Renting a car for your next trip can be a hassle if you don’t know where to start. From finding the best deal to understanding what’s included and considering insurance options, car rental can be daunting especially if you are in a different country. Comparing car rental online is the best way to find a deal that meets all your needs. This article explains how to go about that.
How to book a rental car
The most convenient way to make a car
rental booking is to use a car rental comparison website. This has many
advantages. When you input your dates and your pick-up location, you will be
able to view as many available offers as possible at that location. You will
then be able to select which one is right for you. Pay careful attention to the
rental conditions. Click through to the provider of your choice and follow the
instructions on their page. Some comparison websites will negotiate rates with the
car rental companies so that users of their platform can obtain the lowest
prices from the rental company. Some will even arrange a 24/7 multilingual
customer service.
Pay attention to reviews
It is customary for renters to leave
a review after they drop off a rented car. These ratings are valuable when you
are searching for a car to rent. Look for an excellent service rating badge for
the rental companies in the location you have selected.
Ensure that the offer meets your
needs
Make sure the offer you select meets
your requirements. For example the interior car space and the trunk size should
be adequate for the number of persons travelling.
Book early
It is important to make your
reservation as early as possible especially if the rental is during a travel
peak period such as the summer. In general, prices go up as you approach the
start date of your trip. It is therefore wise to book ahead in order to save.
You can always make changes or cancel the booking if your plan changes.
What you require to rent a car
Some locations require a renter to be
at least 21 years but many European countries and the states of Michigan and
New York in the United States allow persons who are 18 to rent a car. When you
search online, you can check the age requirement for your location by entering
your age before you click search.
You will require a means of identification
such as an international passport, your driver’s license and a means of payment
to pick up the car. In most cases, the driver’s license should have been held
for at least a year. You will also need a credit card to leave a security
deposit although some global rental companies accept debit cards to leave a
deposit and to make payment but they must be Visa or Mastercard. Check the
payment policy section of the rental company you have selected to see if they
accept debit cards.
Pay attention to the fuel policy of
the rental company. Most companies provide a full tank before pick-up and it is
expected that the car is fully refuelled before it is returned.
Supplemental liability insurance for
rental cars
You may wish to take supplemental car rental damage and liability insurance in case you are involved in an accident during the rental
or you somehow damage the vehicle. Some rental car damage policies may also provide coverage against theft, vandalism and damage due to fire, windstorm, hail and flood.
Final thoughts
Finding a car to rent online is a great way of securing a good rental deal especially if you book early. You will be able to compare prices and evaluate the rental conditions attached to the offers before making a booking.
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