7 Things to Know when Renting a Car

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

OurCarGuy - 11 Jan 2007 15:08 GMT

7 Things to Know when Renting a Car

In today's society, there are a number of reasons why people rent a
car. Some of the top reasons are vacations, a car they own is in the
shop and renting a nicer car for a special occasion. Whatever the
reason that you are considering renting a car; there are some things
that you should know first.

1- It is wise to shop around when looking for to rent a car. Always
find at least three rental car companies to compare, although more will
be better...

2- When you call, be sure to ask about price, vehicle availability, as
well as any specials that the branch has to offer...

3- You will want to ask about any special instructions that are
required of you while renting the car, for example, filling up the gas
tank or pick up and drop off times...

4- Many companies that will rent a car to you will also be willing to
either deliver the car to you or pick you up and take you to your
rental. This service may require a fee...

5- The rental company may offer you insurance to purchase, however,
your personal auto insurance may be all you need in the event of an
accident with a rental car. Call your auto insurance agent and ask
before paying extra at the rental counter.

Read the entire article at
http://www.ourcartips.com/car/7_things_to_know_when_renting_a_car.html

Reply to this Message

John S. - 11 Jan 2007 15:52 GMT

There are a lot of holes.

> 7 Things to Know when Renting a Car
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> find at least three rental car companies to compare, although more will
> be better...

And an even better way to possibly save some money is to compare rates
between the website and the 800 line.

Expedia and Travelocity do not in my experience provide any better
rates than those available from the rental company, but are easy to use
one-stop shopping. Sometimes they are more expensive.

> 2- When you call, be sure to ask about price, vehicle availability, as
> well as any specials that the branch has to offer...

Chances are the branch office isn't offering a deal but the rental
company might be. One should be sure to use any discounts such as AAA,
AARP, Commercial, etc. But most of us who have rented cars know that.

> 3- You will want to ask about any special instructions that are
> required of you while renting the car, for example, filling up the gas
> tank or pick up and drop off times...

The major rental companies explain all of this in my experience, but it
is important to listen to what the rental agent is saying. You will
save a lot of money by returning the car with a full tank of gas.

> 4- Many companies that will rent a car to you will also be willing to
> either deliver the car to you or pick you up and take you to your
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> accident with a rental car. Call your auto insurance agent and ask
> before paying extra at the rental counter.

Also be aware that if you incur some damage that their estimate of the
costs will be charged to your credit card. No big deal, you just have
to claim against your comprehensive/collision coverage on your car. If
you don't carry that extended coverage or if you don't have a car
insurance policy then be sure to select coverage by the rental company.

> Read the entire article at
> http://www.ourcartips.com/car/7_things_to_know_when_renting_a_car.html

Reply to this Message