Car Rental Safety Tips

Heading on a trip soon? You might want to rent a car. Car rentals offer a convenient way to get around your destination after your plane lands. For long road trips, a rental can provide extra space for passengers or cargo, and it can save your own car from the wear and tear.

Of course, you always want to drive safely, but getting into an unfamiliar car requires some extra preparation and precautions. From ensuring a secure place for pick up and drop off to taking time to learn about the vehicle’s features, here are some car rental safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the road.

Book Early and Prepare Ahead

Hertz recommends booking a car in advance so it will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. You should also try to decide ahead of time if you are going to buy rental car insurance.

Drivers are usually covered by their personal insurance or through a credit card when renting a car, but it’s smart to review your coverage with your insurance agent or credit card company first to see if you need to fill any gaps. Also, double check if your car insurance will cover you if you are traveling for business.

If you are taking an extended vacation and have a lot of personal items in the car such as electronics and jewelry, consider buying personal effects coverage. You also may have coverage for your belongings through your homeowners policy, so it is best to confirm that. 

If renting from Hertz, consider purchasing a loss damage waiver policy for an extra layer of protection to cover any damage to the rental car.

Before you go, take pictures of the interior and exterior of the car so you have a record of its condition.

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Check Your Surroundings

Airports are the most common places to pick up and return rental cars and finding them is usually as simple as following the signs to the car rental counter. Company’s like Hertz also often have neighborhood locations that may be closer to you.

Depending on where you are picking up or dropping off your rental, there can be many people around or hardly any – both situations require some level of vigilance.

Keep your luggage and personal belongings with you at all times and do not engage with strangers that may be trying to distract you; while one person is trying to get your attention, another person could be trying to lift your bags. Similarly, don’t allow strangers to help you load and unload your bags or take the keys. Hertz employees wear badges, so they can be easily identified.

Check the Car

Familiarize yourself with the car; check to make sure you know how to turn on the lights, wipers, defroster, cruise control and parking brake and get a feel for the brakes.

Practice the same safety measures you do while driving your own car, such as wearing your seatbelt and staying off your phone.

Always lock the car and avoid parking on the street. Try to use hotel parking when you can. Don’t leave your personal items in the car, but if for some reason you must, keep them out of sight. Be aware of anyone approaching the car.

In Case of a Crash

No matter how cautious you are, car crashes can happen, which requires extra work on your end, no matter who is at fault. First, stay calm. Follow the same steps you would take if a crash occurred while driving your personal car: Check to see if anyone is injured and call 911.

If the car is operational, pull off the road to a safe place and exit cautiously, then exchange insurance information with the other driver if there is one. Make sure you get the case number when the police come to file a report.

As soon as possible, call the emergency number for the rental car agency, which should be on the rental agreement paperwork. Ask them where they want you to take the car, depending on whether it can be driven or needs a tow truck. Then of course, contact your own insurance company.

The rental company also will require you to complete an accident report, and forms usually are on the agency website.

One Final Look

At the end of your road trip, follow the rental company’s instructions for drop off. Just make sure that the gas tank is full, or if it is an EV, the battery is completely charged. Before handing over the key, clean up and scour the car to ensure you don’t leave any personal belongings behind.

AAA members can enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits when renting from Hertz.