First time renting a car in Singapore? Or you may have rented countless time before. As long as you are going to be renting a car in Singapore, this following 5 points is something you should take note of to help you prevent a wasted trip down or spend unplanned expenses. 

1. Age and driving experience

Image source: Needpix.com

Your age and driving experience might affect if a rental company can rent to you, might even affect the price. 

Usually rental companies will ask you for your age and driving experience, if not you should let them know just in case if the following applies to you;

• You are below 25 years old
• You are above 65 years old
• You are still a P Plate driver (less than one year)

This is so that you will not have a wasted trip or any sudden extra expenses.

2. Insurance Excess

Image by Mabel Yeap from Pixabay 

If your car is involved in an accident or is damaged, just imagining the amount you have to pay will give most nightmares. However, there is where Insurance excess comes in, it limits how much you will have to pay in case of such unfortunate events.

That is why you should always make sure that your rental companies have insurance excess. 

Another level is Collision and Damage Wavier (CDW), where you top up a bit of cash to your rental to reduce your insurance excess but a huge amount. Something you might want to consider if you are renting long term to reduce some risk over time.

Not all rental companies would offer the top 2 option, however we would recommend that you at least find a company that has insurance excess as it is never worth taking the risk. 

3. Deposits and Hidden charges

Image Source : Flickr

Let's be honest here, would you rent a expensive item to someone you barely met without some kind of assurance like deposit? Of course not, that is why most rental companies would ask for deposits of varying amount just in case. Thus you should always ask the rental company how much is the deposit before heading down to not get shocked by it.

Lets talk about hidden charges shall we? It is no secret that there is some "hidden charges" whether intentional or not, so if it is not stated don't presume it is not there and ask about it.

This are some charges you should ask if it is already inclusive of the price;

• GST or any other tax
• Insurance excess
• Going into Malaysia

So always check with your rental company the above points before going down so that you won't get shocked.

4. Pre-rental check.

Image source: link

When you get the keys to your car, make sure that you do not rush and drive off with the car immediately. You may ask; "why not? The car is now mine until the end of the rental term right?"

Well you are not wrong in thinking that but do remember you have to return the car and your deposit still with the rental company.

So when you receive the car even if it is new make sure to take note of every small scratch and dents, then make sure your rental company notes them down so you will not be charged when you return the car.

You might be surprised at how much a dent can cost you.

5. Return Policy.

Image source : Link

Different companies will have different policies and if you do not follow them you might not get your deposit back. So always check the return policy of your rental companies, so that you will not violate them and incur more extra charges.

Here are some of the points that you should take note of;

• Return timing
• Fuel levels
• Need to book?

Conclusion

You can never be too careful when you are renting a car, make sure you remember this 5 points if you are going to be renting a car and you will be ensured a smoother, less shocking process of renting your car!