Renting a car is a great way to make traveling and discovering new places easier. However, to avoid inconveniences and unexpected fees, it is important to pay attention to a few key points. Here are some practical tips on how to pick up your rental car and what to look out for.
1. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle upon collection
Before you pick up the keys to your rental car, be sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. Look at the condition of the bodywork, windows, tires, and interior. Take photos and videos of the vehicle from every angle, including details such as scratches, dents, tank status, mileage, and other damage. This way, you will have proof of the condition of the car upon collection, which can be invaluable when returning the vehicle.
2. Review the terms and conditions
Each car rental company has its own rental rules and conditions. When signing the contract, carefully read what you are entitled to, what the limitations are and what fees you may be charged. Important questions to look out for:
What is the deductible in the event of an accident? With some car rental companies, it can be up to 2000 EUR for damage and much more for theft of the vehicle.
What other fees may be charged? (e.g. for exceeding the daily mileage limit, delay in returning the vehicle or for cleaning).
Are all taxes and fees included in the price?
3. Deductible and additional insurance
The deductible is the amount you will have to pay in the event of damage to the vehicle. If this amount is too high for you, consider taking out additional insurance, which most car rental companies offer. This insurance will protect you from unexpected costs and reduce your financial risk.
Additional insurance may cover:
Damage to the bodywork, windows or tyres.
Vehicle theft.
Liability for damage caused to a third party.
4. Picking up and returning the vehicle
When picking up the car, make sure that everything stated in the report corresponds to reality. Also note minor damage to avoid liability for mistakes that you did not make. Also, when returning the car, submit your photos and videos to compare the condition of the car.
5. Additional tips for a trouble-free rental
Consider renting a car from reliable companies, read reviews from other customers in advance.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as a driver's license, ID card and credit card.
If you plan to travel abroad, check whether this is allowed by the contract, inform the car rental company in advance which countries you plan to visit and make sure that this option is allowed in the contract.
6. How we do it at EDENcars
The customer comes first, so we don't charge for every little thing and we consider small damages up to 5cm as normal damage
Our deductible is an acceptable amount of 10%, minimum €330
If the damage caused does not reach the deductible amount, we only charge the real amount of the damage
We offer different levels of additional insurance
We always check with the customer
We are also only human and we can make mistakes, so we recommend taking a photo or making a video of the car when you pick it up, which we will then take into account when returning it if there are any discrepancies.