2 Things You Need To Ask Before You Drive Away In That Moving Rental Truck
Posted on: 21 January 2015
There aren't many things more time consuming and stressful than a move. In addition to going through and packing all of your things, you also have to worry about cleaning your old place, switching utility companies, and making new friends. By the time you get to the moving truck rental place, you might not be that concerned about the details, which could cost you later. Here are two things you need to ask before driving away in that moving rental truck, so your relocation doesn't get any more complicated.
1: "How do you account for existing damage?"
What happens if you turn your rental truck in after having it for a week, and they start asking questions about that scratch down the left side of the vehicle? Although a little body damage might not seem like that big of a deal, you could be on the hook to pay for repairs if you aren't careful. One of the most important things to ask rental truck clerks is how to account for existing damage. Here are a few things you should think about doing:
- Do A Walk-Around: With the rental truck clerk by your side, walk around the vehicle and write down every problem you see. Some truck rental places actually have diagrams of their vehicles, which can make it easy to record issues. Make sure you mention every single problem, and have your documentation signed off by an employee. That way, you can prove you didn't cause the problem when you turn in the truck.
- Take Pictures: If you don't have access to a diagram or a piece of paper, snap a bunch of pictures with your cell phone. Make sure to get pictures from all angles, including the underside of the truck. Because those images are automatically time-stamped in your phone, you will be able to show you received the vehicle in that condition.
- Jot Down Noises: To really mitigate your liability, ask if you can take the truck for a test drive along with a company employee. As you operate the vehicle, talk with the employee about any strange engine behavior and noise. After you get back to the store, make notes about the things you witnessed.
It might seem like an extra step, but recording details about the truck might save you from paying for existing engine and body damage later. When you rent a truck, take your time, be thorough, and don't be scared to ask questions.
2: "How does this liftgate work?"
Have you thought about how you are going to get that giant cement garden sculpture into the back of your moving truck? To make things easier, many rental companies install liftgates on the back of their trucks. These hydraulic lifts are operated by a switch and a lever on the back of the truck, so you can raise and lower your heavy objects with the touch of a button.
However, liftgates can be complicated, which is why it is important to ask for a mini training course before you drive away with the ride. Before you leave the rental truck business, ask an employee to walk you through the entire process of using the liftgate. Make sure the system works and there aren't any problems. Some systems pull power from the battery, so it is important to make sure that it runs properly and doesn't cause engine problems before you leave.
After they have demonstrated the proper procedure, try it on your own with an employee watching. Ask about any safety hazards, and make sure you understand the weight limits of the system. When you understand how to use that liftgate, you can take full advantage of your truck and make your moving day a snap.
Asking the right questions might save you from dealing with frustrating hassles later, so you can focus on enjoying your new surroundings. Check out sites like http://www.delstruckrentals.com/ for more info.
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