Are you considering renting a car for the first time? Whether you are traveling for business or going on a vacation, renting a car will come in handy. This guide will provide you with some car rental secrets to help this process go smoothly.
Car Rental Tips
Here are some car rental tips to help you avoid making mistakes and instead help you to choose wisely.
Car Rental Insurance Is Not Necessary
Many times, car rental companies will try and sell you their own insurance plans. They will begin as soon as you book a rental car and you will probably hear about it until you pick up the vehicle. Many times, customers decline and leave it at that.
Fortunately, if you already have your own insurance policy, it may also cover personal liability and collision for rental vehicles. This is something you should check on before you rent a car.
Use a Credit Card
The best way to pay when renting a car is with your credit card. But, make sure that you use a credit card that offers primary rental insurance. For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card and use that to rent a car, you will receive $75,000 of coverage around the world.
Do Your Research
It is smart to do some research prior to booking a reservation with a rental company. You can start by comparing quotes with various rental companies to see what you can expect to pay. You can check out well-known rental company websites directly in addition to third-party booking sites to see what they have to offer. Don’t forget to read reviews, and use as many tools as you need.
Don’t Depend Only on Reviews
Yes, those reviews that you read online will mean something, but you should avoid basing your entire decision on them. It is wise to take the reviews you read with a grain of salt. It is easy for a customer to become angry and write a terrible review immediately on something extremely minor. But, the ones you should take note of are those that talk about cleanliness, quality, and customer service.
Fill Up the Gas Tank
While it may seem entirely easy to just allow the rental company to fill up your tank, you should really fill it up on your own before you bring it back. Sometimes there is even an option to prepay for fuel to obtain a lower rate.
Book Online
You can expect to find some of the best car rental rates when you book online versus booking in person. You should also aim to book a car rental at least a day in advance unless it is short notice. If you need a car on short notice, you should consider renting from a smaller company that would be willing to negotiate a fair price with you.
Meet the Age Requirements
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years of age. If you are 21-24, they may charge you more. But, make sure to conduct your own research to find out these requirements beforehand.