How do you have the worst car rental experience possible?

1. Why research when you can wing it?

Pick the first website you see, preferably one you've never heard of. Don't check whether the company even has a counter at your airport. Surprises are fun.

Do this instead: check who you're actually booking with, and whether the counter is in the terminal or a shuttle ride away.

2. Book five minutes before you land

Nothing says adventure like discovering there are no cars left. Bonus points if the only thing available is a minivan for your romantic weekend.

Do this instead: book as soon as your plans are firm, with free cancellation if you can.

3. Never read the fine print

Who needs to know about mileage limits, cross-border rules or whether your second driver costs extra? Sign and hope.

Do this instead: before you book, check extra-driver fees, young-driver fees, mileage and where you're allowed to drive.

4. Pick your insurance by guessing

Decline everything without checking whether you're covered. Or buy everything twice. Either way, "I didn't know I wasn't covered for that" is a fun phrase to practice.

Do this instead: check what your own auto insurance and credit card cover before you get to the counter.

5. Choose the most awkward pickup time

Book the car for noon when your flight lands at nine at night. Then act surprised when the counter is closed or the car has gone to someone else.

Do this instead: add your flight number and check the counter's opening hours.

6. Cram everyone into the smallest car

Five adults, four suitcases and a dog in an economy car. It's called bonding.

Do this instead: count the bags, not just the seats. See rental car types compared.

7. Ignore the fuel policy

Return the car on fumes and let the rental company fill it at their price. Time is money, after all. Just not as much money as that refueling charge.

Do this instead: if you're on a full-to-full policy, refuel near the airport and keep the receipt.

8. Return the car whenever you feel like it

Roll in hours late without calling. Those extra charges are just a donation.

Do this instead: if you'll be late, call before your return time. A late return can be charged as an extra day.

9. Never look at the car

Scratches? Dents? That odd rattle? Not your problem until the damage letter arrives a month later.

Do this instead: take photos and a short video of the car, inside and out, at pickup and at return.

10. Forget your documents

Turn up with your gym card and a library card. Watch the confusion unfold.

Do this instead: bring your driver's license, a credit card in the main driver's name, and your booking confirmation. International visitors should also bring their passport.

How OneCall helps you avoid all ten

You don't have to learn these the hard way. Call before you book and your agent checks the rules that matter for your trip. If something goes wrong at the counter, on the road or after you return the car, call us and one person stays with it until it's sorted. Advice is free, and if anything costs money, you hear the price first.

Questions people ask

What's the most common rental car mistake?

In our experience: not checking the car for damage at pickup, and not checking what's included before booking.

Do I need to take photos of a rental car?

It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from damage charges. Photograph all sides, the wheels, the windshield and the fuel gauge, at pickup and return.

Related help

• Rental car fees explained
• Damage claim after you returned the car
• Charged for fuel after you filled up
• What you need to rent a car
• Pay less: memberships, military and card cover

Written and checked by the OneCall Rental team on 1 November 2026. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Rules differ by company and location, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.