Many renters unknowingly make car rental mistakes that cost them time, money, and peace of mind—From not reading rental policies to choosing the wrong vehicle for their trip.
Many renters unknowingly make car rental mistakes that cost them time, money, and peace of mind. As anyone can make these mistakes, reliable companies like Droom Rental ensure the car renters know what they are booking and guide them.
Here, we’ll walk you through the top 7 common mistakes people make when renting a car in India, and how to steer clear of them with practical tips.
This quick guide can save you from the usual rental car pitfalls and make your rental experience smooth and stress-free.
In this blog, we will cover:
7 Car Rental Mistakes You Should Avoid in India
1. Not looking at the agreement
2. Not assessing your needs
3. Not looking at the reviews
4. Not inspecting the rental car
5. Not booking the car in advance
6. Underestimating the deposit
7. Overlooking fuel costs
7 Car Rental Mistakes You Should Avoid in India
Car rentals are quite convenient for many people, but a lot of individuals also become disappointed by some unexpected issues, such as an inflated bill or an undocumented car condition. We have compiled some common rental car pitfalls that can lead to frustration and unexpected costs for car renters.
Mistake #1: Price breakup and agreement
It’s easy to just look at the headline rental price and drive away with your trip excitedly. This may lead to a shock when you overlook the details and the final bill arrives.
Rental companies have different policies on kilometer limits, driver charges, toll taxes, state entry taxes, and cleaning fees. For instance, a “per day” rate might seem cheap, but it could come with a low daily km limit (e.g., 100 km/day), with hefty charges over that limit.
Tip: Always ask for a detailed price breakup before confirming. Understand what’s included (e.g., fuel, driver, basic insurance, tolls, taxes) and what’s extra.
Read the Car rental services agreement thoroughly and pay attention to different clauses. Don’t be shy and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. This is your money and peace of mind at stake.
Mistake #2: Rental car needs assessment
You may hurry rental car booking or take the most affordable one, thinking it will save you money. This may prove to be a mistake later. This is one of the most common car rental mistakes in India.
For example, a hatchback like a Maruti WagonR might be cheap for your Delhi to Mussoorie trip. Its low ground clearance could mean scraping the underbelly on rough patches or getting stuck in waterlogged areas.
Conversely, a Toyota Fortuner for just two people on a city commute is wasteful in terms of fuel and parking.
Tip: Consider factors like passengers, luggage, terrain, ground clearance, safety features, transmission system, fuel type, mileage, range, etc.
Mistake #3: Car rental reviews and feedback
You could book with any company that offers the cheapest rate without vetting their reputation, but regret it later. India’s car rental market has both established players and numerous smaller, local operators. This is one of the most common car rental errors.
Smaller operators might offer lower prices but can sometimes have unreliable vehicles, poor customer service, hidden charges, or difficulties with refunds. Online reviews usually highlight these issues.
Tip: Check online reviews on platforms like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Facebook, and dedicated review sites. Look for recurring complaints and prioritize car rental services with a responsive support team. Ask friends or family for recommendations.
Mistake #4: Rental car inspection before riding
Taking possession of the car without thoroughly documenting its pre-existing condition is a mistake. For instance, a rental company may levy charges for pre-existing scratches, dents, or interior damage that the previous renter might have caused.
Tip: Do a comprehensive walk-around video/photos of the entire exterior and interior before you start driving. Capture as many scratches, dents, cracks, and stains as you can.
Check tire condition, windshield for cracks, dashboard warning lights, and all lights. Confirm the fuel level and ensure the basic tools are present.
Point out all pre-existing damages to the car rental company or agent and ensure they are documented in your rental agreement/handover form.
Mistake #5: Rental car booking in advance
Waiting until the last minute to book, especially during peak seasons or holidays, is a mistake. In India, demand for rental cars skyrockets during long weekends, festival seasons (Diwali, Holi), and peak tourist seasons (e.g., summer holidays). This often means higher prices, limited vehicle choices, or no availability at all.
Tip: Book as early as possible, especially if your travel dates fall during peak demand periods. Look for early bird discounts and don’t forget to check cancellation policies. Many companies like Droom Rental offer free cancellations (conditions apply).
Mistake #6: Deposit money (for self-drive)
Not budgeting for or being surprised by the hefty security deposit is one of the most common first-time car rental mistakes. Many Indian self-drive rental companies require a significant cash deposit or a block on your credit/debit card, depending on the car model.
Tip: Always confirm the exact deposit amount required during booking and understand the refund process. Budget for the deposit separately and ensure you have sufficient funds available.
Mistake #7: Fuel costs
Forgetting that fuel can be a major component of the total trip cost is a common mistake. For instance, if you rent a SUV with low mileage (e.g., 8-10 kmpl) and plan to drive 1000 km, your fuel cost alone could be Rs. 8,000 – Rs. 12,000 or more.
Tip: Understand the fuel policy, calculate estimated fuel costs based on the realistic mileage, and estimate your fuel budget. Consider the fuel type also, as diesel cars are more fuel-efficient than petrol ones
Conclusion
You can rent a car smoothly if you avoid some common car rental mistakes. Don’t skip reading the fine print—hidden charges and fuel policies often catch people off guard.
Always inspect the car before driving off and take photos to avoid disputes later. A little attention upfront helps you avoid car rental problems and saves you time, money, and stress later.
You can use Droom to compare a wide variety of car rentals, read verified reviews, and book a car with confidence. Explore and pick your rental car now.
Droom is an automobile e-commerce platform offering a 21st-century automotive buying experience online with its four value pillars including trust, selection, low price, and convenience second to none. It offers 250k+ vehicles online in 1,100 cities — both used and new. Droom deals in buying and selling cars, 2-wheelers, and other vehicles too. It is an AI and data science-driven platform designed with the best ecosystem tools. Here, we have a team of auto-experts and auto enthusiasts who are dedicated to covering every sphere of the auto industry by simplifying the procedure of buying and selling with Unified Droom Experience. To know more, click here.
