Whether planning a road trip or just needing a vehicle on your vacation, renting a car is the best idea for exploring the destination. However, renting a car can be overwhelming, especially when you are abroad, with various options, fees, policies and regulations. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, it is important to be well-informed and prepared. Undeniably, every country has different rules and regulations that you need to learn before heading or renting a car. But basic car rental tips can help you save money & hassle and result in the best car rental experience.
How To Hire the Best Car? Follow These Car Rental Tips
Whether you are travelling to Europe or America, you can rent a car anywhere. Here are some essential car rental tips and tricks to ensure a great rental experience.
Book In Advance
The best car rental advice to save money and hassle is to book in advance. Popular travel destinations and peak season can lead to a shortage of the best cars, which can impact your travel plans and experience. Last-minute rentals can be significantly more expensive. The earlier you book, the better rates and vehicles you can secure. The best time to rent a car before a trip is 2-3 days before your requirement, or if possible, book it along with your flights and hotel booking.
Compare Rates & Options
One of the important car rental tips is to compare the rates and options. Use online platforms and aggregators’ websites to compare rates across different rental agencies. Settling for the first agency option can lead to the wrong decision. Several websites offer perks and discounts for first-time customers and some offer membership cards for regular customers. This way, you can save money and get the best car option. Make sure to check the hidden fees, driver charges, airport fees, and insurance costs.
Get To Know About Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is among the crucial car rental tips and tricks. Check whether your personal car or any general insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance. If not, purchase additional insurance from a nearby reliable vehicle insurer or ask your car rental company for temporary insurance. This car rental advice should not be ignored as this insurance will prevent you from unexpected expenses in case of accidents and damages.
Confirm Age Restrictions
A few car companies have age restrictions for drivers. The average age for renting a car is 25. However, it may vary from country to car-renting company. Checking age restrictions is one of the best car rental tips. Also, ask the rental company if they provide drivers. However, they might charge fees for it.
Check The Car & Rental Policies Thoroughly
Before driving off, inspect the car thoroughly from inside and out. Note that if anything is already damaged or scratched, inform the rental company and get it documented. Another piece of car rental advice is to understand all the rental policies, such as the fuel policy. Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank of gas, while others may offer the option to pay. Understanding these policies is considered among the important car rental tips to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Familiarise Yourself With Local Driving Laws
Different countries have different driving rules and regulations, and understanding them before driving on foreign countries’ roads will boost your driving experience and save you from nuisances. These regulations may include speed limits, parking rules, or any other unique signs or practices that you might not be familiar with. Knowing all driving rules and regulations is one of the indispensable car rental tips.
Prepare Yourself With The Necessary Documents
When renting a car, you definitely need some documents; renting without documents or information, such as a driving licence, passport, credit card, and temporary residence information, is impossible. So, collect all the documents before booking a car and provide them to the rental company when they entrust the car to you.
Must Read: Tips For Packing Light
Additional After-Journey Tips To Follow
Following these car rental tips will make your journey easier and more enjoyable. However, two additional tips will prevent after-journey problems.
Return The Car On Time
Make sure you return the car before the time. Late returns can result in additional charges, penalties, and even contract breach fines. Plan your schedule accordingly so that you can return it in a timely manner; otherwise, prepare to pay the extra amount.
Keep It Clean
One of the car rental tips that everyone should follow is to return the car in its original condition. Ensure its cleanliness when you hand it over to the rental company. Moreover, keep the safety of the car in mind. If you encounter any mess during your rental period, get it fixed before returning the car or surrender it to the rental company.
Renting a car is a good choice if you know car rental tips. The only secret to having a smooth car rental experience is understanding all the country’s rules and regulations and the driving and rental companies. This will allow you to focus on enjoying your journey to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I decide which car I should rent?
It is simple:
- Decide your budget and need
- Check the car’s condition
- Consider your luggage
- Think about the number of people
- It’s fuel average
- Keep the type of terrain you are going to drive in mind
2. Are rental cars monitored?
Car rental companies use trackers for several reasons, such as car trekking and ensuring the renter’s safety.
3. What is the best company to rent a car?
Zipcar, Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, and Kyto are some licenced car rental companies that offer services in multiple countries.
4. How do you handle a rental car?
Follow the simple tips like –
- Review the contract
- Follow traffic rules
- Treat it yours