Renting a car? BBB tips can help you avoid headaches

Renting a car is part of many vacation and business trips these days. Some people even rent cars for driving vacations to avoid putting miles on their own cars.

The Better Business Bureau fields complaints about rental cars regularly. More than 135 complaints about rental cars were filed with the St. Louis BBB in the last year alone. Common complaints include the safety of vehicles, disputes about damage to vehicles, deposits that weren't refunded and insurance charges.

The BBB recommends that you scrutinize the rental contract carefully before you drive off with the rental car, making sure that you understand any options or charges for things like extra insurance. Your own insurance policy may cover rental cars, so it's wise to check the policy before you leave home.

Other tips include:

• Ask for discounts: If the advertised price is higher than you want to pay, ask whether discounts apply if you’re a senior citizen or a member of an automobile club. Discounts also may be available for certain dates, weekends or longer trips.
• Consider location: Renting from an airport-based rental facility often is more expensive than an off-airport location, usually because of taxes and surcharges the airport charges the rental company.
• Look for package deals: Some airlines or other travel companies may offer discounted rates if you purchase more than one service, such as a flight, rental car or hotel stay.
• Weigh the value of add-ons: Renting a GPS device, a child car seat or a roof rack can add to your total bill. Consider using a cell phone GPS or bringing your own car seat.
• Compare gas rates: Some companies offer to sell you a full tank of gas so you don’t have to fill up the tank before you return the car. Compare the full-tank charge to the prevailing cost of gasoline in the area where you’re renting. In some cases, the convenience of not having to refill the tank can be worth the extra money. In others, it makes sense to top off the tank yourself.
• Understand insurance: Check your car insurance policy before you leave home. In many cases, your policy will cover damage to a rental vehicle and you can skip insurance through the rental contract.
• Ask about late or early return fees: Some renters have been surprised at being charged a fee for returning a car early or late. Sometimes, the penalty may be deducted from your deposit. If you’re traveling over a holiday or have to return the car outside of regular working hours, ask whether the office will be open or if you need to drop keys in a lock box.
• Use your camera: Take a picture of the car before you leave the rental facility and when you return it. Good pictures can protection you from unfounded charges for vehicle damage.
• Ask for the final price: Make sure the rental agent explains all the charges before you sign the contract and drive off the lot. It can prevent surprises later.
• Check a company’s record: A BBB Business Review will show whether a company has complaints and how those complaints have been resolved. Go to www.bbb.org or call 314-645-3300 for a review.