NewbE

Maybe this is where I should say that I do not read the entire rental agreement at the car rental counter. I may have when I first started renting cars. But at some point I researched my CC's insurance coverage and simply automatically declined all additional coverage; I used to decline the "return gas tank full" option when they charged twice the going rate, but now I occasionally accept it; and I make a good effort to examine the car for dents and dings and scratches and document any I find.

Oh, and I check the total at the bottom of the contract to make sure it matches my quoted rate.

That's it. Should I read the whole thing? Yes. I think I've been lucky to not have any disputes arise.

annhig

NewBe - that's the sort of honesty which many of my clients find difficult! but I think that it's true of most of us when we are familiar with something. I can't say that I read every word twice. but I definitely prefer to have the paper version for me to skim through than something on the screen.

may be it's my age?

Sojourntraveller

Bear in mind that most of the world does not have credit cards which provide car rental coverage. That is basically a N. American thing that some CC providers include as a 'perk' with their cards.

That means that when they rent, if it is a rental company they are not familiar with, they must read the contract including the insurance coverage to know what they are signing. It is also a good reason to always rent with one of the big boys like Hertz. Learn the rules once and you're fine every time after that.

Sojourntraveller

Oops, should have put Avis as that is who the OP is complaining about.

NewbE

Sojourn, I did know that about insurance coverage, good point.

annhig, it may be age, but I think it's habit. I prefer reading paper, too. I only said what I said because nowadays screens are unavoidable.

More honesty: when I am stuck behind a person in the rental car line who is asking every question under the sun, I fume. Haven't they ever rented a car before?! Not nice, or even smart, I know. But having driven, walked, flown, and walked some more, I want to get my trip properly started!!