When you need this

Renting a car, whether at an airport counter or a small office downtown, is a short conversation with a lot of small print. The agent will ask about the size of car, how long you need it, insurance, fuel and where you'll return it. Most extra costs come from questions you didn't ask, so this lesson gives you the ones to ask.

Before you sign, check three things out loud: what the total price includes, what happens with the gas tank, and what to do if there's damage. Walking around the car with the agent and pointing out scratches takes two minutes and can save you an argument later.

Phrases

you booked the car in advance

pay to use a car for a short time

small car / medium car / large car with more space

asking whether the price covers damage

you can drive as far as you want for the same price

you get it with a full tank and return it full

collect the car / return it

another person allowed to drive the car

pointing out damage before you leave

money held on your card until you return the car

asking for the final price

the car changes gears by itself

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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  5. 5

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.