If you are traveling, you may need to rent a car. Click here to learn some of the best tips on how to rent a car when traveling.
Nearly 100 million Americans will go on a vacation this year. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can help you minimize stress and refocus your energy on things that really matter. The key to having a great vacation is planning out every detail.
Once you have decided where you want to go on this journey, the next thing you should consider is how you will get around while on vacation. Most people dread the thought of using public transportation while on vacation, which is why they typically rent a car.
Learning how to rent a car can be more difficult than you think. Trying to rush through this process can be disastrous, which is why taking your time and weighing all options is crucial.
Here are some of the things you need to remember when renting a car.
Make Sure You Need the Extra Insurance
One of the main things employees at car rental businesses love doing is upselling consumers on the insurance plans they have. During the booking process, you will undoubtedly be asked whether or not you want to invest in this insurance. The first inclination most people have is that they need this insurance in the event of an accident.
However, many auto insurance policies cover collision damage or personal liability in the event of a rental car accident. Before you head out to pick up your car rental, take the time to get your insurance provider on the phone. Finding out exactly what your existing policy covers can help you greatly.
If your insurance company will not cover these types of accidents, you are probably better off getting the policy offered by the rental provider. The extra money you pay will be worth it considering the money you will have to pay out of pocket if an accident is not covered.
Don’t Settle on the First Rental Car You Find
Most newcomers to the world of renting a car fail to realize just how many options are on the market. There are cars of all shapes and sizes for rent. Before going out to look at the selection for rental vehicles at your disposal, take stock of what you need.
For instance, if you are going to be traveling with a large group of people while on vacation, a van or SUV is a great option. However, if it is just you and a friend, then you can probably get by with renting a fuel-efficient coupe or sedan.
Simply settling on the first car you come across may lead to mistakes being made. While research all of the available car rental options can be time-consuming, it is definitely worth the effort.
Check a Car Rental Company’s Reviews
Where you rent your car from is as important as what type of car you get. Making sure the supplier you have chosen is both reputable and experienced is a must. Unfortunately, there are a number of car rental companies on the market that take advantage of an inexperienced consumer.
If you want to assess how well a car rental provider has performed for others in the past, take a look at their online reviews. Performing a Google search of the company’s name can help you unlock a treasure trove of helpful information.
The last thing you want to do is choose a car rental supplier that has nothing but bad reviews. While some bad reviews can be expected, ideally you want to choose a company with a large number of positive reviews.
Avoid Small Conveniences to Save a Few Dollars
Most people think letting a car rental company handle every aspect of getting a vehicle ready for the road is a good idea. In reality, allowing the rental company to fill up the vehicle with gas or top off washer fluid may end up costing you more money in the long run. Most car rental suppliers will charge a convenience fee to do these tasks.
Instead of paying money for these services, you can save a few dollars by performing them on your own. Filling up the tank with gas is something you need to do anyway.
Before you sign off on a particular car rental, figure out what types of hidden charges the contract has. Looking over this paperwork with a fine-tooth comb can help you uncover wasteful spending and save money.
Only Use One Driver
There is nothing quite as enjoyable as taking a long road trip with friends and family. While you may want help driving long distances, it can cost you additional funds to add an additional driver to the rental car paperwork.
If you want to go on vacation and stay on budget, then leaving off the additional driver is probably a good idea. Planning rest stops along the way can help you avoid getting worn out.
Don’t Add GPS To Your Rental
Another upsell you will be offered when at the rental car counter is adding a GPS. This add on can tack on quite a bit to your overall tab.
Instead of paying for GPS, you can always use your phone and navigate the roadways with the help of Google Maps. Utilizing the power of this technology can help you get to your destination in not time at all. While you will have to burn a bit of data to use this program, it will be less expensive than paying for a standalone GPS unit provided by the car rental company.
Learning How to Rent a Car the Right Way is Important
Saving money is only possible when learning how to rent a car the right way. By following the tips in this article, you can get a quality car rental without overpaying.
Are you looking for more great travel tips? If so, check out the rest of the blogs on our website.
