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Traditional rental car companies are not your only option for getting a ride when you're out of town. Everyone is familiar with ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber, or the traditional method of taking a cab or public transportation. Short-term rentals and car-sharing apps make renting a privately owned vehicle possible for hours, days, or even longer. Many times, these apps are cheaper than a traditional rental car. Regardless of the method, if you rent from an app, follow these tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Tips for using ride-sharing, car-sharing, and short-term rental apps
- Get to know the app in advance. After choosing your method of transport, take time to download and check out the app before you start booking, as they may have a lot of features and options to navigate. Most car-share companies allow you to communicate with the car's owner through the app; ride-share apps let you communicate with your driver at a certain point in the process. Set up a profile and get familiar with how booking, messaging and reaching out to customer service work. Don't leave this step until the last minute. Remember that some apps take time to approve you before you can use their services. For car-sharing or short-term car rental, you may need to upload a picture of your license, so make sure you use the actual app, not an imitation or impostor. Be sure you have app notifications set up and that your phone is powered up.
- Consider all fees. Part of the appeal of sharing a car or a ride is their competitive prices. As with most online booking services, always review the fees and taxes before you finalize your booking. Most apps charge a "trip fee" to cover customer service and other platform expenses. In addition, car-sharing or short-term rentals may charge a delivery or pick-up fee. Don't forget to check the cancellation policy, too. Know how long you have for a free cancellation before you must pay a fee or receive only a partial refund.
- Know how many miles you plan to ride or drive. Some car-share companies may have a mileage maximum on their car rentals. For ride-sharing, it's helpful to know in advance how far you have to go, especially if it's a long trip. If you plan to use your car rental to drive a long distance, look for rentals with unlimited mileage or find a rental closer to your destination.
- Read plenty of reviews. Quality and cleanliness can vary from driver to driver and car to car. For ride-sharing, look at recent reviews submitted by users in your area to get the best picture. The best way to see if you are renting or sharing a clean car in good mechanical condition is to read other users' reviews for that car owner or company. If you spot reports that the car was dirty, the owner wasn't communicative, or there were mechanical issues, look for a different company or vehicle.
- Be aware of your personal safety. Both Uber and Lyft offer tips on their websites that advise customers how to confirm that your ride is legitimate and ways to ensure your safety. If you don't feel safe, don't get in the car. Keep your cell phone powered on and share your location with a friend or family member. If a car-share vehicle owner you want to rent from asks you to do business outside the app or disregards pick-up or drop-off instructions, take caution before proceeding.
- Think about insurance with car-sharing and short-term rentals. Most apps offer insurance policies you can add to your trip, so review them closely before choosing one that fits your needs. If you usually use your credit card's rental insurance or your regular auto insurance policy to cover daily rentals, get in touch to see if they cover car-share vehicles, too.
- With car-sharing and rentals, examine the car closely before driving away. It's always a good idea to look over the vehicle carefully upon pick-up to ensure it lives up to its description on the app. If you notice any mechanical, cosmetic, or other issues, inform the owner and immediately contact the app's customer service line. It may be best to decline the reservation and let the company set up a replacement car for you. If you rent a car make or model you haven't driven before, do some research before picking it up. Ask the owner if their car has any quirks that you should know. You may also want to ask where to find basic controls, such as headlights, cruise control, and windshield wipers.
- Follow the rules and stay alert. Follow company policies carefully. You can be charged for any spills or other damage incurred to the inside of the vehicle. If you violate a company's policy, even at the owner's insistence, you could be held liable for damages or theft (real or invented) reported by the owner. If an issue arises, contact customer service immediately and ask them how to proceed.
For more information
Read BBB Tips about renting a car and saving on car rentals. Review the BBB article about phony rental car bookings to stay alert for scams. If you're unsure whether you're facing a car rental scam, check BBB Scam Tracker.
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