Rental cars save mileage on your own vehicle, provide transportation while on vacation or give you a way to get around when your car is in the shop. Before you book a rental car, gain a basic understanding of the process; knowing the ins and outs of renting a car helps you get the best car for your needs and save money.
Requirements
Rental companies set their own standards for renting a car to a customer. Many companies require the person renting the car to be 25 or older. You can find a few companies that will rent to people 21 and over. A company may look at your driving record to determine if you have any major driving-related incidents that indicate you are a poor driver. You need a valid credit or debit card to cover the deposit on the car.
Insurance
In most cases your own auto insurance covers any damages you cause to a rental car. The rental company will offer you additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Coverage for an extra fee per day. Check with your car insurance company before you rent to determine if you are covered in a rental car. If not, contact your credit card company, which may offer a rental protection coverage. For an additional fee, the credit card company may cover deductibles and other expenses not covered by your primary insurance. To put this into effect, you must use that credit card to pay for the rental. If your luggage is damaged in an accident in the rental car, your homeowner's insurance may cover the cost. You can save a significant amount of money on the rental if you don't need the extra coverage plans.
Costs
The daily rental rate for the vehicle is the base cost. You will often incur additional expenses that are added to the final bill. Check on the mileage limit or restrictions on where you can drive the vehicle to avoid additional charges for driving long distances. The fuel you use may be included in the final fees. You may pay for a tank of gas when you rent the car so you can return the car empty, but consider how much you will drive and the cost of gas in that location. The rate charged by the company may be higher than filling up the tank yourself before you return the car. If you won't drive the car very much, you may not go through an entire tank. Another option may be to pay for the amount of gas you use. Other possible fees include airport surcharges, extra drivers, young drivers and an extra charge for dropping the vehicle off at a different location. The taxes you pay on the rental vary based on local tax rates.
Rental Tips
Shop around for rental car rates by contacting the companies directly and using discount travel sites. Some rental companies offer occasional discount codes for reduced rates. The cost also varies based on where and when you rent the car and how long you keep it. For a full week, your per-day rental cost is likely to be lower. A smaller vehicle also saves you money. Request the total charge based on the additional features and surcharges you will incur so you are able to accurately compare the quotes.
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