Getting wheels for your trip is a great way to enjoy the local sights. You won’t have to wait around for bus schedules. You’re even safe from relying on public transportation so you won’t have to worry about catching a ride with a dishonest driver trying to stiff you or flagging down a taxi, while in competition with the other 50 plus people at the curb with you. With a rent a car in San Jose, you can leave those worries behind.
Still, hiring a rental car service does come with its own unique set of challenges. Be mindful so you don’t end up making a mistake. Here are common rental mistakes you should stop doing now:
Not erasing your personal data from the car
These days, a lot of cars have automated systems that can sync with your smartphone. While using your smartphone to key in everything from your music to directions, one thing drivers usually forget to do is to remove their data from the system. That can be dangerous, says USA Today. You could be exposing yourself to a whole level of danger simply by letting other people access your driving history. They could know who you are, where you work or live. To prevent any hacking or any other unpleasant consequences, make sure you take the time to delete your personal history from the car’s system.
Not booking in advance
Don’t expect to get a good make and model if you make your reservations at the last minute. You might even run out. So book your reservations well in advance. That way, you’re sure to have a ride waiting for you when you get to the airport.
Not shopping around
Shop around. Compare rates and services, along with add-ons. This will help you determine the best car rental service for you in terms of price and value.
Not choosing a small car
One way to keep rental costs low is to go for the smallest car possible. So if you’re on your own, and you and your luggage don’t need that much space, then opt for a sedan instead of an SUV.
Not knowing your insurance coverage
If you’ve already got an auto insurance policy, you might not need to pay for any auto insurance costs when you get a car rental. So check your policy and know it by heart.
So if you find yourself making any mistakes on this list, take steps to remedy the situation right away.
