Little Incident

Most domestic travel in the US involves using a rental car.  During my last trip to Houston I had a little incident.  When I arrived at my hotel I noticed that the tire was flat.  It must have happened at or near the hotel as I had been driving several hours to reach the destination without any issues.  The hotel bellboy and I changed the tire and I took the car back to the local rental car place and they told me I would be charged for the flat tire.  Naturally I was in shock but it made me think what should I do if a problem does arrive with a rental car.  So I remind everyone of these steps:

1. Have the problem solved before it happens.  I insure my rental cars through American Express automatically by using the card.  Other options are available to include purchasing insurance through rental agency.
2. Know that the incident will have to be documented.  Any time something happens to a rental paperwork will be involved.  The clerk asked how I wanted to pay for tire when she should have said we have to document this and if our claims department has questions they will contact you.
3. Take good notes.  If the rental agency documents you should as well.
4. Handle all minor issues yourself if possible.  Dealing with this flat cost me a half day out of my 3 day weekend.  Had I known all this drama was involved I would have had a tire shop plug the tire and went on about my business.