Unforeseen Issues May Arise When Renting a Car During the Night
Vacation Woes: Avoid Late-Night Car Rentals
Avoid ruining your vacation at the start by heeding the advice of a car rental company executive. Late-night rentals, especially during the busy summer travel season, can lead to unattended counters, hidden fees, and vehicle unavailability.
"Over the years, I've noticed that most car rental issues occur during late-night pickups when customers are tired and anxious to reach their accommodation." says Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, a car rental company based in Greece since 1975. “Late-night car rentals might seem practical, but they come with hazards that most travelers don't anticipate until it's too late.*"
Many rentals at small airports and some at major airports might not have 24/7 staffing. Before booking a vehicle, double-check the operating hours, and verify if pickup after hours is possible if your flight is delayed or arriving after closing time.
Travelers often assume that rental counters align with airport hours, but this isn't typically the case. If your flight is delayed or lands after the rental desk has closed, you may be left stranded without a car until the following day.
Enterprise's website advises customers to provide their flight details when booking a car. Enterprise claims its locations at U.S. and Canadian airports will stay open for "up to two hours after their posted closing time" to accommodate customers arriving on delayed flights.
Hertz's website outlines its late-arrival policy for airports and railways. "In case of a flight/train delay whereby the new arrival time is outside the pick-up location opening hours, the location will remain open, provided the correct flight/train number is present in the reservation and the carrier or operator has notified the delay and the new arrival time."
After-hours pickup systems utilizing kiosks and key boxes can be helpful, but they may not be foolproof. "Things don't always go smoothly-codes might not work, instructions can be unclear or the wrong keys might be inside,” warns Anapliotis. “And, without someone on-site, sorting it out can take hours."
When using an after-hours pickup system, request clear instructions and an emergency contact telephone number before your flight.
Late-night renters may encounter the unavailability of the specific car category they booked. "This happens more often than companies admit," Anapliotis says. "With minimal staff working overnight, inventory management becomes less precise. You might end up with a smaller car than needed for your family, or, worst of all, no car until morning."
To avoid such situations, call the rental company the day before your flight to confirm your reservation and vehicle class, keeping your late arrival time in mind.
Another concern while renting late at night is inspecting the car for pre-existing damage. Checking is challenging in the dark, so use your cellphone's flashlight to conduct a thorough inspection, take detailed photos and videos of the inside and outside of the vehicle, and timestamp them.
The CEO's final words? “My advice to travelers is simple: Whenever possible, arrange your flights to arrive during normal business hours. If that's impossible, choose a rental company with a proven track record of reliable after-hours service, even if it costs a bit more. The peace of mind is worth it, especially when you're in an unfamiliar place late at night.”
The social media message has reached you...
** Twitter 📝 🏆 ** ** Forbes Accolades **
Avoid hidden fees and vehicle unavailability during late-night car rentals with these tips:
Proven Strategies for Late-Night Car Rentals
1. Choose Flexible Rental Companies
Opt for rental companies that offer 24/7 pickup and drop-off services, such as Turo, which provides contactless rentals via their app[1]. Some Turo hosts may also offer personal pickup services for an additional fee.
2. Understand Rental Agreements
Always carefully read the rental agreement to understand return policies, fuel policies, and potential late fees.
3. Plan Ahead for Late Returns
If you expect to return the car late, contact the rental company as soon as possible to discuss possible extensions or alternatives to minimize late fees.
4. Verify Regulations and Fees
Before using services like Turo, check if there are any additional fees for parking or exiting facilities. Familiarize yourself with other potential charges, such as equipment and service fees that might not be initially included in the rental agreement.
5. Maintain Vehicle Care
Ensure the vehicle is returned in the same condition as when rented, to avoid additional charges for damage. Maintain safe and responsible driving habits throughout your rental period.
Following these practices will mitigate the risk of unexpected fees and aid a smoother rental experience during late-night rentals.
Travelers should consider opting for rental companies like Turo, which offer 24/7 pickup and drop-off services via their app, to avoid hidden fees and vehicle unavailability during late-night car rentals.
Always remember to carefully read the rental agreement and understand return policies, fuel policies, and potential late fees before renting a car, especially during nighttime.
