Common Car Rental Scams to Watch Out For in Rwanda
In Rwanda, car rentals are thought to be the most practical method of transportation. It gives the traveller comfort, privacy, and the freedom to move at their own speed. Rwanda has con artists in the vehicle rental industry, just like any other nation, therefore it’s crucial to be on the lookout for some of the most prevalent ones. We guide you through the most prevalent car rental scams in Rwanda in this article.
Physical Location
The largest con to be aware of is the absence of the car rental company’s physical location. In addition to using websites and online payment processors, most scammers lack a physical address or office.
Ask the agent for the office address and make sure you visit it in person to avoid becoming a victim of scam. This should demonstrate the company’s legitimacy and enable you to examine their cars, evaluate their level of professionalism, and dispel any doubts.
Payment Methods
Asking to pay for the cars upfront from the provider is another cause for concern. The majority of reliable automobile rentals simply require a nominal booking charge; the remaining balance is paid at the time the car is delivered.
Avoid paying for these services in full up front at all costs. Online car rentals that demand prior payment are typically run by con artists, so be wary of them as they may be Car Rental Scams.
Little or no Online Presence
Any respectable vehicle rental in the modern digital age ought to have a functioning website with positive testimonials from previous clients. Consumers typically post evaluations about their experiences with certain automobile rentals on reliable websites like Google and Trip Advisor.
These clients can even identify the con artists by name. A business that has no testimonials or endorsements from previous clients is probably a scam and need to be avoided. Reputable businesses routinely receive glowing recommendations and comments.
Extremely Low Prices
While competitive pricing is typical, watch out for deals that seem too good to be true. For these services, there exist going prices, and a fair price is one that is neither too low nor too low. This tactic is employed by con artists to draw clients, and who doesn’t enjoy receiving a cheap service?
Be cautious as they take advantage of these absurdly low pricing to con as many people as they can.
Licencing and Registration
A genuine rental car needs to be licensed to drive and registered with the Rwanda Development Board. Make an effort to request the certification from the operator and confirm it with the official RDB listing before agreeing to anything or sending any money.
If the suppliers are reluctant to give this information, it is likely that they are con artists and you should stay away from them.
Comprehensive Insurance Cover
It is a complete scam if the rental car company refuses to give you the insurance policy when you ask for it. Since the majority of these rentals are scheduled online, it’s critical to be aware of your coverage in the event of mishaps and damage.
If you enquire about the insurance coverage from the provider and they refuse to tell you, move on to someone who will. Moreover, make an effort to verify any insurance that a company may be selling as it may be phoney or unnecessary.
Fuel Scams
Verifying the car’s fuel level at drop-off is crucial. Additionally, make sure the fuel gauge is functioning properly by giving it a test drive, as some firms may bill you for fuel that you haven’t used.
Rental Agreement
Ask for the rental agreement, which should include a comprehensive description of the terms and conditions, pickup and drop-off locations, rental duration, mileage restrictions, and other crucial information, before paying for your car rental in Rwanda.
In addition, the agent must to carefully go over this agreement with you and address any queries you may have. If the company doesn’t accomplish this, it should be avoided.
Bait-and-Switch
Scammers that rent out cars utilise this strategy not just in Rwanda but all throughout the world. When the time arrives for you to pick up your reserved car, you are informed that it isn’t available. You have to spend more and receive one that is more expensive.
The New York Times reports that numerous car rental firms are pressuring clients to upgrade to more expensive models out of desperation to boost their flagging earnings. According to multiple testimonies, these companies are claiming that the requested vehicle is not available.
Avoid falling into this con. Although it is against the law, many Kigali car rentals manage to get away with it.
To steer clear of these Car Rental Scams, do your homework, select reliable businesses, get clarification on any queries you have, maintain records, and read rental agreements.
