A Guide to Rental Car Etiquette

Renting a car is a convenient way to maintain your independence when visiting an unfamiliar location or while staying with family. It means hosts will not feel obligated to use their car to chauffeur guests around town during their visit and the visitors will feel free to travel as they please without imposing on the hospitality of their hosts. The following article will offer advice on correct rental car etiquette that people should display. The advice is based on policies that Dollar Rent a Car has in place for renters.

Driving Age

In most parts of the United States and Canada, drivers must be at least 21 years of age before they can rent a car in their own name. If you are under the age of 21, but will be with a driver who is over the age limit, they will be the only ones authorised to drive the vehicle. The terms might seem unfair, but rules are rules, so make sure you abide by them. Drivers between the ages of 21-24 should check with the rental company to find out how much they will be charged for the car rental, as prices vary according to age and experience.

Valid Driving Licence

In order to be allowed to rent a car, renters will need to have a full, valid driving licence that has not been suspended, revoked or will expire during the term of the rental agreement. Upon entering into the car rental agreement, renters should present their valid driving licence to the car rental company before they take possession of the car.

Submit to DMV Checks

Renters should be co-operative and willing to submit to a DMV check if the car rental company mentions it. The car rental company reserves the right to allow drivers to rent a car from them if they have been convicted of a driving violation such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Fuel

When the rental car is returned to the company, the petrol tank must be refilled. Renters should keep the receipt from the petrol station so that they can present it to the rental car company and not be charged an additional fee, unless they have prepaid for the fuel in the rental agreement prior to driving the car.