If you are going to move to the other side of the country this summer, having a rental car waiting for your arrival can be a tempting option. Car rental companies are a rising value that offer tourists the power to freely choose each and every one of the stops on their trip. Of course, saving your private vehicle hundreds of kilometers does not exempt you from booking your trips to the destination and dealing with rental agencies until you find the perfect car.
The companies have a wide range of vehicles for rent. Therefore, before comparing prices, it is advisable to narrow your search based on the model or the power you need. For example, select only people carriers if you are traveling as a family or cars if you are traveling as a couple. A high-powered SUV will suit your getaway to a rural area, while a few horsepower will suffice for city driving. Make sure that the vehicles have the extras you need, such as child restraint seats.
When you are clear about this part, carefully read all aspects of the rental agreement before signing it. Review which aspects are included and which are excluded from the final price and what fees or taxes are going to be applied to you and renegotiate those matters on which you are not satisfied. As a tip, try to take several detailed photographs of the vehicle to demonstrate the state in which you picked it up in case you miss a dent or scratch. Do not forget to also file all documentation related to this procedure.
Renting agencies reserve the right to ask you for a bond or deposit as a guarantee in the event that you return the vehicle in poor condition or after the agreed period. To do this, you must provide the details of a credit card, on which the amount of the deposit will be retained and which will only be charged in the event of an incident. You must also have your ID, your valid driving license and, probably, a document that proves your place of residence at hand.
Rental cars are usually insured by third parties or fully comprehensive with a franchise, another issue that you should take into account when comparing. Check that the company also offers you the roadside assistance service and replacement vehicle to avoid having to pay for a tow truck or being stranded in the event of a breakdown. In general, insurers do not cover drivers under the age of 25 or with a license for a short time, and if there are going to be several people driving, each one must present the corresponding documentation.
Some companies impose a limit on the mileage that you can do with your car, as well as the payment of a few cents for each kilometer in which you exceed that limit. If the cost per kilometer is high, it will be worth paying extra to have unlimited mileage.
When returning the car, make sure you comply with the company’s requirements regarding fuel level or any other aspect. Check the damage that may be inside or outside and, in case there is no one to attend to you, re-photograph the car from various angles to cover yourself against possible problems.
