Whether you are traveling, in need of a car with special features or your own car breaks down, most people will find themselves in need of a rental car at some point in their lives. As an auto mechanic in Phoenix that also provides vehicle rentals, we know that most customers have a lot of questions in regards to car rentals, and that it can sometimes be difficult for them to remember them all, especially when they are already in a stressful situation. With this in mind, here are six questions you should always remember to ask your auto mechanic and car rental service.
What does the daily rate include?
Remember this axiom: if a quoted price seems too good to be true, that is often because it isn’t exactly true. Many car rental services will fail to include things like taxes and service fees in their daily rental quote, which is why you ought to ask about these yourself, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you get the bill.
Is there a mileage limit?
Some car rental services have no mileage limits or plans, only requiring that you turn the car in by a certain time. Other services offer different mileage plans, and will hit you with a hefty fee if you go over that limit. If you plan on taking a road trip with your rental, make sure you know what your mileage plan is.
What are my insurance options?
The rental service will require you to sign up for basic insurance, but they also tend to offer a wide range of other insurance options, from insuring other drivers for your vehicle to protecting against specific damages. You should also check to see what kind of coverage your general auto insurance plan offers for rented vehicles.
Will I need to refill the gas tank?
This is another point where different rental services vary, but if your rental service does require you to return the car with a full tank of gas, you will want to know about it ahead of time. Failing to find out could lead to a fine that is much steeper than the cost of gas would have been.
What is your late return policy?
Some rental services offer a grace period of couple hours or so, while some are so strict that they will charge you even if you are only 10 minutes late. If you know your rental service is strict and it looks like you might be late, try calling ahead and requesting a rental extension, which very well could turn out to be cheaper than your late fee.
What happens if I experience car trouble?
Knowing the exact type of service you can count on and whom you should call in the event of mechanical issues with your rental car will save you a lot of grief should the unexpected occur. Any reputable car rental service will be happy to provide you with this information.
If you are in need of a quality and reasonably priced rental service and auto mechanic in Phoenix, we hope you will trust the team at S & J Auto Repair & Rental.