Car hiring is common among Kenyans, especially during the festive season. Either for long-distance travel or a cruise around the Central Business District (CBD), a car comes in handy depending on one's itinerary for the day.
In most cases, however, hiring companies get into a tussle with individuals returning the cars due to additional charges.
Kenyans.co.ke has listed several ways one can follow to avoid getting extra charges when returning a hired car.
Inspect and Take Photos
This key point should apply before and after hiring the car. Car inspection will help you in identifying damage that could be used against you when returning it.
Photos taken before driving away from the hiring agency will act as evidence in case you are accused wrongly of having damaged the physical features.
Park it in well-lit areas
Avoid car theft in every way possible. Parking it in a well-lit place will make it easy to monitor fishy activities.
It will also help in preventing burglars who break into parked vehicles making you incur extra costs from the hiring agency.
Clean it up
Pass through a car wash on your way back to the hiring company. Make sure it is sparkling clean.
Remember, the car owner could push extra charges on you with claims he gave it out clean but you return it dirty.
Fill up the Tank
The fact that you took the car from the hiring agency with the fuel tank empty, should not be a reason to return it the same way.
The best action is to make sure you have fully filled the tank. Such an act will even cover up some minor offenses.
It is a good gesture of appreciation for the services offered.
Plan your route
Make google routes your best friend to avoid getting late in returning the car to the company just because you used a longer route.
Above all, never take advantage of hired cars just because you are not the legal owner. It is advised to maintain it just as you would your own.
