Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Laura
Photo credit: ShutterstockRenting a car should be a no-brainer in your vacation plans. The last thing you want to hear is the pop of a busted tire or the slow hiss of a tire leak. When things with the car go awry, they can alter the course of your whole trip. So before you set out on a rental car—especially when you’re far from friends and family that would otherwise help you out—it’s important to know how you will handle unfortunate scenarios. Here’s what to do if you have a tire blowout in a rental car.
Pull Over and Get Assistance
If you do find yourself in a pickle needing a new tire for your rental car, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road safely. Do not slam on the brakes; instead, take your foot off the accelerator and allow the car to slow gently and pull over when it is safe. Turn your hazard lights on and call for assistance. Options include your rental car company’s 24/7 hotline, a local tow company or auto repair shop, or AAA.
Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental
Of course, it’s best to minimize your likelihood of a blown tire on a rental car. Check the tires for wear before you take the rental car and ask for a different car if you see a low tire pressure alert when you start the car. While you’re on the road, steer clear of hazards like unknown debris and potholes.
Car Rental 24/7 Roadside Assistance Hotlines
- Alamo: US/Canada 800-803-4444
- Avis: US/Canada 800-354-2847
- Budget: US/Canada 800-354-2847
- Dollar: US 800-235-9393; Canada 877-354-5391
- Enterprise: US/Canada 307-6666
- Hertz: US/Canada 654-5060
- Enterprise: US/Canada 307-6666
- National: US/Canada 367-6767
- Payless: US/Canada 800-PAYLESS (729-5377)
- Thrifty: US/Canada 877-283-0898
Who Pays for a Tire Blowout in a Rental Car?
Be aware that you could be on the hook for costs, since rental agreements state that damage caused by the renter is the responsibility of the renter. If you have damage and collision coverage from the rental company or an independent insurance company like Sure, you’ll be covered. Otherwise, you’ll have to file a claim with your personal auto insurance company or pay out of pocket.
If the issue isn’t your fault, the rental car company will likely swap you into a new rental for free. Call ahead and make arrangements to drive into a rental location and replace your faulty vehicle with a new one.
Should You Buy Roadside Assistance?
Before you even get the keys for your rental car, consider whether you will add 24/7 roadside assistance to your contract. For a few dollars a day, it might seem like a reasonable purchase for peace of mind when you’re on the road. However, if you blow a tire, the cost of the tire (or other auto parts) is not included in roadside assistance. Before making this purchase, be clear on what incidents are included in the roadside assistance. They may be very limited.
Are You Eligible for Free Roadside Assistance?
If you are an AAA member, you can completely forgo any additional roadside assistance offered for a fee through your rental car company. AAA Membership includes roadside assistance in any car, regardless of the vehicle you’re driving.
Let AutoSlash Track Your Car Rental for Price Drops
Another route to explore is your credit card benefits. Many credit cards offer perks, like roadside assistance for a tire replacement. Dive into the fine print before signing your rental car contract.
Related:
- Always Check the Tires on a Rental Car
- What to Do if You Have a Rental Car Breakdown
- What to Do if You Get a Flat Tire in a Rental Car
- Should You Buy Car Rental Insurance?
The post What to Do if You Have a Tire Blowout in a Rental Car appeared first on AutoSlash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to rent a car for Portugal?
Portugal has an international driving permit that is required for renting a car. A valid credit card and proof of insurance are required for payment purposes.
Usually, rental companies ask you to present a passport or national identification card when making your reservation.
Portugal requires that you show two forms or identification to rent a car.
These documents must be provided by law in order for the vehicle to comply with European Union regulations concerning road traffic safety. If you have any doubts about your identity, you could be denied access to the vehicle.
You will need a translation from your country's Driver Licensing Authority if you don't have an International Driving License.
This document must be translated into Portuguese, and all documentation required to support it must also be included. The cost of this document can vary depending on your location, but it usually costs between $20-30 USD.
Please be aware that the vehicle may deny you access if you don't have a copy of your official translator.
Are you looking for a car in Europe and need one?
The best solution will depend on where you live and the things you love to do. One European city may have different priorities than one in rural areas.
You also need to think about how long you are going to be in each country. You might need a more economical car if your plans are to move frequently.
In most cases, buying a second-hand car is better than renting one. Renting a car in Europe can be more expensive than buying a second-hand vehicle. There are many reasons for this. You can save money on fuel costs, parking fees, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and so forth.
Another advantage is that your car allows you to drive safely.
There are some excellent websites out there that give information about car rentals in Europe. Please see our recommendations below.
Can you rent car in Europe with a US licence?
It all depends on the country you are visiting. For example, if your trip is to France, you can rent cars there. But, if it's to Italy, they won't accept US drivers licenses.
Statistics
- If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- I'd say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
External Links
enterprise.com
autoslash.com
jdpower.com
- 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
- 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
kayak.com
How To
How to get the best car rental deal
These tips will help you to get the best rental deal possible:
- Compare websites like Kayak, Expedia or Hotwire. You can use their data and tools from other users who have booked through them. This helps you avoid hidden fees. (Kayak)
- If you're booking online, try to find out if any additional fee is added before the payment process starts. (Expedia)
- Get your bookings in early! Book early! (Kayak). Also, last-minute airfares are often much cheaper.
- Make sure you are able to fit your travel plans and budget when choosing a car. (eBay)
- You should verify that the insurance coverage is included in your rental agreement. Many companies offer insurance free of charge for cars rented under 25 years. (Insurance Panda)
- Be aware of the type of contract you choose while making reservations. Because they know the price upfront, most people prefer to sign long-term contracts. (MileageIQ)
- High credit scores are recommended if you can. A low credit score can make it more difficult to get auto insurance (Car Insurance Guide).
- If you do not need it, don't pay for extras like GPS and roadside assistance. These additional charges might not apply to all rental agencies. (Kayak) 9. The rental agreement should include an option for extended warranties. Ask your agent if an extended warranty is available for other locations. This could save you some money.
- Make sure you read all terms and conditions of the rental agreement. You could end up paying extra for something you didn't mention in negotiations. (Expedia) Always read the terms and conditions!
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https://rentacar24.org//category/car-rental-news
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