Car rental - this is what you need to remember
An increasing number of companies and individuals decide to use car rental services. Some rent a car for business meetings, others use it for vacations, and others need it for everyday duties, such as commuting to work, school, or shopping. What to check before using the services of a car rental company?
First, you should check the reviews of the company that offers car rental services. Satisfied customers are the best recommendation.
As a rule, renting a car is quick and easy. However, not every rental company is identical in terms of the applicable regulations. Sometimes, there are some restrictions in the conditions, e.g. at MobiCars rental company, you must be 21 years old and have a driving license for at least a year. In addition to the driving license, each renter must also have an identity card.
Many drivers, logically, are most interested in the rental price. However, each rental company has its own terms and regulations. The method of calculating the fee for car rental is important. Usually, it is a price per day, and with a 24-hour rental, each time you cross the border, you have to pay for another day of rental. The exception is renting a car for minutes or hours. In addition, the rental conditions specify the mileage limit, deposit and other additional fees.
Picking up a car from a rental company takes about 15 minutes. The rental company employee has two forms prepared - one for the company and one for the renter. If the customer has not paid the fee in advance, they must pay the amount due in cash or by payment card. Another important document is the Vehicle Handover Protocol drawn up in the presence of the customer. It is important to pay attention to the technical condition of the vehicle. Any defects that are not noted in the protocol but are pointed out upon pickup will be charged to the renter. You should also look at the service booklet, although most rental companies have new cars, up to 3 years old, that are in good technical condition. The protocol should also include the fuel level, but the car is usually fully fueled.
The rented car is insured, but you should pay attention to the scope of insurance. Reputable companies offer full AC, OC, NNW and ASSISTANCE insurance. Insurance is crucial, because otherwise any damage will be a burden to the person renting the car. It is important that in the event of a collision, the rental company offers the customer a replacement car.
The equipment of a rented vehicle can vary greatly. Air conditioning, electric windows and adjustable seats are standard in every car. Additionally, you can rent a GPS, a child seat, snow chains, a roof rack, etc. Each accessory is additionally payable, so it is worth considering whether it is necessary.
The location of rental companies' branches varies. Rental companies can often be found at airports, ports or in city centres. If a customer wants to use a rented car for a one-way trip, e.g. from one city to another, they should check whether the company's branch is located in a given town or nearby. Renowned and largest rental companies have their branches in several larger cities. For example, MobiCars has branches in Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław, Kraków, Katowice, Gdańsk, Kielce, Lublin, Łódź, Radom and Toruń.
The contract is the most important document for the person renting the car and is the basis for any potential claims. Therefore, before signing it, it is worth checking everything thoroughly. In particular, focus on the insurance of the rented car, mileage limit, contractual penalties, etc.
