BBB Tip: Rent a car and be happy

Car rental rates can vary depending on the company or the amount of lead time, so it pays to shop around and compare prices. You may get a better rate through a motor club, credit card, or other membership organization. One of the most important factors to consider is mileage. Is the rate quoted for unlimited mileage or a certain number of miles daily? Although most rental rates include mileage, some still charge for every mile you drive.

Before finalizing your selection, check out BBB.org. Try to find the exact location. While a BBB Business Profile on a headquarters may contain a great deal of information, complaints, and customer reviews specific to a location its management can be telling. Review complaints for similarities, such as controversial cleaning fees or bills for damage received long after the rental occurred.  

Use comparison websites to find the best deals on car rentals. Look for discounts, promotions, and special offers. Always read the fine print to understand what's included in the price. 

Senior citizens, members of an auto club, and certain credit card holders may be eligible for discounts. You may also find discounted prices for dates, weekends, or longer rental periods. Some airlines and travel sites offer discounts if you book your plane and rental car together, but don’t assume those bundled rates are the best. 

Consider renting from car-sharing apps. These services operate similarly to Airbnb and allow you to rent directly from car owners, often providing more flexible options and competitive prices. Review the terms and insurance coverage options provided by the platform.

Choose the vehicle that is right for your needs. Rental car terms such as “subcompact,” “compact,” and “sedan” may vary from one company to the next. If you are traveling solo for a short business trip, a subcompact may be plenty of room. A larger sedan or SUV might be preferable if you are traveling with kids, car seats, luggage, and lots of gear. If you want to “go green,” ask about hybrids or eco-friendly vehicles. Most rental vehicles have automatic transmissions, but some sports cars are manual. If you can’t drive stick shift, be sure to ask. 

Renting from an airport-based rental facility may be more expensive than renting from an off-airport location. Also, many rentals have an extra drop-off fee if you return the vehicle to a different location than where you picked it up.

Some renters have been surprised at late fees for returning a car late… or early! Double-check the hours of operation.

More and more cashless toll roads are popping up. Most companies charge a daily convenience fee for using their electronic toll systems, and many charge a daily fee even if toll roads are not traveled.

Many car rental companies let you pre-purchase a full gas tank, so you don’t have to top it off right before you return the car. While this can be a convenience, it may not the best deal for the consumer. One fairly standard fee is for additional drivers (don’t let anyone drive your rental car unless they are on the agreement). Additional “upsell” offers may include a GPS device, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, roadside assistance, a convertible or other luxury upgrade, etc. Decide before you get to the counter what you need and don’t. Many car rental companies also charge an underage-driver fee for those between 21-24 years of age.

Before you leave home, check with your insurance agent or carrier to see if your existing policy covers damage to a rental vehicle or your liability as a driver. If so, you can skip buying insurance from the rental car company. If you are traveling for business, you may be covered by an employer’s policy. You may also have coverage from a motor club or credit card used for the transaction. 

Before you sign the contract, read it and ensure you understand the terms. Check that the final price reflects what you understood the fees to be based on the advertising or your reservation. Note any additional fees or charges that you can incur. 

Thoroughly inspect your rental car before you drive away. Note any damage, such as scratches or dents in the body, stains or tears in the interior, cracks in the windshield or other windows, etc. If you see any damage or defect, notify the company representative immediately so that it’s noted on the car condition form. Take pictures of the damage or make a video and describe the damage as you record. Also, check to see that the mileage is the same as what is recorded on your rental agreement. 

Look for unexpected charges, such as damage to the vehicle, third-party toll bills, cleaning charges alleging you smoked in the car, etc.  If you opt to return your rental with a full gas tank, keep your receipt and record the mileage at the fill time.

Before leaving the vehicle, be sure that the check-in attendant inspects the car’s body in your presence and that you agree to any damage. Get a final printout of the charges that will be made on your credit card, and check your statement later to make sure there are no unexpected charges. Avoid dropping off your vehicle off-hours and leaving the keys in a drop-box whenever possible. It’s hard to dispute damage charges if you are not there when the vehicle is inspected. 

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