3 steps to safely rent a car

Every adult who travels frequently is familiar with the following situation when they decide to rent a car: You get off the plane – maybe hungry and tired – you go to the car rental where you made a reservation. Sign the hiring contract, load the car, and head to your destination. Within seconds you find yourself amidst the heavy traffic trying to make your way out of the airport and towards the city. In the meantime, you maneuver to avoid taxis and buses while maintaining impeccable driving behavior.

At the same time, you try to translate infinite signs and signals, search the car to find the switch for the high beams, and adjust the temperature. You are also checking the buttons that open the windows, and you are making your way to adapt by committing every driving sin for which you get angry with other drivers in your everyday life. For this reason, when you get into a rental vehicle, you must remember that you are not familiar with this car. Most probably, the place you have visited and wish to explore is unfamiliar. It is no coincidence that many accidents happen just a few meters from the car rental company. Here are some tips for driving safely and avoiding such unpleasant situations.

1) What to do before searching “Rent a car Athens”

Before you even browse rent a car Athens, a city known for its heavy traffic, you should be well informed and search for the proper car insurance.

1. A) Check your insurance provider and the travel protection policy your credit card offers, so you understand the coverage offered to you when renting a vehicle.
2. B) If you need additional coverage for car rental, add it to your travel insurance.
3. C) Check the roadside assistance you have signed up for. Make sure you get roadside assistance in case of an accident and that it can also reach the place you are visiting.
4. D) Pack a small flashlight in your luggage. You will need it to search your car if you pick it up at night.
5. E) Bring a camera, although most mobile phones already have this feature. Next, we will explain how it can be of use.

2) What to do when you arrive at the car rental office

Once you arrive at the car rental company, you should pay as much as you have agreed in the first place. Additionally, confirm who is in charge and whom you should call in case of a problem. Ask the employee and write down the number on your mobile phone or on the agreement you signed. Apart from that, note below what to pay attention to:

1. A) Before leaving the car rentals ask the agent when the last car service was. If the employee does not answer, that should probably raise suspicion about the car’s functionality.
2. B) Get some paper towels. Weird? No. Useful? Yes. Before leaving the car rental company, open the hood and check the fluid levels (you also need the flashlight mentioned above if you pick up the car at night). It is fine to check oil, antifreeze, and other engine fluids if you know how to do so. Otherwise, a quick visual inspection is all you can do. That should convince those you’re renting the vehicle from that you are not ignorant.

3) What to do before leaving a car rental

Once the vehicle is delivered and before you set off to explore your destinations, make sure that the car you received is safe and well-maintained. By doing so, ensure you will not pay for the damage others have caused before you. So, before you pick up the car check the interior and exterior and look for any dents or scratches from previous accidents on the hood, trunk, doors, windows, and rooftop. It’s easier to inspect the vehicle if you have decided to rent a car Athens airport. Take pictures and note everything down in your agreement. If the company tries to charge them to you later, you will have proof that this is how you found the car.

It may sound like a complicated process but paying attention to the details will ensure that it doesn’t cost you more than it should.