Are you planning an exciting road trip? Maybe you’re on vacation and want to explore the city independently. There are several ways of doing that. You could use your vehicle, but sometimes that might be unfeasible. The second option is public transport, which could be inaccessible and require you to stick to a strict schedule.
The best way out is to hire a car for a short time, ranging from a few days to weeks. But before going ahead, here are some more details connected with it that you should know.
A short introduction to car rentals
When you rent a car from a company in return for a fixed amount of money, it’s called a car rental. Apart from the company’s headquarters, there could be several local branches near airports or city centers where you could return the vehicle after using it.
Each company may have its own rules and conditions regarding rentals. However, most will ask you to return the car in the same condition. They will charge you extra in case of any damages to the tires, mirror, body, engine, or any part of the car. Almost all rental companies will rent to those above 20 years of age, and a valid driver’s license will be mandatory in nearly all cases.
Do you need insurance for rented vehicles?
Each company has its insurance policy when it comes to rented cars. For instance, you will not be allowed to rent a car without insurance in some companies.
The different kinds of insurance for rented vehicles are loss damage waiver, or LDW, supplemental liability protection, personal effects, and personal accident coverage. Your credit card can also work like insurance. But for that, you will have to pay the amount using the credit card that contains the insurance. Most cards offer secondary rather than primary coverage, which means that after an accident, you will contact your insurer first before contacting the card company.
What are the various types of cars you can rent?
Several types of cars are available with each company and are divided into categories with famous models in each. You can select a vehicle based on your requirements and preferences. Each of them will have varying features.
Sometimes, the model you choose could differ from the model you will get. That happens because companies keep updating their models or may not have a particular one available at a specific time. Some of the most popular categories of hired vehicles are compact, economy, full-size or premium, mid-size, luxury, convertible, minivan, passenger van, hybrid, pickup truck, and electric.
Do rented vehicles come with a full fuel tank?
The fuel policy will differ from one company to another. Most will give you the option of paying for a full tank as part of their pre-paid fuel policy. Some may have a full to full policy, which means that while dropping off the car, it should have the same amount of fuel it had when you rented it.
What is the best way to hire cars?
You can contact a car rental company directly if you know one. Or, you could take the help of online booking websites to connect you to the best hiring services. They will let you search the vehicle of your choice, compare the prices, check the location, and eventually book one you like. The process is relatively straightforward.
Good to read articles like this and do research before renting since there is such a variation in price and policies. I have also taken photos of any prior damage on the car I am renting and noted it on the contract.
I agree that it is important to research the rental company before you use it. They are not all the same.
Renting a car can be very expensive. Read the contract BEFORE you sign it to see if there are hidden fees.