Renting a car gives you an opportunity to discover your destination whatever it is at your convenience. Discover quick and easy car rental tips so that you can fully enjoy the rental experience, freely and without any worries.
1) Reserve Your Car Before Starting Your Trip
Car rental prices can vary greatly. Prices are usually lower if you book online in advance, compared to renting a car after you reach your destination.
It is best to book immediately after your flight is confirmed to avoid any last minute price increases and to get the type of car you want. Even if you are going on a surprise trip, booking the night before your travel date can save you money . Online assessments can help you choose a good car rental company. Every car rental company is different, as are airlines. Some brands offer great prices but fall short on service. Others cherish the high quality of their cars and outstanding customer service, so their customers don’t mind paying a little bit more.
2) Set Your Appointments Appropriately
Set pickup and delivery dates that give you plenty of time. Many people do not know that being late for the rental car does not mean that the car will remain available to them. If you are traveling on a plane, give yourself at least an hour to go through passport security and baggage claim. If you are flying to a popular destination during the peak travel season, give yourself more time to rest assured. Book delivery date for your car about two hours and a half from the date of your flight before. Car rental companies charge a late fee, so allow enough time to drive back.
3) Share the Trip
The price of the rental car includes one driver, but the renter can pay an additional amount to add drivers to share the experience.
Driving in another country is more difficult than driving in your own country, as the speed differences, new street plates and different laws may surprise you. If you are traveling with other people, you may find that paying to add a driver is convenient for two or more people to drive. Shared driving gives everyone a chance to rest and enjoy the views outside.
4) Know Well About Your Insurance
Rental cars usually include basic coverage, but not all parts of the vehicle. If feeling more protected is more important to you, you can buy additional coverage when you book your car, or buy it online from an insurance provider, or from the car rental staff when you pick up the car. The decision to purchase additional insurance is up to you, but make sure you know exactly what (and what it doesn’t) cover. So you won’t be surprised by a large amount if something happens later. To find out more, see How does insurance work when I rent a car?
5) Read the Information, Keep the Papers
Nobody enjoys reading detailed terms, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to read it so that the insurance you’re buying is clear and you avoid problems later. If you book online, you should find the terms and conditions on the website attached to your booking confirmation, so you can view them in the comfort of your own home before starting your trip.
When you pick up your rental car, the car rental agent will check your documents and take a payment from your credit card as a security deposit. You will definitely need your driver’s license, credit card and any proof of identity. But you may need other documents as well, so check the terms and conditions of your rental car before you set out. To find out more, see what to expect when you pick up your rental car.
6) Know the Costs Well
By comparing car rental prices online, you will be sure to get a good price. But there may be costs to pay later when you arrive to collect the car. You will know the total price of your rental car before you set out, when you check the prices of any extras you want such as an extra chauffeur and delivery of the car at a location other than pick up. You will find the cost of any extras in the terms and conditions of your rental. To find out more, see Car rental costs and surcharges
7) Do Not Focus All Your Attention on the Car
Some people don’t know that when they rent a car, they are not booking a particular make and model. In fact, rental cars are booked on an “or similar” basis, which means that the car you get will be similar in size and features to what you booked. So don’t worry too much when trying to choose between a particular car and another similar to it, because you may get either one or even another car altogether. To learn more, see Choosing the Right Kind of Rental Car.
8) An Additional Car Kit May Be Useful
Car rental companies provide GPS devices for a daily fee, as well as child seats, ski racks, and other extras. You can save money by bringing your own extra gear.
Unfortunately, car rental companies do not guarantee that you will get the additional equipment you requested, such as infant and child seats. So, bring your extra gear to avoid last-minute problems. You will save the daily rental fee and guarantee the quality. Also, many airlines allow two infant or child equipment to be brought in for free. You can use your smartphone if you are used to using a GPS/navigation device in your own car and do not want to pay daily rental fees. Simply upload your destination maps before you set off.
9) Do Not Hesitate to Ask Questions
Ask whatever comes to your mind when you arrive at the rental car company’s office, and be sure of all your information. Make sure you know exactly how to pick up the car, what the fuel policy is, if there are local tariff gates, and if you will be charged for anything else.
Now you are ready to go and discover. enjoy your trip!