Summer is the season for travel, and for many people that means booking flights, rental cars and hotels in far off places. Planning ahead and asking the right questions can help you avoid transportation headaches when you should be enjoying your much needed vacation. These tips for car rental can help make your vacation travel more affordable and devoid of unnecessary hassles.
-Make reservations early. Like airline tickets, the price of car rentals can increase as travel dates grow near and vehicle availability decreases. Especially during peak travel season, such as summertime, reserving a rental vehicle in advance can save you money and give you peace of mind that the vehicle will be available when you need it. Also, ask about the company’s cancellation policy at the time you make your reservation so that you will not be surprised later by owing undisclosed fees.
-Compare rates online. Shopping around for the best price and availability of the vehicle you prefer is the best way to get what you want. To avoid wasting too much time calling around, seek reputable websites that do the work for you. Good comparison sites allow you to see the rates and other details about different companies, and can save you both time and money. Make sure to take advantage of any online discounts that are offered.
-Seek a company that can accommodate your schedule. Make sure to find out the hours of operation for the rental company you are dealing with. Many are not open 24 hours, and you will probably need to be able to pick up and return the rental vehicle during a designated time frame. If you are flying and renting a car at your destination, check your arrival and departure times to ensure that the rental company will be open at the time of day that makes sense for your travel plans.
-Cover your bases. Upon picking up your vehicle, perform a thorough inspection with the rental agent, and make note on the contract of any existing damage. This precautionary measure will alleviate you from responsibility for damage to the vehicle that you did not cause.
-Comply with mileage restrictions. It is in your best interest to read the fine print of your contract to avoid surprises upon returning the vehicle. For instance, many contracts contain restrictions on the number of miles permitted with your contract as well as stipulations like a requirement to stay within the state. Failure to comply with your contract can result in extraneous charges or can negate the insurance coverage should something happen to the vehicle.
The earlier you make the reservation the better. The reservation should be made for at least a week in advance. But before you make that reservation be aware of the company's cancellation policies, on whether you will be required to pay for a cancellation fee or there is the necessity for an advance notice of a number of days to avoid penalty charges.
The car rental company that you will be selecting should be based on the following criteria namely price, service and availability. If you frequently travel, major car rental companies offer discounts and promos for repeat customers. If you travel only occasionally, you should make price comparisons based on the vehicle type you will be renting, the inclusive dates of the trip and the location. Bear in mind that vehicles rented out at the airport will have an airport surcharge or tax. Getting a rental car from a non-airport location will help you avoid this. A very important consideration as well would be the service. Do they offer roadside assistance in instances when the car breaks down accidentally? Can you easily contact them because they operate 24 hours?
Car rental companies would be selling you car rental insurance. Under the right circumstances, each of these different policies provide benefits but it is of utmost importance that you read the provisions including the exclusions and limitations before you get one.
Despite the added fees, any additional drivers should be included in the rental contract to avoid it from being void and compromising any claims on the car rental company's insurance and your personal insurance coverage as well. Many companies actually do not charge extra fees for a spouse.
Car rental companies offer two options of either paying for the fuel in advance and bringing it empty or refueling the vehicle yourself. Just think which works to your advantage. If you know that you will not be able to consume the entire full tank, you could save if you will refuel by yourself.
Before driving off in your rental car, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any existing scratches, dents and damage. Ensure that these are noted in the contract for you are typically held responsible for any damage to the vehicle beyond the normal wear and tear.
Abide by the terms of the contract such as mileage restrictions (if applicable), restricted activities, etc. to avoid penalties. Return the rental car on time to avoid paying for extra charges.
Both Greg Chapman & Jim Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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