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Renting
a Car? Safety Tips to Keep in Mind |
by:
ARA
Content |
(ARA)
- If you're traveling by plane in the coming
months, chances are you'll be renting a
car when you land. Driving an unfamiliar
vehicle in an unfamiliar city can be stressful.
But with a little foresight, you can be
prepared and relaxed.
Before You Go
Your safety preparations should begin when
making your rental reservations. While you
want to get a good deal, you also want a
good car. Web sites such as that operated
by Consumer Reports can provide information
on car safety ratings. "Your insurance company
may also have safety statistics on various
makes and models," says Jeff Beyer, senior
vice president and chief communications
officer of Farmers Insurance.
Rent a car that is suited to your needs.
If you are traveling with a family of four
and lots of luggage, a compact car may not
have enough room. Also, make any special
requests when you arrange your reservation.
For example, if you know you will need a
child's car seat for your two-year-old,
be sure to reserve one early -- don't expect
one to be available on the spur of the moment
when you arrive to pick up your car.
"You'll also want to check with your insurance
company to find out how your coverage works
for rented cars," says Beyer. Find out if
your insurance will cover service calls
on rental cars, and ask your agent if you
will need to buy any supplemental insurance
from the car rental company. "By doing a
little research before you leave on your
trip, you may be able to save money by not
purchasing unnecessary and overly expensive
insurance through the car rental company,"
he adds. Some credit cards also provide
supplementary insurance if you use them
to pay for the car rental. Check with your
credit card company for specifics.
When You Pick Up Your Car
Check the contract to make sure you're getting
the rate and the car you were promised when
you made the reservation. Ask the agent
what to do if the car breaks down. If you're
not sure how to get to your destination,
request a map and driving directions from
the agent.
Once at the car, do a quick check for any
damage; if you spot anything significant,
call it to the attention of the rental company
before you take the car off the lot, so
you won't be penalized for damage you didn't
cause.
Before You Leave the Lot
Familiarize yourself with the car: be sure
you know how to work the headlights, turn
signals and interior lights. Check the windshield
wipers to make sure they work and that there
is washer fluid; you don't want to get caught
in rain or snow with bad wipers.
Adjust the seat and mirrors. Check the seatbelts;
is there one for every passenger? Are they
easy to latch and unlatch? If you like to
listen to the radio as you drive, tune in
a local station that meets your tastes before
you hit the road.
Enjoy Your Visit
Because rental cars are attractive targets
for thieves, remove all valuables from the
car when it is parked, if possible. If you
have to leave your luggage or other property
in the car, lock it in the trunk, out of
sight.
By planning ahead and taking a few easy
precautions, renting a car will be easy.
Now if you can just fit all those gifts
into your luggage for the return trip home.
For more information on Farmers Insurance,
visit www.farmers.com.
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
www.aracontent.com
info@ARAcontent.com
Circulated by Bandoni
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