10 tips from the pros for renting a car without getting scammed

Practical, rental. Rental is booming. 25% of motorists discover the formula each year... All the keys to getting started.

Rental professionals, united within the CNPA (National Council of Automotive Professions), have just published a practical guide for those who discover rental for the first time next weekend, during an upcoming move or during the next vacation…

Advice also useful to all those who have already tasted the formula: 8.5% of French people in France or abroad are fans of it. In short, for all motorists: a good way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The 10 keys for professionals to rent a vehicle with complete peace of mind.

1. Evaluate your travel project accurately

Duration of travel, distance to travel, number of people to transport; Identify comfort constraints for certain passengers (elderly people, children, etc.).

2. Get informed

In agency: go to the rental agencies to obtain information on the steps to take, the practical rental conditions, check availability.

On the web: “seated” research is also a very good way to collect information.

3. Contact a professional

Choose an experienced rental professional, fully at the service of the customer, attentive to needs and capable of offering the appropriate vehicle and service.

4. Choose the vehicle corresponding to your needs

Renting provides access to a wide range of vehicles, grouped into categories (sedan, station wagon, convertible, minivan, utility vehicle, etc.). You choose your vehicle based on the expected use and the needs assessed beforehand.

5. Book in advance

Renting early means ensuring the availability of the necessary vehicle. Especially when looking for a specific vehicle or during vacation periods (to avoid, for example, finding yourself without a car upon arrival at the airport). Early booking allows you to plan your trip with peace of mind and secure your budget.

6. Optimize your chances of obtaining the best rates

For individuals, a reservation with prepayment on the Internet allows substantial savings (10 to 15%). As for the professional looking for a specific or fitted vehicle, he will be able to order it under the best conditions, as emergencies are often costly.

7. Protect yourself from litigation

An objective to be achieved by taking a few precautionsbr>o Take a “tour” of the vehicle with the rental agent, in order to report any possible impact or defect. The operation is repeated when the vehicle returns.

o Validate that the kilometers and fuel level displayed on the dashboard correspond to the information appearing on the rental contract.

o Take note of the general conditions of sale generally listed on the back of the rental contract.

8. Find out about the extent of the guarantees offered and their conditions of application

Even if insurance for damage caused to third parties is mandatory and systematically included in the rental price, it may be a good idea to take out additional coverage for the driver and passengers.

9. Handle the vehicle properly

The Lessor's mission is to inform users about the specific driving characteristics of the vehicles, their size, as well as the equipment that may be necessary (chains, booster seat, GPS, etc.). From the start of the journey, you must test the brake pedal freedom and braking response, which varies from one model to another. Essential: Adjusting the mirrors, identifying the position of the levers and the type of fuel. For utility vehicles, it is important to ensure that you clearly identify your size (height, width) and do not exceed the payload of the vehicle.

10. Drive responsibly and respectfully of others

Adopt flexible and calm driving to make your journey incident-free and subscribe to 3 requirements: economy, safety, ecology; return the vehicle in its initial condition and within the expected time frame and, if a delay occurs, immediately notify the rental company; the full tank of gasoline must not be forgotten.