Last Updated on October 23, 2022 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:
- 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
How old are you to rent a vehicle in Europe?
In most European countries, you must be at least 21 years old to drive legally. If you are younger than 18, you may still be permitted to rent a vehicle from an adult (normally over 25). However, rental car policies vary by country. You might even be able rent a car from someone younger than 15.
Is it possible to rent a car in Germany, and then return it to Switzerland?
Answering this question will depend on many factors including the vehicle type you are renting, how much time you plan to drive, and whether or not you have any special requirements such as child seats.
If you're driving from Munich to Zurich and don't want to hire a car, public transportation is an option. Renting a car might be a good option if your goal is to drive from Munich, Barcelona and back during your holiday.
Does Chase Sapphire cover car rental insurance in Ireland?
You can insure your car for an additional EUR15 each day. A wide variety of optional extras are available, including breakdown assistance and theft insurance as well as personal accident insurance.
Can I rent a car in Italy and drop it off in France?
It might not be possible for you to rent a car in Italy and drive it around Europe. Europcar allows you to rent cars across Europe. Contact them for details on renting cars in Italy, and dropping them off at other locations.
What is the difference between renting a car domestically and internationally?
Domestic cars are more affordable than international, but offer fewer amenities.
International cars are more costly, but offer better comfort and safety equipment, such as seat belts and anti-lock brakes.
Based on the amount of mileage you intend to travel daily, you should choose the car that best suits your needs.
You can save money if you travel within 100 miles of the airport.
But if you will be doing lots of driving around cities and going off-road, then you should opt for an international model.
Where is the most convenient place to rent car?
These are the best places to rent cars: airports and rental agencies.
Online travel websites such as Priceline or Expedia are the best ways to locate airports near you.
If local rental companies have locations near where you live, they might be worth your consideration. These are often less expensive and easier to use that booking directly via an airline site.
If renting a car for less than two weeks, you might consider taking public transportation instead. The city-wide bus passes allow unlimited travel within a specific area.
You may be able rent a convertible if you are traveling with kids. People prefer convertibles because they offer more protection for their children.
Statistics
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day's trip cost. (insider.com)
External Links
jdpower.com
- 2021 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study
- 2019 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study | J.D. Power
avis.com
autoslash.com
sixt.com
How To
Here are some tips to book a car rental in Europe
Europe can be divided into several countries and cities. Paris, London, Rome and Madrid are the most popular cities. Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Hertz, Avis and Europcar) offer car hire services around the world. They can be found at major airports and train stations as well as in city centers. Most often, they provide vehicles with drivers and fuel. You can rent a Volkswagen Polo for as little as EUR 40 per day.
The booking process varies slightly depending on your destination country. You may have different payment options in some countries like Spain. Sometimes the price includes taxes, fees and other charges. Before making any reservations, check out the website for the car rental company. If you do not know where you want to go or if you simply prefer to drive yourself, check out these companies:Alamo,Avis,Europcar,Budget,National, andThrifty
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