If you’re traveling anywhere in southern Florida this year, you may want to try a rental car to make it easier to get around. With a rental car, you can head off on your own schedule and really explore the region. While rental cars can be extremely convenient and can be safe and cost effective, they also come with some risks.
Rental cars are maintained by the rental company – not by you. This means you have to trust the agency to take proper care of your fleets. If you are in an accident, you may worry about the costs the rental company may charge and you may be unclear about which insurance covers your claim.
When renting a car, there are several steps you will want to take to keep yourself safe:
1) Make sure you’re covered.
Talk to your car insurance company, credit card company, and the rental company you’re dealing with. What is covered by your insurance, and how much are you covered? Buy additional insurance if you need it to ensure you have good protection in the event of a car accident in Hollywood or any community you visit.
2) Only rent from trusted companies.
Carefully read reviews and work with a rental company you trust. It can be especially beneficial to rent repeatedly from the same company so you can enjoy the perks of being a loyal customer.
3) Always check the car carefully before it leaves the lot.
Make sure that the wheel, steering, and everything else with the car works correctly. If you notice any issues – such as incorrectly inflated tires or a strange ringing sound — report the problem at once and ask for a different car.
4) Use extra caution for extended rentals.
If you’re renting a car for an extended trip across Florida or if you will be driving it for a while, it may be good idea to take it to a mechanic for a checkup. A mechanic can tell you if there’s anything wrong with the car and whether it’s safe to go. You don’t want to find out in the middle of nowhere that the car has a problem with its engine or brakes.
5) Follow safe driving practices.
Put all your distractions away and carefully map out your route before you go. If you’re renting a car because you’re on vacation, you may not be familiar with the area and planning ahead and keeping your full focus on driving can help keep you safer.
Have you been injured while renting or driving a rental car? Do you feel that the rental company was negligent ? If so, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. We can tell you whether you have legal options to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Depending on the specifics of your case, there may be multiple liable parties involved – including the rental company and at-fault drivers. The legal team at Flaxman Law Group can give you no-nonsense advice about these issues so you can move forward.