How to become a Car Rental Officer

Duties & Tasks of a Car Rental Officer

Car rental officers may perform the following tasks:

• Receive enquiries from the public either in person or by telephone, take bookings and inform customers of the rental rates charged
• Book customers by entering details such as the type of car, rental period and planned journey into a computer or onto the appropriate form
• Check customers' identification and drivers licences, draw up rental contracts and process payments using a computer system
• Arrange for cars to be ready for customers at the rental office or delivered to their hotels or places of business
• Explain the controls of the rental cars to customers and provide them with directions and tourist information when necessary
• Check returned cars to log kilometres travelled and for any damage, enter details into a computer and present final accounts to customers
• Receive payment and return customers' prepayments
• Note any car problems encountered by customers and follow up with appropriate action
• Process overdue vehicles and collect additional payment
• Arrange for cars to be cleaned and refueled, ready for the next customer
• Collate all transactions into a daily report and balance the cash and till.

Working conditions for a Car Rental Officer

Car rental officers are usually required to work shifts, including weekends, and especially at airports. At peak times, they are required to work quickly and efficiently under stressful conditions. They have a considerable amount of contact with the public. Uniforms are often provided.