The experience of car rental has become more convenient, less expensive, and even a little more luxurious. From the busy week-long business traveler to the vacationing family of four, the ease of Internet reservations and price comparisons offer consumers a choice in how they select a rental car provider.
Here are several car rental tips and suggestions to consider when planning your next rental car reservation:
Do Your Homework
Before beginning your car rental reservation research, make sure you have all travel dates and times in hand. If your dates are flexible, keep that in mind when conducting your research. If you have the time, conduct your car rental research in advance; at least one week if possible.
Its important to determine what level of research you prefer to conduct. While it may seem like a bright idea to thoroughly review all major car rental companies to find the best, most competitive rate, you will have to spend a considerable amount of time sifting through each and every company’s website.
Consider using a travel-related website such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Obritz to conduct your price comparisons instead so that you spend less time researching. Not all travel websites feature car rental companies’ savings and offers however. This is the primary reason for determining exactly how much research you prefer to conduct.
In order to legally rent a car in the United States, you must typically be at least 18 years of age, though age requirements vary by state and individual car rental company policy. You must also be a licensed driver with a valid, current drivers license and a major credit card, since car rental companies do not accept cash or checks as a form of payment.
The final step to complete before beginning your car rental research is to check with your insurance agent to determine if your personal automobile policy will cover any accidents, damages, loss or theft to your rental car. If so, dont spend the extra money purchasing rental car insurance. For many, it is a waste of money.
You can also check with your credit card company to determine if any benefits or protection are provided when using their credit card for the car rental reservation. A special note to business travelers: You should discuss insurance requirements with a member of your companys legal department prior to purchasing car rental insurance. In some cases, a blanket policy by the company may cover accidents, damages, repairs, loss, and so on. However, a corporate automobile insurance policy may only cover executives and specified drivers, and not all employees.
Keep Car Classes in Mind
Most car rental companies offer similar rental vehicle choices by car “classes” like luxury, full-size, mid-size, compact, and economy. Additional vehicle classes such as sports cars, SUVs, and minivans have become popular choices among travelers as well.
These particular car class categories have similar price ranges with each car rental company. The only exception may be the exact vehicle types and manufacturer of each vehicle. While some companies may offer a Lincoln Continental as a full-size vehicle, another may offer a Ford Taurus.
Be sure to keep in mind approximately how much space you will need during your travels. If you’re taking a family of four to sunny Florida for a week-long visit, you may very well need the space of a full-size vehicle. However, if you dont plan to drive very often, you may want to consider a less-pricey mid-size vehicle instead.
Speaking of car rental class; when completing your reservation, you may have a specific car in mind. An important factor to remember is you are reserving a particular car rental rate, not the actual car. When you arrive at the counter, the specific car you had in mind may not be available. An alternative car in the same car rental rate category may be offered and in some cases, you may even receive a complimentary upgrade should no cars be available in your reserved car rental rate category. Just remember to be a little flexible.
Shop Around
Price, as with any financial purchase we make, is often the primary consideration when renting a car. Car rental companies have long faced increased competition. Most companies have responded with reduced rates and incentives to attract consumers.
While you may believe some prices are high and some are low, keep in mind your destination. If you’re traveling to a popular city such as Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Washington, car rental rates will be increasingly higher than cities such as Fargo, North Dakota or Paducah, Kentucky. Destination popularity and demand are most often the key drivers in car rental rates.
Keeping in mind the vacationing family of four, pick up and drop off convenience always should be considered when renting a car. Those traveling with small children, or the business traveler requiring increased convenience, may benefit from choosing a car rental provider with onsite facilities including car pick up at the airport.
Unfortunately, some airports just aren’t equipped with the space to house car rental companies and their fleet. In these circumstances, a shuttle is provided for transportation from the airport terminal to the rental lot. There you will meet with a car rental company representative to complete the necessary rental agreement and pick up keys to the vehicle. However, should you travel to a destination providing a choice of car rental pick up and drop off locations, it is always advised to pick up and drop off your rental car directly at the airport.
With our family of four taking a week-long vacation, car rental rates can be quite pricey. Be sure to research car rental company rates, especially those who offer a weekly rate option. These price options are almost always less expensive than the excessive daily car rental rates. Even if you end your vacation early, there is almost always no penalty for early drop off.
One of the most important factors in car rental consideration is mileage. This particular factor can either keep your car rental experience pleasant and affordable, or miserable and exorbitant. Fortunately, increased competition among major car rental companies has reduced mileage rates or eliminated them altogether. Make sure you determine the exact amount of miles included with your car rental reservation. It is ideal and highly recommended to always go with a car rental company offering unlimited mileage.
Final Considerations
Upon arriving at the car rental company counter you will be asked several questions to confirm your reservation. The car rental company representative will verify your drop off date and time and will review any related drop off charges. Drop off fees may include a late drop off or dropping the car off at a different location than where you picked it up. Make sure that you fully understand any and all applicable drop off fees.
Another pricey component, in addition to mileage, is the fuel option. Car rental companies require the fuel tank be full when the rental car is returned at the drop off location. Although you are not required to purchase fuel prior to returning the vehicle, some car rental companies may charge excessive gasoline charges, think $5.00 per gallon plus, as a cost of convenience for the renter. Therefore, it is very highly recommended you always stop to fill up the rental car gas tank prior to returning the vehicle. You should only utilize the fuel option when absolutely necessary (flight time change, running late, etc.) in an effort to avoid excessive gasoline charges.
And finally, dont be afraid to ask questions. Pick up the phone and call the car rental company with any questions about rates, mileage, vehicle sizes, etc. during your research, or at any time during your rental period. One of the most important components to car rental is conducting your research. By following these tips and suggestions, you will have the knowledge and information to better determine the most appropriate car rental choice for your travel needs.