Planning for a Smooth Car Rental

Planning for a Smooth Car Rental

Just about everyone will need to rent a car at some point in their life. You might need a car rental if you fly away on vacation; you might need a car rental if you move to a new home; and you might need a car rental if your family car is undergoing repairs.

Regardless of the reason, there are many car rental companies to choose from so it will help you to familiarize yourself with the process and to shop around for the best price. Most car rental companies have websites now which makes it super easy to find rental information.

Visit the Car Rental Company Websites

While there are plenty of consolidator type websites that will give you prices for all available rental car companies, you should still visit the various company websites directly to see if there are any rental car specials that appear only on the direct website.

Get a Rental Car That Suits Your Purpose

When it comes to rental car selection, there is an endless supply of makes and models to choose from. Compact cars, mid-size cars, sedans, SUVs, cargo vans, even moving trucks; you should base your rental car choice on the type of vehicle that best suits your purpose.  If you are taking a long drive and you need to save on gas for example, then it’s wise to choose a small or fuel efficient car. If you’re going to take a business client to a  nice dinner however, it might be wiser to rent a sedan or a luxury model vehicle. Appropriate car rental research and suiting the car to your purpose will always help you have a smoother car rental experience.

Know the Contract

In order to prevent hassles and disagreement with the counter agent, it will be helpful to read the rental car agreement or rental contract before you arrive to the rental car counter. Know the rates for your selected vehicle for example, their policies on gasoline consumption and miles, and whether there are specific payment requirements  (i.e. credit cards but not debit cards for payment).

Insurance

The rental car company will ask you if you would like to purchase insurance or use your own personal insurance coverage. If you decide to use your personal insurance, find out in advance if your insurance company will cover the car rental during the rental duration. Also find out the specifics if another driver is driving the vehicle other than you.

Conclusion

You’ll be fine and the process will go smoothly. Just do a little advance work and have a terrific rental car experience!

Related Posts
Hotwire Brings Back the $13.95 Car Rental
Buying Rental Car Insurance | Pros and Cons

Hotwire Leads the Pack with $13.95 Car Rentals

Right now, Hotwire seems to have the cheapest rates on name-brand car rentals, discount car rentals, and airport car rentals. Here's a rental car coupon link for some $13.95 Hotwire offers!

Find rental cars from $13.95 a day at Hotwire. No hidden fees -- drive away a deal today!

I just clicked it and even found some $9.95 offers in Chicago :-)

Enjoy!

Buying Rental Car Insurance Pros and Cons

If you have ever rented a car, you have undoubtebly been asked whether or not you wished to purchase car insurance from the rental car company.

Purchasing insurance from the rental car company isn't terribly expensive, but most of us have insurance on our own cars and choose to opt out of the rental car coverage.

Will your personal car insurance really be sufficient though?

It depends on the type of coverage you have.
Your personal car insurance coverage will transfer well to a rental car only if you have the coverage that the rental company requires. If you only have liability insurance on your personal automobile for instance, then you will be required to purchase insurance from the car rental company. Physical damage insurance (comprehensive and collision) is required by the rental car company - AND it is absolutely a necessity to have. Remember, the rental car insurance is fairly inexpensive so please don't leave yourself exposed because of a few bucks in insurance premium.

If you have a newer car of your own, you most likely have both liability insurance and physical damage insurance. In that case, your coverage, as you have it insured on your own vehicle, will transfer to your rental car. The rental car company will happily copy your insurance identification card, take your credit card information, and let you go on your merry way.

Happy renting!