Renting a car is one of the most used options for people to travel around. It is considered efficient because you don’t have to deal with long lines at the airport or overwhelming crowd at train station. Renting a car is also more convenient if you travel with a group of people, making it more efficient to move around freely. Renting a car comes with the responsibility to return it safely and on time.
How to return rental care safely and responsibly
Returning a rental car usually takes around 10 minutes only. When you take the car to be returned to the agent, they will inspect the vehicle first. You will be asked to complete a rental car return form as well. Then, you give the keys to the agent and continue with your journey. You can also use key drop service which only takes around 2 minutes for you to return the car you rented.
About cleaning the car before returning it
Usually, the rental agent has their own cleaning facilities to prepare they vehicle before renting it to the next customers. Hence, you don’t have to clean the exterior of the car. However, it is important to clean the interior of the car. Make sure the interior of the car is free from sand, upholstery stains, and smoking.
Confirm the drop off location
Before returning the car, make sure to confirm the drop off location. Usually, it is the same as where you pick it up. However, confirming it before is always the right thing to do to avoid misunderstanding. Establish an appropriate departure time and take traffic conditions into account. Make sure to be on time because some companies may charge extra fees if the car returned late.
Pack all your belongings in advance
It is best to pack all your belongings into luggage on final day or a night before returning the car. Hence, you won’t be too busy trying to fit everything in at the drop-off location. Make sure to be thorough in packing in all your belongings to avoid having something left behind. Check the inside of the car again before moving on with your journey to see if there is any of your belongings left there.
About refueling the car
Some rental companies apply full-to-full agreement. If you happen to rent a car from a company who apply this rule, you will be given a car with a full tank and you must return it with full tank as well. Fill the tank at cheap gas station nearby to the drop off location to avoid overpaying for gas.
Check your account statement
It is advised to check your credit card statement to make sure the company didn’t charge anything you were not aware of. Also, take photos of the car before returning as proof just in case you are accused of causing damage to the car that you didn’t do. Take photos of the gas gauge to also show that you returned the car with full tank.
