8 CRITICAL THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENTING A CAR

Renting a car is easy if you really know how to. But the fact is that whether you are a first time or seasoned traveler, car rental can be daunting if you don’t understand how to rent a car.

Do you want to avoid the common hidden fees charged by the car rentals? Here are 8 critical things you must know before renting a car.                              

1. Have Your Genuine Documents and Papers Ready

There is nothing as bad as reaching a car rental just to notice that you have left all the necessary papers or documents you need for the contract such as your credit card, driver’s license, and lots more at home. As a result, make sure you have your credit card and a legally binding and genuine driver’s license with you before approaching any company to rent a car.

Note: Credit Card is a Must

In order to cover for incidental charges like traffic violations, parking tickets, and missing fuel among others, a number of these car rentals will want you to produce a valid credit card as a guarantee. In this type of transaction, debit cards are normally not acceptable as a kind of security. and car rental companies will ask for a valid credit card under the renter’s name.

2. Avoid Renting a Car at the Airport

Don’t book a car for rent from agencies located within the airport as you will be paying through your nose. The best you can do is to take a taxi to a rental service outside the airport.  On the other hand, you can book by phone before your arrival at the airport.

3. Do a Thorough Inspection of the Car

Before you sign an agreement, make sure you have a careful inspection of the car in the presence of rental cars agent or representative, so that you will not be held liable for existing damage that must have happened to the car. In addition, let the representative sign off for any dent, scratch or ding you detect. A good number of rental cars necessitate you to sign an inspection form. Make sure you are not in a hurry or rush through the process. Make sure to go through this post about The Best Type of Car To Rent.

4. Fill Up the Gas Tank Before Returning the Car

When you are through with the car, you just have to return it. Car rental companies always require that you return the car with a full tank of gas. Otherwise, they will charge you exorbitantly to fill the tank back for you. Make sure you do the filling yourself at a gas station very close to the outlet of the rental company.

5. Use Your Credit Card to Carry Rental Cars

Renting a car is a no-brainer, but make sure you pick rental cars from the company, using your credit card. You can also make use of a debit card to your bank, but a number of rental car companies will always confirm your credit score to ascertain that you are creditworthy to pay any charges.

However, you won’t have to border about going through a credit check if you make use of a credit card. You must also be aware of the fact that some car rentals will withhold some funds from your card until you return their car.

6. Take Your own Personal Things (Extras) with You

Taking your personal belongings or extras with you on your trip will save you a lot of money. For instance, you may need a baby seat (if you are traveling with your baby), radio and GPS system. All these will come expensive from the rental cars. Therefore, pack your own traveling extras along with you whenever possible. And make sure the rental company remove their own from the car before you pick up the car to avoid the costly charges of the extras.

7. Keep the Number of Drivers to a Minimum

When you rent a car, you will have to pay for additional drivers. The more extra drivers, the higher the amount you will pay. The practice is that you will have to add the names of the additional drivers you are taking on your trip on the rental contract. Which will increase the cost considerably?

Another factor that will affect charges is the age of the extra driver. That’s because drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 are always expensive. Hence, reduce the number of additional drivers to the minimum you can afford in order to avoid unbearable costs.

8. Return as Scheduled

Rental companies operate on a very tight schedule, particularly in the high season and peak periods. As a result, make sure you return the car as soon as you agreed because returning the car later than the agreed period can cost you the whole rental day charges plus additional charges, particularly if you didn’t keep the car rentals informed. To avoid this problem, don’t keep the vehicle until it is too late.

Final Thoughts

You can take pleasure in the convenience of having a car rental, without paying unanticipated charges, if you understand things to look for when signing the contract. The best tip of all when it comes to renting a car is to carry out a bit of research and ask many questions. This is all for you to know what you’re really getting – and what you’re paying for – with your rental cars.  Make sure to also check this list of top 10 car rental tips and tricks for an efficient and stress-free process.

What is Needed to Rent a Car? Your List of Basic Requirements

A Certain Minimum Age

Most rental companies worldwide require the driver be at least 25 years of age. In some countries or offices they might allow the renter to be less of age. A certain additional fee may be applied though. It is important to know that if you are planning to have more than one person driving, then all should be of the required age and should be registered at the rental office.

A Valid Driving License

While it goes without saying, a valid driving license is a must. It is a major requirement of what is needed to rent a car anywhere in the world. Your driving license can be a local one or an international license. Your existing license could work in certain countries, but you will have to verify with the rental company the list of countries applicable.

An Active Credit Card

Most rental companies place a hold on your credit card as a down payment and for security reasons. They don’t process the blocked amount unless you fail to return the car as specified in your contract. Be ware though, your spending limit on your card may be reduced by the blocked amount.

Your Own Car Insurance Policy

This will apply if  you plan on reducing the fees of the insurance policy offered by the rental office. Your own car insurance policy, if you own a vehicle, could already include some sort of rental car insurance coverage. So bring it along with the rest of what is needed to rent a car to guarantee that reduction.

Now that you have your list of basic requirements to rent a car, all you need is the right website to book your car in advance. Log on to Carsirent.com, an online friendly platform with the most competitive rates in more than 45,000 locations around the world.

RENTING A CAR IN THE US? HERE ARE SOME TOP TIPS & TRICKS

A road trip through the United States is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The US is home to some of the most beautiful and well-kept national parks, bustling cities and amazing scenery. The coolest part about the United States is how much all of the parts vary from one another. The northeast has historical roots in the colonial era, the South has its own pace and the west still feels as vast and open as it did 100 years ago. The places to visit in this wonderful country are endless and the best way to visit is via a road trip. Here are some tips and tricks when renting a car in the US. 

Renting A Car In The US Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Model

Car rental companies offer a wide variety of models from which to choose. These include standard cars, crossovers, pickup trucks, oversized models and more. A good road trip will be dependent on finding the proper model. For example, couples will be fine with a small-size car or sedan. This will be more affordable and get better gas mileage. However, larger vehicles are recommended when traveling with a larger group or family. Choosing the right model can help ensure the trip is enjoyable and comfortable. Each model will come with inherent pros and cons that should be taken into consideration during the selection process. Choosing the right car model is one of the most important tips and tricks when renting a car in the US.

Drive Carefully

The driving conditions in the United States can differ slightly from other countries, at times to a great extent. It can be dangerous for one to drive with the same expectations as in their home country. Instead, it is important to learn about how driving in the United States on a road trip will be. This information can be found online through instructional videos or by talking with citizens of the US. There are some key components to be aware of when driving in the US. First and foremost, drivers use the right lane. Semi trucks are an often seen sight in the US. These and other large vehicles should be looked out for regularly. Driving carefully is definitely one of the most important tips and tricks when renting a car in the US.

Check the Dashboard

Checking the Dashboard is also one of the important tips and tricks when renting a car in the US. A majority of vehicles come equipped with a dashboard full of important information about the car. These lights, radars, and dials can help drivers know when something isn’t functioning correctly. Some common issues include low gas, lights not working properly, an open trunk or door, and more. The dashboard is outfitted to alert drivers when there are problems or potential problems. Checking the dashboard regularly when on a road trip in the US can help prevent damage or other problems. Each rental vehicle should come with a guide describing the meaning of each light on the dashboard. Consult this when questions arise.

Proper Insurance

When renting a vehicle, insurance should always be purchased. Insurance can help protect the driver, passengers, potential damage to the vehicle and others involved in an accident. Without car insurance, drivers run the risk of losing out on a lot of money. The insurance acts as a protection. There are several forms of car and renters insurance that can be chosen from. Renters should request the car rental company to discuss the different methods offered. Insurance can also be purchased outside of the car rental agency. Proper insurance can help a renter feel safe and protect if something bad were to happen when renting a car in the US.

Pay Attention to Signs

Driving in the United States can become complicated at times because of the extensive highway network that has been created. Both state and federal roads have been built to connect all parts of the country with ease. Different driving rules apply to different roads and may even change depending on the time of year or time of day. For example, speeds are typically higher on highways although they may be significantly reduced due to constructions. Paying attention to signs during a road trip can help keep the driver and passengers safe and protected from receiving a ticket from an officer. 

Renting a car in the US doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Renters need to pay attention to detail during the renting procedure and during the actual road trip. Following these five travel tips can help travelers to enjoy their road trip in the US.

To help you plan your trip better, enter your details in the search box below to check our Car Rental Rates in the US from major international and trusted car rental brands.