Navigating the Night: Potential Troubles That May Arise When Leasing a Vehicle After Dark
Rewritten Article:
Navigating a late-night car rental during your vacation can be a real drag. To ensure your trip starts off smoothly, take heed of the suggestions from a seasoned rental car company executive.
Late-night pickups, especially during peak summer travel, may lead to unstaffed counters, surprise fees, and vehicle shortages, according to Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, a rental company that's been serving Greece since 1975.
Anapliotis shares his observations, stating that "nearly all rental mishaps occur during late-night pickups when customers are tired and anxious to reach their accommodation." So, while late-night rentals might appear convenient, they're hardly without risks that most travelers don't ponder until they're left stranded at an airport in the wee hours.
Many rental car operations at small airports and certain major airports don't provide 24/7 staffing. Before securing a vehicle, double-check the operating hours and inquire if it's possible to pick up after-hours if your flight gets delayed or lands past the rental car location's closing time.
While some rental companieslike Enterpriseprovide instructions on their website for customers to input their flight information during booking to accommodate delayed flights, others such as Hertzoffer their late-arrival policy at airports and railway stations.
Unstaffed times can bring issues with self-service kiosks or key boxes for after-hours pickups, warns Anapliotis. He explains that things don't always go as planned — codes might not work, instructions can be confusing, or the wrong keys might be inside. Without someone on-site to assist, resolving such issues can take time. If you'll be utilizing a self-service system, request detailed instructions before your flight and have an emergency contact number on hand.
Late-night renters may also find their requested car category unavailable due to limited overnight staff and less precise inventory management. To avoid such a predicament, it's wise to contact the rental company a day before your flight to confirm your reservation and vehicle class while mentioning your late arrival time.
Prior to jumping behind the wheel and hitting the road, conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Dark conditions can make it challenging to spot pre-existing damage, which could lead to future disputes. Use your smartphone's flashlight to shine a light on the situation, and document any damages with photos and videos, including timestamps.
Anapliotis offers some overall advice for travelers: "When possible, arrange flights to arrive during normal business hours. If that's not an option, opt for a rental company with a proven track record of dependable after-hours service, even if it means paying a little extra. The peace of mind is priceless, especially in an unfamiliar setting late at night."
Insights for Successful Late-Night Car Rentals:
- Reconfirm Your Reservation in Advance: Call the rental company at least a day in advance to reconfirm your reservation and vehicle class, specifically mentioning your late arrival time.
- Thoroughly Inspect the Vehicle for Existing Damage: Make sure to inspect the car for any pre-existing damage upon pickup and include it on the rental agreement.
- Understand All Rental Terms and Fees Before Signing: Carefully review all the rental terms, such as mileage limits, fuel policies, permitted return times, and late fees, to avoid any unexpected costs.
- Familiarize Yourself with Fuel and Return Policies: Determine whether you need to return the car with a full tank or at any fuel level to avoid hefty refueling fees, and ensure you refuel the car before return if necessary. Plan to return the vehicle on time to prevent late fees.
- Document Everything Before and After Rental: Keep copies of your reservation and rental contract. Document the car's condition with photos and videos upon pickup and before returning the car, which helps shield you from potential scams and false damage claims.
- Plan Pickup Location and Timing Strategically: Consider off-airport rental locations that might be better staffed or less expensive. It's worth taking a short ride from the airport for fewer fees and more availability.
- Communicate Any Delays or Changes Promptly: If you expect to be late for pickup or return, inform the rental agency immediately to avoid penalties. Some companies provide extensions or alternative arrangements to minimize such fees.
- Be Prepared for Unstaffed Times: If the rental counter is closed during very late hours, confirm prior tohand whether the company has after-hours pickup procedures (such as key boxes or self-service kiosks) and how to access the vehicle without a staff member present.
- To prevent problems during your evening travel, consider reconfirming your late-night car rental reservation a day in advance, specifying your arrival time and ensuring the vehicle class is available.
- Late-night car rentals might require a thorough inspection of the vehicle, as dark conditions can make it difficult to spot pre-existing damages. Use a flashlight to illuminate and document any damages with photos and videos, including timestamps.
