5 Car Hire Rip-Offs and How to Avoid Them

If you’re planning to rent a car, van or truck, either for the holidays or special occasions, be sure to check the authenticity of the company you’re renting from. 

Especially if it’s a smaller company or if you’ve come across a deal that’s too-good-to-be true, it’s best to educate yourself on how to find a legitimate deal. 

Protect yourself from paying way over the odds, and read on to find out 5 car rip-offs and how to avoid them. 

• The ‘full-empty’ fuel policy 

Many vehicle rental companies employ a so-called “full-empty” fuel policy which demands you to pay upfront for a tank of petrol then you can return empty. 

The problem with this policy is that firstly, you will likely be charged with an inflated price for the petrol. Secondly, you may not use up all the fuel you’ve already paid for, and this is usually the case if you’re on a short trip or don’t end up driving much. 

In some cases, the car rental companies will give you a refund on unused fuel but it usually comes with a service charge attached, which depends on the company. 

You should keep a lookout for car rental companies which allow you to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had when you first picked it up. 

• The ‘upgrade’ you didn’t ask for 

Despite pre-booking a vehicle in advance within a certain category that falls within your budget, when you arrive at the rental desk to pick up your vehicle, the company informs you that they have run out vehicles in the category you chose. They will then proceed to offer you an upgrade but at an additional cost. 

Don’t fall for it. If there really isn’t the car you requested for, you should either be offered a higher-category car at the same price you initially were about to pay for or a lesser one with an appropriate refund. 

Make sure that you are not paying extra for an inconvenience that was not caused by you before signing any contract and driving away. 

• Paying for extra amenities that you could bring yourself

If you are in need of a navigation device or an additional baby seat, it will be cheaper to bring your own than hire them through your car rental company. 

If you’re travelling overseas, charter airlines don’t pose any additional charges for you to bring pushchairs and car sets. For navigation, you can use Google Maps in your phone or tablet without purchasing any additional software. 

• Unexpected charges reflected on your credit card bill

You would’ve already expected a higher expense than usual when you’ve returned from a well-spent holiday. However, it can be frustrating to check through your bills and realise you’ve been charged additional off your credit card when you thought you’ve already foot the entire bill. 

When you write or call in to check, the vehicle rental firm will claim that you’ve damaged the vehicle in some way or that you’ve returned the vehicle without the agreed amount of fuel. 

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, give the vehicle a full inspection both during pick up and return. Before leaving, ask for a receipt to prove that it is in good working condition with the required amount of control. This will come in handy if you spot any additional charges in your bill later on. 

• Hidden charges 

Be sure to read the small print of your car hire policy to check for any hidden charges or exclusions. 

Some vehicle rental companies will charge extra if you have less than four years of experience in driving while some will charge you extra if you have a second driver. 

In more severe cases, some companies will try to sneak in hidden fees including their own insurance policies. 

You will have to sign the contract before you leave, so ensure to check every clause to know what you’re agreeing to. 

Where to hire long-term or short-term vehicle rental in Singapore? 

Edmund Vehicle Rental Company has been providing leasing of long and short-term commercial vehicles and cars, since 1996. There are a wide range of vehicles you may decide to rent from such as, pick-ups (single and double cab), lorries (open, box, canopy), vans, passenger vans, mini bus, or sedan cars to suit every customer’s needs. 

Get a quote now by calling us at (65) 6250 3339 or emailing enquires@edmundvehiclerental.com.sg!