Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:
Q. I decided to take my wife and kids away for a short vacation during the holidays. I thought that a good idea may be to rent a van for our travels so that we would have the room to be more comfortable for the long ride. I have never rented a vehicle before and I’m not sure what to look for so I don’t get “taken for a ride” as far as price and terms go. Can you provide me with some suggestions to help me make the best decision so that this experience proves most positive? – B.F., Doylestown
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A. First of all, call or visit a few different rental places for pricing in order to get the best deal. Ask to see the vehicle that you’re interested in renting, in person, to make sure it is what you are looking for. Contact your insurance company to determine if the rental car is covered under your own insurance policy. Rental car agencies will offer you insurance for an additional fee but no need to pay extra for something that you may not need. Also, if you are paying with a credit card, your credit card company may have insurance coverage for the vehicle. After you have decided on the company you will be using, the vehicle that you want and before you drive the vehicle off the lot, check it over from the outside to the inside for any damage that may exists so that you can avoid being held responsible for damages that weren’t caused by you. If there are any dents, scratches, or burn marks make sure that you list/document each one as you are performing the inspection. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the vehicle with your phone for proof of condition when you return the vehicle. Make certain that the odometer reading is accurate on the paperwork that you will sign. When you return the vehicle, make sure that you are present to go over the vehicle from front to back with a representative of the company to make sure that everything is acceptable with the vehicle and agreed by both parties. Lastly, make certain that you are provided a copy of the paperwork detai1ling the return inspection results.
For additional tips and brochures on many consumers related issues please visit us at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/CommunityServices/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerTips
