Breaking Down the Contents of a Car Hire Agreement
Sometimes, you want a little privacy and convenience when travelling. Public transport does not guarantee because you have to share the services with other people, and no one will customise their schedule to suit your needs. What your next best alternative? You should consider hiring a car. It allows you to take on the journey on your terms.
You have numerous options at your disposal, including luxury cars for executive functions and recreational vehicles that work best for vacations. One of the essential things you should think about is the service agreement you enter with your service provider. Here is a breakdown the things you should look out for in a car hire agreement:
1. Maintenance History
When you hire a car, you have no idea how the previous customers have used it. Nevertheless, good service will alleviate your fees by showing the maintenance records of the car so that you can make an informed decision. The records reveal the condition of the car but they do not guarantee against mechanical breakdown resulting from the actions of a previous user.
Why is this important to you in a car hire agreement? A good service provider should allow you to cancel your rental agreement in cases where the prior defects make it impossible for you to use the car. Other favourable terms would be the option to share the cost of repairs in case the vehicle breaks down because of prior defects.
2. Maintenance and Fuel Policy
You should also pay attention to the terms related to the maintenance and fuel policy when the vehicle is in your care. For example, some service providers will recommend fuelling the vehicle at certain service stations. Ignoring such recommendations puts you at risk of liability in case the vehicle develops a problem after fuelling in an alternative station. Moreover, take note of any mileage limits to minimise the potential of mechanical failure or extra charges. In short, you must exercise due diligence when using the hired vehicle.
3. Prohibited Engagements and Uses
Some actions can easily land you in trouble when you hire a car. Make sure you use the vehicle solely for the purpose you stated in the rental agreement. Refrain from subletting it to third parties or using it for business engagements that the rental company doesn't know. If you must do this, then make sure that you obtain the approval of the rental company before proceeding.
