Renting a car can be a daunting experience for the uninitiated, and even the experienced traveller may not have thought of these things you should never do in a rental car. We have put together some tips, tricks and car rental etiquette that we think every renter should observe in order to have a pleasant car hire experience, every single time!

Don’t Just Rent a Car at the Airport

We highly recommend that you look beyond the airport when considering a car hire company to use for your holiday or business trip. A lot of people will be arriving at your destination with you, and a lot of them are probably looking for a rental car company, too. Competing with hoards of people means that you will have to wait in much longer queues and potentially pay a fair amount more for car rental. Airport retailers often have tacked-on fees such as facility charges and so on, which you would be spared if you looked a bit further out.

Don’t Pick a Car That Exceeds Your Needs

This is more of an etiquette tip! A single traveller does not require a huge bakkie to drive around town in, and it is harmful to the environment to travel unwisely. Select a car that accommodates the travelling party and some luggage, and you will have a more cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions.

Don’t Do a Half-Hearted Inspection

Before you are given the keys to your rental car, the agent will conduct an inspection of the car with you, during which you will identify and record any scratches, dents, damage and other issues that already exist on the vehicle. This process is to protect you from paying for damages that a previous driver inflicted on the vehicle. As such, don’t do this half-heartedly! Take note of scratches, dents, irregularities and moving parts. Remember to test that bumpers are securely attached (not stuck on with Prestik by a previous driver) as well as rims and that tyres are in good shape. Consider taking photos and even a video of the entire vehicle to have evidence of its condition.

Never Let Undesignated Drivers Use Your Rental

All additional drivers such as partners or employees should be listed at the car rental office! If an undesignated driver is behind the wheel and a road accident occurs, you will face chagrin from your rental company, insurance company and possibly law enforcement as well. Avoid penalisation from insurance and rental companies and stick to the rules – list your additional drivers and be safe on the roads.

Don’t Cross International Borders

A lot of rental companies do not allow you to cross international borders in their rental car! Remember to check the rental agreement and specifically ask your rental company whether or not you can cross international borders, if you intend to.

Highway Bakkie and Car Hire offers a great selection of cars and bakkies that you can rent on a daily and monthly basis! Pick out the car or bakkie that suits your needs and contact us today to discuss your booking!