When you rent a car, you must sign a car rental agreement before you are allowed to leave the premises with the vehicle. You should know that you are signing a legal contact between you and the rental car company. To make sure you understand the rental car agreement, there are a few tips you should know.
Tip 1: Know Your Drivers
As the renter of the vehicle and the person who signs the contract, you are considered the driver of the rental vehicle. The contract will expressly state that you are the only driver. If you need to have someone else drive the vehicle, you will need to follow the rules set forth in the agreement. The agreement may state that other drivers have to sign the contract. Never allow other people to drive the vehicle if their names do not appear on the agreement, or you will be held responsible for any damages.
Tip 2: Inspect the Vehicle
Before you can leave the parking lot with the car, a rental car company employee with walk around the vehicle to inspect it for damages such as scratches, dents, dings, or missing paint. This information will be noted in the agreement, and the car will be checked again when you return it. Always inspect the vehicle on your own and make sure you agree with the notes the employee makes about the condition of the vehicle because you will be charged for any scratches or dents that were not noted in the original agreement when you return the car.
Tip 3: Check the Gas Gauge
The rental car employee will also make a note of how much gas is in the fuel tank and make note of it on the agreement. Always verify this information because your agreement states that you must return the car with the same amount of gas it had when you took it off of the lot. You will be charged if you don't return the vehicle with the same amount of gas.
Tip 4: Check the Mileage
The rental car employee will also check the mileage on the vehicle and make a note of it in the agreement. Some agreements will limit the number of miles you can drive per day, which means you will be charged if you go over a certain number of miles. To avoid the charge, verify the mileage is noted correctly on your agreement.
Tip 5: Verify the Numbers
There are two important numbers on your rental car agreement. Look to make sure the rental contract number is correct in case you are in an accident and need to contact the rental car company regarding the contract or vehicle. Then, verify that the vehicle number on the contract corresponds to the vehicle you actually rented. This number is also helpful if you have to contact the company during the rental period of the vehicle.
Tip 6: Know Your Return Information
A final important piece of the rental agreement is the section about the return of the vehicle. This section tells you the time and date when the vehicle is expected to be returned. Return the vehicle on time and to the specified location to avoid a late fee.
A rental car agreement gives you the legal right to be in possession of the vehicle. Be sure you keep the agreement on you or in the car at all times in case you are stopped by a police officer or you are in an accident. You will have to show proof that you are legally able to be driving the vehicle.
Danny Ong is a contributor for Singapore's leading car rental company, www.expresscar.com.sg.
