Car rental myths that need to end

Renting a car shouldn’t feel like you are taking some risk, yet somehow it still does. We understand that a lot of you are still influenced by the old, outdated or vague articles that are full of wrong myths that refuse to die. So let’s clear your confusion and put some of these car rental myths to rest once and for all.

Top 8 car rental myths you must stop believing

• Renting a car is always crazy expensive

  It is true that sometimes it can be pricey but always expensive? Not really! If you book a vehicle at the last minute or just 1 or 2 days before your journey, you will have to pay a little more than the usual price.

  Prices change based on demand, peak seasons, location & how early you book. You cannot disagree that renting a car early for a weekend road trip can actually be cheaper than multiple rideshares or taxis. So booking in advance is the most appropriate way to save you serious cash.

• Rental cars are always old

  This might have been true in the late 90s but today the whole scenario has changed. In fact, you might even end up driving something with unique features that are still missing in your own purchased car!

  Rental companies have upgraded their fleet with newer models and modern technology. You get multiple car categories to choose from according to your budget & travel requirements.

• Insurance is a total scam

  This is the “most talked about” myth we usually come across. So many people get this wrong. Understand this: sometimes your personal car insurance or credit card already covers rentals and sometimes it doesn’t.

  The key is knowing what you already have, nobody is forcing you to add the plan in your agreement. The rental insurance is there as a backup, not some kind of trick to scam you. It is important to know in depth about your insurance coverage before you decline or accept.

• You can’t rent a car if you’re under 25

  Gone are the times when you had to wait until your 25th birthday to hit the open road. Now you can actually rent a car under 25. Yes, there may be a small young driver fee to pay, but it’s definitely not impossible. Some companies even waive the fee for certain promotions or locations.

• Returning the car is a nightmare

  You have to follow a few simple steps to return your rental, nothing complicated. The instructions are clearly mentioned in your booking voucher. To make it more convenient, many suppliers even offer after hours drop-off.

  As long as you have fulfilled all the conditions related to fuel policies, add-ons, etc. & returned the car in the same condition as it was given, you are good to go!

• You can’t cancel without losing all your money

  This is not at all true for many rental platforms. On the contrary, many companies offer free cancellation up to 24 to 48 hours before pickup. It is possible that your plans may change at the last minute but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your booking amount. You need to just check the policy before making a reservation and you are sorted.

• Rental cars are bad for long road trips

  How can you even believe this? Actually, rental cars are perfect for road trips. You avoid piling miles onto your own purchased vehicle, you are less worried about wear and tear and the best part is that for some locations, you get free breakdown assistance in your basic package.

  Additionally, there are so many modern car options with the latest tech that give better fuel efficiency and comfort for your long drive.

• You’ll always get hit with hidden fees

  So many of you actually avoid renting a vehicle because you have heard a lot about hidden fees. Honestly, this term has a bad reputation in the market but the truth is, there is no such thing, all charges are listed upfront in your rental car contract.

  Terms like tolls, late returns or returning the car to a different location are not at all “hidden,” they are just right in front of you.

  We understand that the points mentioned in your agreement are a little too much. Many times we skip them or not pay enough attention to get it right. But there is no other way, you just have to carefully read each & every point to not be surprised by looking at your final bill.

Your common queries

• Are rental cars safe and well-maintained?

  Yes. Reputable rental suppliers like Avis, Europcar, Alamo, Hertz, Thrifty, etc. regularly service and inspect their vehicles to provide safety and reliability for their customers.

• Is it compulsory to take a rental car insurance?

  No, it is not a compulsion to take rental car insurance. You may already be covered through your personal car insurance or credit card so it is best to check your coverage before deciding.

• Can I hire a car for just one day?

  Yes, you can do that. Car rentals are available for short-term periods, including same-day or one-day rentals. This makes them ideal for quick trips or emergencies.

• Can someone else drive my rental car?

  Only drivers listed on your rental agreement are allowed to drive the vehicle. Additional drivers can usually be added for a small fee or sometimes for free of cost, depending on your supplier's policies.