonetheless. Is your documentation up to date?
If you feel we're stating the obvious, all we'll say is that out-of-date docs are a surprisingly common occurrence here at Metro Vehicle Hire. It pains us to turn someone down because they've let their license lapse.
A related mistake is forgetting to bring the documentation, whether it's in-date or not. If you forget your paperwork when collecting the vehicle, you may find yourself walking home from the dealership.
So, before you pin your hopes on a vehicle, make sure everything's in date: not just your driver's license but any supporting proof of identity, too.
3. Forgetting your extras
Need a child seat or a satnav as part of your rental agreement? Make sure you add them when you're booking. If you don't, you might find that all the rental company's stock is already out on the road. A bit of forward planning can save you disappointment.
4. Ignoring mileage limits
Most rental companies will have their own mileage limits. You can find ours on our website. They're usually generous but if you end up taking substantial detours or unexpected journeys, you could exceed the limits.
5. Forgetting to refuel the vehicle
This is a big one. Most companies now have fair fuel policies. When you drive the vehicle off the forecourt, you have a full tank. When you return it, it needs to be full again.
A variation on this is the "same-same" fuel policy. As the name suggests, this is where you have to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel in the tank as when you picked it up.
If for whatever reason you fail to do so, you'll have to make up the shortfall, usually with an administrative refuelling fee on top.
It's an expensive mistake to make. Your best bet is to factor in a refuelling stop at a gas station on the last leg of your journey.
6. Not checking the car
This is a big one. Again, it shouldn't matter if you choose a reputable, experienced firm like us. We're not going to lease you a car with a dent on the bumper and then make you pay for it.
But not every car rental company does things by the book. Minor damage is ripe for exploitation. Think about it: if a car has been driven by multiple customers, is it really going to be in pristine condition? That means you could end up liable for damage that you didn't cause.
Inspect the vehicle properly. Check every panel. Look under the bumpers. Inspect the windscreen, the wheel hubs, the wing mirrors and the doors. Take a photo of the fuel gauge before driving away.
This shouldn't be necessary. But as in any industry, there are sharks in the water. Don't let them bite your head off.
7. Exceeding your hire period
How is a car rental company like a library? Answer: both will fine you if you don't bring what you've borrowed back on time.
Dropping your car off late is sometimes unavoidable. Most of the time, it isn't. Make sure you set off with plenty of time to ensure you don't have to pay the price.
And if you do find yourself running late because of circumstances beyond your control, let the company know. A good firm will understand.
Final thoughts
All of these tips for first-time hire have one thing in common: preparation. Yes, the point of hiring a car is to save you time and hassle. But if you don't make sure you understand the terms of your hire agreement, you might find it's more time and hassle than it's worth.
Your best bet is to work with a reputable, experienced firm with positive online reviews. That way, you can be sure you won't be taken for a ride.
Are you looking for
cheap car hire in Sunderland, Newcastle or the North East? Call us on (0191) 4888 700 with your requirements. A member of our friendly, knowledgeable team will be happy to help.
