When renting a luxury car for a special event, business trip or just for personal enjoyment, it’s essential to get the important stuff right. Any mistakes, misunderstandings or accidents can cause you a lot of stress and cost you a lot of money, so it’s best to enter into the luxury car rental process well-informed. Here’s some tips on how to navigate common pitfalls.
Misunderstanding Insurance Coverage
Most people are prone to assuming that their credit card insurance or personal car insurance will be sufficient for a luxury rental car. This is often not the case- many luxury rental cars will require specialised policies. In order to avoid this, you can:
- Discuss with your personal insurance provider prior to arranging the rental
- Check with the rental company what their insurance covers and consider paying for it if it provides full protection
Skipping Pre-Rental Inspections
You may end up paying considerable fees if you return the car scratched, dented or damaged and you cannot prove that it wasn’t your fault. You can prevent this from happening by inspecting the vehicle and taking clear photos of its condition, inside and out, before driving away.
Not Checking Mileage Limits
Some luxury car rental companies will impose strict mileage limits (e.g. 100 miles per day). It is important to establish these with the rental company and stick to them throughout the rental period. It is best to plan your journeys to avoid exceeding the limits.
Using Incorrect Payment Methods
Rental companies often require high-limit credit cards which can pay for expensive damages if they should occur. Giving them a debit card or low-limit credit card can cause payments to bounce and payment issues to arise.
Ignoring Fuel & Maintenance Requirements
Before renting a luxury car, make sure you are clear on certain information, such as the fuel it requires. Filling up a luxury car with the wrong fuel can damage the engine and cost you significant amounts of money in damages. It is best to keep all fuel receipts as proof you have filled up the car correctly.
Reckless Driving/Violating Rental Terms
It is important to check whether your luxury rental car comes with GPS tracking or speed monitors to measure your driving performance. You should always ensure you drive sensibly and respect rules of the road- if you drive recklessly and cause an accident you could be liable for severe fines. If you are unaccustomed to driving luxury or powerful cars, it is wise to practice before getting in a rental.
Failing To Plan Parking & Security
Luxury cars are more prone to damage or theft if parked carelessly in public places. Think carefully about parking and security options before renting a high-value car.
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