How to Avoid Scams at Car Rental Agencies

Going to one of your local car rental agencies and renting a car should be a straight forward and easy task. Truth be told, these days car rental agencies are using every trick in the book to hit you with any, and every fee imaginable. The best way to avoid being scammed at car rental agencies is to know the games they play. Now, honestly, some of these aren't scams per se, the car rental agencies are following the letter of their contracts closely. Read on to protect yourself from annoying and unreasonable fees at car rental agencies.

Car rental agencies want the tank full when you return the car

Make sure the tank is full before returning the car to car rental agencies. And when I say full, I mean top it off. Technically you aren't supposed to do this, but if it's on F when you leave the gas station it might be a hair under the F when you hand over the keys. Car rental agencies WILL hit you with a fuel fee if it isn't on, or over the F. Best bet is to top it off and get a receipt then go directly to the car rental agencies.

Car rental agencies want to be notified of any change of plans

Car rental agencies will not hesitate to charge you a 'no show' fee if you show up late for a pickup, and I mean even 15 minutes late. Make sure you call the car rental agencies at least a day in advance if your pickup time will change.

Car rental agencies don't want their car back early

Make sure you drop off the car at car rental agencies at the time you contracted for, not early, and certainly not late. Car rental agencies love to charge fees for anything, don't give them any reason to do it.

Car rental agencies love to sell you their insurance

This is a big scam by car rental agencies. Some, less than trustworthy car rental agencies will attempt to sell you their car insurance. If you already have insurance you are NOT required to buy it from car rental agencies, some will insist you must though. Speak to a manager or call the car rental agencies district office if they insist you do.

Car rental agencies, are they worth it?

Well of course they are, just be wary of anything they can charge you for, and of course read the car rental agencies contract. If you don't give car rental agencies any reason to charge you fees then you should have a great experience from them.