Driving a Rental Car at Night May Cause Unforeseen Issues
Navigating late-night car rentals, particularly during peak travel periods, can present a few hiccups for your vacation. Here's a lowdown on what you should be mindful of to keep your trip running smoothly.
During those late-night pickups, when you're exhausted and itchy to reach your accommodation, complications can arise that travelers often overlook. As Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, a Greek car rental company with over four decades of experience, points out, late-night car rentals come with risks that most travelers only consider when they're stranded at an airport in the wee hours.
Many rental car operations at small airports and some at major airports don't maintain a 24-hour workforce. Before you book a vehicle, check the operating hours and confirm if it's possible to pick up your car after working hours if there's a flight delay or a late landing. Some rental companies provide their late-arrival policy on their websites, or, like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, will stay open for "up to two hours after their posted closing time" to accommodate delayed customers.
When booking, also consider the potential issues with unstaffed counters or key box/kiosk systems. Though these systems can be convenient, they're not always reliable. As Anapliotis warns, codes might not work, instructions can be unclear, or the wrong keys might be inside. To avoid any unnecessary drama, request detailed instructions before flight arrival and an emergency contact telephone number.
Beyond staffing and pick-up systems, late-night renters may also find that the specific car category they booked is unavailable. With minimal staff working overnight, inventory management might become less precise, leaving you with a car that's too small or none at all until morning. To dodge this situation, call the rental company a day before flight arrival to reconfirm your reservation and vehicle class, especially when mentioning your late arrival time.
Lastly, the dark can make it challenging to inspect a car for pre-existing damage. Missing damage during your initial inspection can lead to disputes when returning the vehicle. To document the vehicle's condition, use your cellphone’s flashlight to conduct a thorough inspection, take detailed photos and videos of the inside and outside of the vehicle, and time-stamp them.
In a nutshell, whenever possible, arrange your flights to arrive during normal business hours. If that's not possible, choose a rental company with a solid track record of reliable after-hours service, even if it costs a bit more. The peace of mind you'll gain is worth it, especially when you're in an unfamiliar place in the dead of night. And remember, safety measures never hurt – keep valuables secure, stay alert, and keep contact information handy. Happy travels!
In the realm of late-night car rentals, particularly during peak travel periods, it's crucial to ensure the rental company maintains reliable after-hours service to prevent delays or inconvenience. Good car-maintenance practices, such as conducting a thorough vehicle inspection with detailed photos and videos, are likewise essential to avoid disputes about pre-existing damage.
