Renting a vehicle for your next Colorado vacation might seem rather straightforward, but the state’s unique terrain and unpredictable weather can pose unexpected challenges. From navigating snow or ice-covered mountain roads to understanding Colorado’s specific driving laws, it’s essential to be well-prepared.

Whether you’re renting an SUV or 4WD for an adventurous getaway in the Rockies or just need a simple sedan for exploring cities like Denver, it pays to avoid common mistakes that many travelers make when renting a vehicle in the Centennial State.

5 Mistakes People Make When Renting a Car in Colorado

Omitting Insurance Coverage

A common error many vehicle renters make is overlooking insurance options. Rental companies often provide insurance packages, but it’s vital to determine the specific coverage you’ll require for the driving and activities you are planning.

Don’t automatically accept offered insurance without first evaluating your current coverage through your own personal auto insurance or any complimentary insurance that may be offered through a credit card that you own and use to book your rental.

Overlapping coverage can result in needless spending, while inadequate coverage can leave you financially vulnerable during an accident. Always carefully assess your options to select the appropriate level of protection.

Adequate insurance coverage becomes especially important when renting a vehicle for travel in Colorado and around the Mile High City due to the state’s challenging driving conditions and unique risks like its unpredictable winter weather in the mountains that can include unforeseen snowstorms, ice storms, or hailstorms.  

Mountain roads often feature steep inclines and narrow, winding roads, which may increase the chances for accidents for travellers who are inexperienced with driving in the mountains. Another unique feature of driving in Colorado that you may not be familiar with is the high prevalence of large animals like elk, deer, bear, and bighorn sheep that often pose a threat to vehicles on roadways. Collisions with such large animals which are a common occurrence, especially at night, can cause significant damage to vehicles.

Cracked and chipped windshields caused by small rocks and gravel are another common occurrence. Note that many car rental insurance policies do not automatically cover windshield damage, which means you may need to add additional coverage to ensure your covered.

Insurance also becomes handy due to the fact many popular tourist areas in Colorado such as national parks and reserves are rather remote and experiencing a vehicle breakdown or accident in such places can prove to be expensive when it comes to needing towing services, repairs, or replacing your rental vehicle.

Overlooking Vehicle Inspection

Before driving away with your Denver airport car rental, we advise that you always thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any existing damage, regardless of how minor you think it may be. An agent from the car rental company will often conduct an inspection alongside you, but if not, then be sure to do a solo inspection yourself and use your smartphone to photograph with time and date stamps any pre-existing damage.

If damage is present when you pick up the car but neither you nor the agency documents it, you may be held responsible for such damage upon returning the vehicle. Resolving this issue can be challenging without proof that you in fact were not the cause of it.

A thorough inspection should involve taking time to look over the tires, windshield, lights, body, and interior. Document any minor dings and scratches as well as major damage or faults with the vehicle.

We have already highlighted a bit of how Colorado’s rough and mountainous roads can take a toll on vehicles, especially tires and suspension. If pre-existing damage, like worn tires or a cracked windshield, goes unnoticed, it could be made worse when driving on steep and curvy mountain roads. Overlooking an inspection could again not only leave you financially responsible for damages that weren’t actually your fault, but could also become a safety issue for you while driving.

Unsafe or inadequate tires as well as faulty windshield wipers could also become serious problems when driving in snow or ice. Failing to check these could put you in a dangerous situation when driving during winter months where hazardous weather is more common.

Delayed Car Return

Returning a rental car late might seem like a minor mistake, but it can incur substantial additional fees. Rental companies often adhere to strict schedules, so even a few hours’ delay in returning the vehicle can lead to significant additional charges.

A late return might also inconvenience the next renter and negatively impact your rental history. To prevent extra costs and complications, ensure timely vehicle returns and allow plenty of time for dropping-off and getting to the airport for your outgoing flight.

Colorado experiences significant tourism surges during the winter for skiing and summer for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. If you delay your rental return, it can disrupt the next reservation which makes some rental agencies impose stricter penalties because of the increased demand.

And don’t forget that Colorado’s infamous unpredictable hazardous mountain weather can impact the timely return of your rental vehicle if you do not prepare for the possibility of encountering bad weather or traffic congestion. Rental companies typically won’t waive fees due to weather delays unless specific provisions are in place, so it’s crucial to consider weather forecasts and risks ahead of time.

If your rental return is delayed, you may also inadvertently be extending your insurance coverage without realizing it. Whether it’s insurance from the rental company or your own personal policy, extra hours or days of coverage could increase your overall rental cost.

Overlooking Refueling Policies

Refueling policies differ among rental companies and can greatly affect your total rental expense. Some companies use a “full-to-full” policy, providing you with a vehicle that has a full tank of fuel and requiring its return in the same condition.

Others offer pre-paid fuel options or may provide an option to return the vehicle without refueling. Be mindful of the fact that although this option may seem convenient, it often comes at a steep price. If you return the car without a full tank, you will likely learn that having the rental car company do it for you will equate to paying a much higher price per gallon than the local gas stations you passed along the way while returning your vehicle would have cost.

Many rental return centers, particularly at major airports like Denver International Airport, may not be super close to gas stations. Be sure to research and plan ahead when it comes to knowing where the closest gas stations are to the rental car drop-off location so you don’t end up realizing there are no nearby fueling options and therefore be forced to return it with a tank that’s not completely full. 

Overlooking Terms and Conditions

Overlooking terms and conditions is another common mistake you’ll want to avoid when renting a car, so it’s crucial to review all terms and conditions before signing a contract. The most common negative impact that often results from skipping over the rental agreement’s terms and conditions is having to pay unexpected fees or penalties.

Ensure you are comfortable with the terms provided, and pay close attention to driver details, insurance options, age restrictions, mileage limits, pricing, and more. Verify all aspects covered under the rental contract and ensure you understand the terms for picking up and returning the vehicle. A lack of understanding can lead to issues after signing, especially if disagreements arise.

We have already mentioned how returning a rental vehicle without refueling can incur added fees, but there may also be financial penalties imposed if it is found that additional drivers not listed on the contract did in fact drive the vehicle or you drove the vehicle on unpaved roads or through areas that were not allowed under the terms and conditions.

Colorado also enforces strict traction laws during the winter months, requiring vehicles to have snow tires, chains, or four-wheel drive on certain roads. If you ignore the rental agreement’s conditions regarding winter equipment, you could be held responsible for not complying with local laws.

Colorado’s remote mountain areas often lack immediate roadside assistance services. Some rental companies have specific terms regarding what kind of help they will provide if you break down in a remote location. If you overlook these terms, you might find yourself stranded in a national park or remote area without the support you were expecting or may even be forced to pay out of pocket for a tow that wasn’t covered.

Lastly, many car rental companies enforce strict cancellation policies. If your travel plans change and you need to fully cancel or even simply return the vehicle earlier than agreed, you may face cancellation fees or forfeit a portion of the rental cost.