1. Be smart when choosing your pick-up time

It's a good strategy to leave some spare time before the time you're supposed to pick up your rental car — especially if you're flying. It's best if you don't choose your flight's arrival time as your pick-up time. Instead, leave time for getting off the plane, collecting your checked bags, and any flight delays.

Your car rental pick-up time isn't as flexible as your hotel check-in time. Most car rental suppliers guarantee that they'll hold your vehicle for a certain period (usually 30-60 minutes) after your scheduled pick-up time. If you arrive later, you may face additional charges or even find that the vehicle was rented out to someone else.

If you think you're going to arrive after that period, you should call the Rental Company as soon as you can to let them know — though keep in mind that even if you call, they may not hold the vehicle for you.

2. Check the driver's license and age requirements

No matter where you rent a car, you'll have to have a valid driver's license. Most of the time, you'll also have to have at least a year of experience driving. So be sure to check the vehicle's Rental Conditions for these details.

3. Remember that ratings matter

Check the reviews of the company you plan to rent the car from.

So make sure you choose a car from a company with a high rating. This will usually mean you get a better pick-up location, shorter waiting times, a newer car and friendlier staff.

4. Understand how rental days work

The costs for rental cars is usually quoted per day. For example, whether you rent for 2 hours or 24 hours, you will be charged for one day. If you rent for 25 hours, however, you'll be charged for two days.

5. Card requirements for deposits at pick-up

Once you've found a good company, be sure to see what they require for leaving the security deposit when picking up the car. Many rental companies require a credit card for this. Many bad rental experiences stem from renters missing this critical information, which you can find in the Security Deposit section of the Rental Conditions.

6. Review the Rental Conditions

Review the Rental Conditions before booking a car — check details such as the specific cards accepted by the Rental Company the security deposit amount, policies on traveling to other countries, and the driver's license and other requirements.

7. Inspect the car when picking it up

You're about to set off and take a lot of photos of your trip — before you do, take a video or some photos of the entire exterior of your rental when picking it up.

A notorious issue for renters is being charged for damage that they don't think they caused. Without pictures or it being marked on the vehicle inspection sheet, you won't be able to prove it was there beforehand — and you might end up with a hefty charge.

So just take a video or snap a few shots, preferably while the agent is there, and you'll have a worry-free trip.

8. Confirm where you'll need to drop the car off at

Before you set off with the car, make sure to ask the Rental Company about exactly where you should return the car at the end of your trip. It could save you time and prevent confusion later.

So that's all there is to it. In our experience, following these simple rules leads to having the best rental experience. So all you'll have to worry about is having a great time on your trip.

Book your next rental car from Via Rent near Otopeni Henri Coandă airport now!