Ins and outs of renting a car

Renting a car can be confusing and expensive if you don’t understand industry terms and how fees are calculated. If you have a poor driving record, renting may be next to immpossible. Northeast Combat, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, wishes to give you some points to consider and questions to ask when you reserve a rental car.

Before you reserve a car, think about the size you want or need and how much your willing to spend. This will help you avoid making a hasty or expensive decision that you may regret later. At the same time, be aware that vehicle classification systems vary. The terms “compact,” “mid-size,” and luxury sometimes differ among companies.

Call several rental car companies for price estimates, or check rates through your travel agent. Ask about specials geared to the length of time you need the vehicle. Many companies offer weekly or weekend deals. If your plans are flexible, you may be able to save money by renting a car when price breaks are available. But be sure to ask about restrictions or special offers, including blackout dates when an advertised price may not be available.

Ask if the rental car company checks the driving records of potential customers. Many companies check driving records when customers arrive at the counter. Some reject customers whose driving records don’t meet comany standards. Even if you have a confirmed reservation, you may be disqualified from renting a car for moving violations within the last few years, seatbelt law violations, accidents, regardless of fault, convictions for driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving with an invalid, suspended or revoked licenses.

Ask if there may be charges that could increase an advertised base rate, such as collision damage waiver fees in states that allow; a deposit or refundable charge; airport surcharges and droppoff fees; fuel charges; mileage fees; taxes; additional drivers fees; under-age drivers fees; out-of-state charges; and equipment rental fees (for items such as ski racks and car seats).

Collision damage waiver, in states that allow it, it is an optional charge of $9 to $13 a day. Rental car agents may urge you to buy this option. Although they call it “collision damage” coverage, it’s not technically collision insurance. Rather it is a guarantee that the rental company will pay for damages to your rental car. By declining the waiver you accept responsibility for any damages; however, under CDW, the company will not pay for bodily injuries or damages on your personal property. If you do not buy CDW coverage or are not covered by your personal auto insurance policy, you could be liable for the full value of the car. Some rental companies may hold you liable only for the first $1,000 or $2,000

Some CDW’s exclude coverage under certain circumstances. For example, coverage may be revoked if you damage the car when driving in a negligent manner, on unpaved roads or out of the state in which you rented the vehicle. Some companies void their CDW coverage if a driver drinks alcohol or if a non-authorized driver operates the car.

The coverage offered by rental companies may duplicate insurance you have through your auto and homeowners policies. Coverage under your medical plan would offer protection that CDW coverage lacks. Read your insurance policies and medical plan for specifics. If you’re not sure about the coverage call your insurer. If you’re traveling on business, your employer may have insurance that covers you. Also, some credit card companies and motor clubs provide members with free rental protection when you use their cards to pay a rental.

Airport surcharges and dropoff fees can increase the base rental rate considerably. Surcharges apply when airport authorities impose fees for airport use even when rental companies shuttle you to an off-airport site. Dropoff fees refer to charges that some companies impose to allow you to drop off the car at a different location than the pickup point.

A fuel charge is the amount many rental companies add to your bill for gasoline. Some companies give you a half tank at a charge of $10 or $15 and tell you to return the car empty, others fill the tank and charge for the amount of gas you use.

Consumer Forum is a collaborative effort of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT. Send your questions to Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04401-1329. COMBAT is a membership organization with basic dues of $10 a year. For membership information write to the above address. Please enclose a large, stamped, self-addressed envelope.