If you are considering renting a car for a business trip or a holiday, it is a good idea since it will save you a lot of money which you may have spent on taxi rides or having to rely on public transport solely. If you do not have any prior experience of renting cars, it will likely be exciting for you, but you should know that several risks come with it. Although you may easily get a cheap car hire, it is important to take a look at the terms and condition which come from it and whether they are financially viable for you. If you are looking to rent for the first time, you can rest assured that it is similar to booking a hotel room or an airplane ticket. Here are some of the things that you should know if you are renting a car for the first time.
1. Use a credit card:
Although renting a car is a fairly easy process but always consider using a credit card when you go to pick up the vehicle. If you are using a debit card instead, an extra amount will be charged, which can rise to a hundred dollars depending upon the circumstances. Although rental car companies used to check your credit score when you used a debit card, it has been changed recently. And this was done so that the company would know whether you will be able to pay back your bills however if you insist on using your debit card you should call before to see whether you would have to incur any additional cost. Using credit is found to be an effective method.
2. Young drivers cost more:
Although your 21 years old friend may be a better driver than you and has a clean record, it does not matter to the rental company. They will look at the young driver as a threat to their property and will likely charge a higher fee for the car. Many companies make it necessary for the user to pay additional fees if the driver is below the age of 25 so it would be better for you if you do not add your friend in the list of drivers so that your costs are lowered. You may let them drive in case the number of drivers is low, but it would be better for you if you minimize the hours that they spent behind the wheel.
3. Minimize the number of drivers:
When you are planning to go on a vacation with your friends, it will be wise for you to lower the number of drivers who will be driving. For every additional driver, you will have to pay an extra fee which may increase your costs. The fees are charged daily, so it does not matter whether those extra drivers have used the car, so make sure that you double-check the policy with them before you go and sign the rental agreement.
4. Look around for car insurance:
Although you may find the insurance plans at the agency, it will usually be higher than the amount that you will be willing to pay. Consider taking a look at the insurance plans of your vehicle and check whether they can cover rentals too. Also, consider calling your credit card company and see whether they offer insurance for rentals as a card benefit. Several companies will allow you to have low insurance as long as you use their specific card to reserve the car. You should also look around for car rental discounts which will apply for your case and reduce your cost.
5. Do not rent a car at the airport:
While considering to rent the car, you also consider taking into account the place from where you are planning to rent. Although it may be easy for you to pick up a car right at the airport, you do not realize that you pay a premium price for the right to pick up a car at the airport. The reason is that rental companies which are situated at the airport are required to pay a fee to the airport for conducting business on their premises, hence pass up the additional fees to the customer. You can avoid this by calling a cab to take you to the nearest rental company, which is not located at the airport.
6. Stay on paved roads:
Although it may seem obvious but not many rental companies would be too pleased for you to drive the car on the rocky landscape instead of using the road. If you are going to a spot that does not have a road laid out or are stick in the mud, the additional cost incurred for getting the car out will fall on you.
Conclusion:
Although renting a car is quite easy, but there are several strings attached which you need to be aware of so that your costs are not piled up to an amount which will likely ruin your mood when you go to pay the bill. You should carefully evaluate all your options so that you can have a fair idea of your expenses and know when to compromise on stuff. These options will significantly lower your costs so that you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your bill.
