Know your Rental Car Contracts

If you are one of those people who doesn't like to read fine prints on rental car contracts, you are not alone. Those liability, indemnity, driver declaration, insurance forms at the car rental company are a waste of time especially after a long haul flight, and what's really on your mind is," Please get me out of this airport!"

Courtesy of Alamo Rent A Car, these important details are "winzip" for the readers of this blog, and it's all you ever need to know:

1. Rental Agreement No.
Designated by the Rental Agreement number, the rental agreement must be completed at the rental pick up location and should be carried with you in case you are required to prove you are legally in posession of the vehicle.

2. Car Serial Number
Designates the vehicle rented on the rental contract.

3. Rental Date, Time, Car Rental Station
Shows the date, time, and rental station to return the vehicle in which the vehicle was rented.

4. Return Date, Time, City
Shows the requested date, time, and rental station to return the vehicle without incurring any additional charges.

5. Allowable Drivers
Lists the drivers who are authorized to drive the vehicle. Extra drivers may be added at the time of rental. Additional charges
may apply for additional drivers or underage drivers.

6. Additional Options/Other Information
Lists the additional options that may have been selected, such as, an upgrade of car, personal protection options, fuel options, etc.

7. Charges
Lists the itemization of charges associated with the rental. Charges include the base rate of the vehicle, airport fees, state taxes, surcharges, other governmentally imposed fees, and additional options. A total line shows the balance due. This may be paid by credit card (American Express, Diners Club, VISA, MasterCard, EuroCard). Your signature on the Rental Agreement allows the rental compnay to charge your card with any possible extras at the end of the rental, such as late return of the vehicle. The lead name on the confirmed reservation (the primary renter) must be the person whose credit card is used to pay the charges. If the credit card of another person with a valid drivers license is used, that person will become the primary renter and the original name on the reservation will become an additional driver. Additional charges may be applied for an additional driver.

8. Rental Signatures
Confirms the terms of the rental agreement by all persons listed on the rental agreement.

That's it, your journey starts here.