Hiring a car can unfortunately be a risky business. As the car is not yours, if anything bad happens to the vehicle, chances are that you will be held at fault. Although there are plenty of insurance options that cover you for damage to the vehicle, they are rather costly and are not 100% guaranteed to cover you at all times.

Although it is easier said than done, the best way to ensure your rental experience runs smoothly is to avoid accidents and damage to the vehicle all together. Here are a few simple and easy tips to get you started:

• When you go to pick up rental vehicle, before you drive away, be sure to check the vehicle thoroughly. Take note of any existing damage to the interior and exterior of the car and be sure to add these notes to the rental agreement. If there is damage prior to your hire of the vehicle, make sure you tell the hire company to avoid getting the blame for it.
• Also, before you leave the depot make sure everything in the car is in working order. This includes the window screen wipers, the lights and the air conditioning. If these are not in working order, damage may result to the vehicle and although it may not be your fault, you will be held liable. A quick 5 minute check will ensure accidents don't happen for petty reasons such as the windscreen wipers not working.
• While you are still at the depot, make sure you ask for a contact number that you can call in the event of an accident or breakdown. This will allow you to make the rental company aware of the damage immediately and this can then go on record.
• Before you make any repairs to your rental car after damage has occurred, make sure you authorise the repairs. This will avoid any dodgy repair work and will decrease your liability for the damage. It will also prevent the car from being further damaged from the repairs.
• Car rentals are generally moving targets for theives. If you have valuables inside the car, make sure you cover them or put them in a hidden place, such as your boot. This will deter thefts and will prevent them from damaging your car.
• If the car has a logo on it (from the car hire company) ask for it to be removed. Thieves are more likely to target a rental vehicle and if they are not aware that the car is hired, they may not be tempted.
• Always be wary when pulling off to the side of the road. Leave plenty of room so that you don't get side swiped and make sure there is no one around before you get out of the car.