The Do's and Dont's of Car Rental

Getting a rental car is one of the best ways to enjoy travel in a new city. However, more often than not, people feel they have been scammed when they get their bills. This checklist of car rental do's and don'ts will ensure your car hire experience is always a good one.

What to do when hiring a car:

Choose the right vehicle for your needs

Are you heading off the beaten track or sticking to the city? Will you have lots of luggage and travel buddies or are you travelling alone? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when selecting the right car for your needs.

Always read the car rental company’s terms & conditions before hiring a car

Yes, we know they’re wordy, but when you agree to a car rental it is on these T&C’s that the car hire contract is based. Reading the small print will ensure you’ll always know where you stand when hiring a car.

Remember – you can’t ever challenge a clause because you didn’t know it was there.

Inspect your hire car before getting in the front seat

Most car rental companies conduct a pre-hire car inspection with the customer before they set off on their journey. During these checks minor car faults such as a small scratch on the bodywork are noted in writing.

But it’s always a wise move to take your own photos of the vehicle whilst the check is being conducted. Be scrupulous – take photos of the tyres, the windscreen, the bodywork and the interior. This will ensure that if any dispute is raised when you return the hire car you’ll have cold hard facts to fall back on.

What not to do when hiring a car:

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your car

Booking as early as possible will mean you’ll have a much greater selection of vehicles to choose from.

Don’t fill up the hire car with fuel before returning it

Most car rental companies fill your vehicle right to the brim before you drive off in it and they often do not require you to do the same when you return it. When a vehicle is returned a car rental company automatically tops up the tank, irrespective of what the fuel gauge reflects. Your final car hire invoice will reflect the actual fuel amount and you will not be charged a refuelling fee.

Don’t let someone who hasn’t been approved by the car rental company drive the hire car

When hiring a car only the driver who has been approved by the car rental company must drive the vehicle. But, if you need someone to do the driving, contact the car rental company. Several car rental companies offer additional driver services to make life easier for you.

Don’t panic if something goes wrong

If your hired car breaks down you must contact the emergency roadside assistance number provided by the car rental company. Of, course you have to make sure that the car rental you use offers this service! Don't rent from a company that doesn't.

First Car Rental provides affordable car hire in South Africa. With more than 6 000 vehicles and has 49 car rental branches across South Africa, you can enjoy quick and easy car rental.