As many people plan to rent a vehicle for outdoor activities during the upcoming three-day weekend, the Consumers’ Foundation yesterday advised people to carefully examine the vehicles’ condition and the rental contract to protect their rights.
Foundation chairman Alan Lu (陸雲) said lessees should examine the vehicle first, including its outer appearance — whether there are scratches or dents; and inner functions — such as whether the instrument panel, windshield wipers, brakes and gas pedal, headlights, turn signals and mirrors are functioning properly.
It is best to take photographs or videos as evidence when examining these items, he added.
Lessees should also check the vehicle registration and insurance card before signing the contract, Lu said, adding that it is better not to rent vehicles that are more than five years old — which can be identified from reading the vehicle registration.
Also, ask the rental company what type of gasoline should be used for the vehicle — 92-octane, 95-octane or 98-octane unleaded gasoline, and remember to begin driving slowly to get used to the performance of the vehicle, he added.
As for the rental contract, the foundation said lessees should carefully read the contents, including what types of insurance are included, whether a security deposit is needed and the conditions for returning the deposit, as well as damage compensation.
Do not sign blank documents or any promissory note that asks for an unreasonably high amount of money for compensation, and ask and negotiate with the rental dealers about unknown content on the contract or documents before signing, and remember to return the vehicle to the rental facility on time, it said.
Lu said personal information is very important, so lessees should remember to write “for vehicle rental” on the photocopy of their ID cards before giving it to the rental dealer, to prevent identity theft, and also ask the dealer to destroy or return their ID card copy when returning the vehicle.
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