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On the Road Again: Tips for Renting a Car for Vacation
Looking to rent a set of wheels for your next vacation? Whether you’re planning your next business trip or your getaway for the family, having the right means of transportation to get around makes all the difference in the world. No need to wait for public transportation or pay the high costs of local cab fare, just hop in your rental and go. If you’re going to get your hands on a ride that’s affordable, practical, and convenient, your best bet is to start planning now.
Check Your Insurance
Since you’ll be driving a car other than your own, you’re going to need to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. For high risk drivers like the elderly, teens, and repeat traffic offenders (i.e. DUI or speeding), you’ll need to make sure that your auto insurance SR22 notification is up to date in the event that you get pulled over in another state.
You’ll also want to talk with an insurance provider about coverage in a rental car. Are you covered in the event of an accident, vandalism, or theft? For those who only have liability coverage, you may need to invest in additional coverage from the car rental company. For those with full coverage, you may be able to save on your rental car costs as you may be covered under your own insurance provider.
Choose the Vehicle
Once you’ve determined your insurance coverage limits, you’re ready to book your car rental. While you may want to choose the sick-looking two-seater, you want to think practicality. Think about what you’re going to be doing, who will be traveling with you, and how much you’re looking to spend on your rental.
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If you’re heading on a business trip, then going with a smaller car might be the better option. However, if you’re going on a family vacation you’ll need something larger like an SUV or a minivan. Other factors to consider when choosing the type of vehicle are the type of transmission, driving comfort, and gas mileage.
Booking the Car
Now you need to reserve your rental. There are a few things you’re going to need to know in order to properly reserve the car. Which location you wish to retrieve the vehicle from, what day and time you’re going to retrieve the vehicle, along with what time you intend to bring the vehicle back. If you’re looking to save money on your rental, most companies offer bigger discounts for keeping the vehicle at least a week. You can also check membership discounts such as AAA or the company you work for as you may be able to receive additional savings.
When booking the vehicle, make sure that you also request any special equipment you might need upfront. This might include car seats or GPS systems so that you can get around safely and with ease. Also, make sure to review the cancellation policy just in case something comes up and you can’t make the trip.
Before Hitting the Road
The day has come and you’re ready for your much-needed vacation. When you arrive at the car rental location to pick up your vehicle, there are a few things you want to do before taking it off the lot:
- Review all paperwork and make sure that you understand your responsibilities as the driver.
- Inspect the vehicle for any damage and make the rental company aware of it so that you don’t get charged for it.
- Get inside of the car and get a feel for it. It might seem crazy, but you never know how another car operates until you’re behind the wheel. You need to make sure that you’re comfortable before you pull off.
Renting a car is fairly simple and also very convenient when you’re trying to get around in a new location. Whether you’re hanging out with friends and family or handling business, be sure to secure your rental car early on. By following all of the above tips and making sure that you’re a responsible driver, you shouldn’t run into any trouble while using the rental. Last but certainly not least, be sure to return the vehicle timely and undamaged in order to save money and maintain a positive rapport with the rental company. More information about renting cars you can find at Easyrentcars.
