Inspect Your Rental Car Before You Drive Off

Many traveling experiences includes a vehicle rental of some kind. Consumers rent vehicles so they can cruise around town without putting the miles on their cars. Some people rent cars because they fly to their destinations. The inspection of the rental car is an important experience that the rental company is supposed to perform with the consumer before that person leaves. If the car rental company fails to conduct or suggest the inspection, the consumer should still do it. Here’s why:

It Could Need Something Important

One legitimate reason that a person should inspect the rental vehicle before pulling off is that it may need a top-up of some crucial elements. A driver will get quite a surprise if he or she pulls off in a vehicle that does not have any oil, antifreeze or gasoline beyond the reserve. Spare tires, jacks and tools are other things the consumer should look for before pulling off. A spare tire does no good if the vehicle does not provide anything that can assist in changing it. The last thing a renter wants to do is break down on the road. The second to last thing a renter wishes to do is break down on the road with no trip protection.

You Could Get Into an Accident

Accidents can occur if the consumer does not take the time to inspect the vehicle before he or she leaves. The person could miss something simple like a worn belt that could cause a nasty accident. Travel insurance can provide trip protection and assistance in case of an accident, but it is always best to avoid an accident at all costs.

You Could Be Falsely Accused or Charged

A rental office can accuse a consumer of damaging the vehicle if the consumer does not check its condition before leaving. The rental office can then charge the consumer’s credit card for repairs that he or she did not cause. Inspecting the vehicle should be a serious and necessary act. No one should ever drive off without checking the vehicle’s mileage, fluids, wear, tear and visible imperfections.

Travel insurance is always an excellent item to add because it can provide monetary coverage in unexpected incidents and occurrences. Insurance packages are usually inexpensive, so every traveler should look into them for his or her trip. Some plans even offer an optional upgrade for car rental collision and damage protection.