How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Renting a Car?
How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Renting a Car?
With the development of the car rental industry, unfortunately, companies have started to employ various tactics to impose hidden fees, often disregarding customer satisfaction and leaving customers feeling cheated. So, how can you avoid hidden fees when renting a car? What points should you pay attention to when renting a car?
What Are Hidden Fees?
There are many hidden fees that you may encounter when renting a car, often concealed within the contracts. Since we often can't fully read these lengthy contracts during the car rental process, we end up dealing with these fees. So, what are these hidden fees?
1) Excess Kilometer Charges
Some companies provide cars with a set mileage limit when you rent them. For example, they might allow a maximum of 100 kilometers per day. If you exceed this limit when returning the car, they'll charge you extra for the additional kilometers. Since these clauses are included in the contract, you have no recourse and must pay these fees.
2) Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Insurance Fees
It's impossible for cars to be on the road without insurance. However, there can be many tricks regarding collision damage waivers. Some rental cars have no insurance at all, and some have very high excess amounts. The excess amount determines how much you're liable to pay in the event of an accident. In some rental companies, this excess can be as high as 10% of the car's total value. In the event of an accident, these fees will be presented to you, making them one of the most significant and hidden charges that can greatly impact your budget.
3) Cleaning Fees
Another hidden cost is the cleaning fee. While it's understandable that if you use the car on construction sites or transport dirty materials, you'll have to pay a cleaning fee, some companies charge a standard cleaning fee regardless of the condition in which you return the car. Even if you return the car in the same condition you received it, they may still claim a cleaning fee, stating that they charge it for every car.
4) Late Return Charges
No company allows you to use the car beyond the agreed-upon rental period. However, reputable companies typically work out an agreement for a few hours of delay. They might overlook these few hours or add the hourly rate to your total bill. However, some companies may charge you a full day's rental fee for just a few hours of delay, considering it as another full day. Once again, the clauses in the contract are decisive in this matter.
How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Fees?
Certainly, one of the questions that will come to mind is how to avoid these fees. Nobody wants to pay more than the agreed-upon fee for a rental car. Here are some tips:
Always make a written contract. Don't rely solely on verbal agreements. If you rely on verbal agreements, the company (from their perspective, the customer) can try to be clever at any moment. Therefore, making written agreements is crucial.
The content of the contract is as important as the contract itself. Especially if the company presents you with a pre-prepared contract (as is the case with most companies), read the clauses. Pay close attention to charges such as cleaning fees or excess mileage fees.
Check if your car has insurance. After checking the insurance, make sure to ask the company about the percentage of the excess amount.
Before renting a car from a company, read Google reviews. Getting other people's opinions and seeing those who have experienced such situations is one of the best ways to learn about hidden fees. Always research the rental company before renting a car.
Not Afraid of Hidden Fees with Matcar Rental
At Matcar Rental, our company works to ensure the satisfaction and enjoyable car rental experience for our customers. Necessary contracts are made with all our customers, and the contracts do not contain clauses with hidden fees. Additionally, all vehicles undergo timely maintenance to minimize issues. We also provide insurance with the lowest excess in the event of an accident. This way, we aim to ensure that our customers do not encounter any problems. Hidden fees such as cleaning fees are never requested during car delivery.
