What to consider before renting a car for your travel

Suppose you are planning your next vacation or going on a work trip. In that case, it is essential to understand all aspects of renting a car before traveling, so you don’t incur additional costs or fees that are not included in the initial cost of renting the vehicle.

This includes researching and choosing a rental agency, the type of car you want, its safety features and gas mileage, and any additional options that may interest you.

1) Choosing a Rental Agency

Before renting a car, it is essential to research the different agencies available in your area or town. Knowing if your credit card provides any services if you rent a car is important. For example, the American Express Platinum Card offers primary coverage on rentals under 15 days.

It is also good to know if your credit card company protects against rental accidents, including theft and damages. For example, some companies may provide a secondary collision damage waiver (CDW) through their cards. Be sure to check with your credit card company in advance to know what services they cover and whether or not you should purchase additional insurance from the rental agency.

2) Choosing a Vehicle

It is essential before renting a car to research the types of vehicles available from the different agencies in your area. Other companies have different options available, and it is vital to be aware of safety features and gas mileage before renting a car.

When choosing a vehicle, consider the size of your family and how many suitcases you will bring. Also, consider if any of your family members have disabilities requiring an additional room or more accessible access to the car. It would help if you also thought about gas mileage when choosing a car. You may want to select a smaller or more efficient vehicle depending on your budget and how long you travel.

3) Is your driver’s license valid at the destination?

• Check with your auto rental agency to see how long your license needs to be valid. Most car rental agencies only provide services for residents of the country or state they are operating in.
• If you rent a car abroad, most companies will accept an International Driving Permit as proof that you have a valid license. However, not every country accepts the IDP as a valid license. You will need to contact your local rental agency and the consulate of the country you are visiting to verify this information.
• Suppose you do not have a valid driver’s license or International Driving Permit. In that case, some agencies will allow you to rent small cars with automatic transmissions even if you don’t qualify for a standard car. However, just because you can technically rent a vehicle does not mean it will be the best option.

4) How about insurance?

Before you rent a car, it is important to check with your bank or credit card company and the rental agency for what options are available.

Some companies will provide primary insurance but may not cover premium upgrades such as GPS, extra drivers, additional coverage for pets, etc. So be sure to read the fine print on any policy your bank or credit card company provides.

Most rental agencies will offer additional insurance packages that may include collision damage, loss of use, personal accident, medical expenses, and theft protection. Before choosing any other insurance option, it is essential to carefully read all policies and limitations to make the best choice for your specific situation.

5) What about additional drivers?

Most rental agencies will charge an additional fee to add a driver, even if the person is a spouse. Check with the agency before traveling to understand any restrictions and costs associated with adding another driver.

Some agencies will require all people on the rental contract to be present to rent the car. This is common in the United States, where each person on the contract must show a valid driver’s license.

Some agencies will allow you to choose up to two additional drivers without an additional fee if they are spouses or immediate family members (brother, sister, parent, etc.). However, other drivers may need to be present when renting the vehicle or be listed on the contract.

If you have a rental company preference, it is best to call them directly and verify that they will allow one additional driver before arriving at the agency.

Be sure to check with your bank or credit card company about any additional fees that may apply when adding a driver. Some companies charge a fee for keeping an additional driver on the contract, even spouses.

5) Renting a car isn’t always cheaper than flying

This may not be especially convenient depending on how much luggage you have, the size of the vehicle, and where you’re going: Make sure to consider all these factors before choosing one.

6) Gas isn’t always included in the initial price

If you rent a car, ask how much it will cost you for gas when driving the vehicle. And if it is, you might want to see if there’s a way to opt out of this program.

7) Taxes and fees

Be aware of hidden tax and fee amounts in your quote. If you’re planning on driving the car more than just a few miles, you might have to pay specific amounts not included in your rental estimate. Know what all these costs are before signing anything but especially if you don’t see them in the initial quote given to you by the auto rental agency.

8) Is a GPS device necessary?

If you plan to travel on long-distance roads, renting a car with a built-in GPS device or portable map set is helpful. In some areas of the world, there are no signs on the roads or street signs. If you are new to the area, have a GPS device with your exact location to avoid getting lost on long journeys.

9) Do you have a valid International Credit Card?

If you plan to rent a car, it is best to ensure that your credit card works internationally or prepare to pay cash for all car rentals. Some credit cards will now include security features that block usage internationally. Even if your card does not have this feature, it may be possible to call the issuer and ask them to activate international use for your account.

10) How many people will be traveling in the car?

Depending on the type of car you choose to rent, there may be extra fees for adding additional passengers. This is why comparing options before renting a vehicle may be best.

11) Will you need to tow anything?

Some cars are designed to accommodate additional cargo in the trunk or on the car. If you are traveling with heavy equipment, renting a larger vehicle with more space for your items may be better. Additionally, some cars only work when not attached to anything else. It is important to know these specifics before traveling, as it can be costly and difficult to return a vehicle without the proper equipment.

12) Can I drive on gravel roads?

Some cars come equipped with the ability to drive on gravel roads or off-road dirt trails. However, this requires more advanced driving capabilities and specialized tires. If you are planning on traveling on roads that include gravel or dirt, then it may be worthwhile to rent a car with the ability to handle these surfaces.

13) Does your destination have safe streets?

Research your destination’s streets and the areas you plan on staying in before renting a car. For example, if your destination already has high crime rates, you should know how well-lit and safe the area is and any obstacles that may be placed in the road, such as potholes or speedbumps.

You may also want to research if the appropriate safety features are available in the car. For example, some cars do not come with automatic locks or headlights that automatically turn on when it begins to get dark. If you plan to travel in an area with high crime rates or do not have well-lit roads, you should consider renting a car with these additional safety features.

14) Are there fees, taxes, or specific rules for driving in the region you’re traveling to?

Some countries charge extra taxes or require certain permits to rent a car. Therefore, you should know what your destination requires before renting a vehicle to avoid any extra fees when you return the vehicle. For example, some areas may charge an additional fee for issuing your license plate to another country. It is also important to review the speed limits and laws on the road, as these may differ from where you live.

15) Are there tolls along the way?

If you are traveling long-distance, then some car rental agencies will allow you to pay the tolls along with your rental fee. Besides this option, it is also possible to pay for your tolls as you go on your journey if money is available on your account or credit card.

16) Is there parking where you will stay during your trip?

Knowing where you will be parking your car during your trip, and any parking fees that may be required is important. If you plan to stay in a downtown area, finding out if street parking or paid garages are the best options for seeing the city and exploring around town is worthwhile.

17) Is there a lot of traffic in the city you’ll visit?

If there is a lot of traffic in the city you’ll be visiting, it may not be worthwhile to rent a car and spend most of your time in traffic or looking for parking. For example, New York has some of the worst traffic in the United States, and searching for street parking is difficult in most areas.

18) Young adults cost more to drive rental cars.

When traveling, it’s helpful to know the average age of drivers at your destination. Some car rental agencies charge a higher fee for younger adults and teens since they may be at greater risk of having an accident or receiving a ticket. It is also essential to consider that teenagers and young adults may also have more incidents involving speeding or drinking and driving.

19) Is the car reservation confirmed?

Before you make a car reservation, it’s essential to know whether the reservation is only a request or if it has been confirmed. This way, if there are any changes to your travel plans, then you can cancel without paying for anything yet.

20) Maintain a low mileage.

If you rent a car, keeping track of the mileage on the odometer during your trip is important. If you use more gas than anticipated or significant additional wear and tear on the car, you will be responsible for these costs. In some cases, even if there is a small error on your part where you used more gas than estimated during your trip or exceeded the mileage limit slightly, then you may have to pay for this as well.

21) Don’t rent a car at the airport.

When deciding where to rent a car, you should consider whether you need transportation from the airport. Many airports have fees associated with renting a car at their location. Therefore, it’s advisable to pick up your rental vehicle in an area closer to your destination rather than picking it up at the airport when possible.

22) Fill up the tank before returning the rented car.

When you return the rented car, it is important to ensure that the gas tank is filled up before arriving at the drop-off point. Some agencies might charge you for this if they believe that your tank had more fuel when you arrived or if there was damage done to the car due to running out of gas at the end of your trip. Therefore, filling up the gas tank as much as possible is always advisable before returning your rental car.

23) Other alternatives:

Have you considered traveling by taxi?

Depending on your destination, it may be cheaper and easier to travel by taxi rather than renting a car. If public transportation is available in the area, it may also be an option. Cars are expensive not only when you rent them but also for fuel and parking. If you are traveling a short distance, it may be cheaper to travel by taxi or public transportation rather than renting a car.

Have you considered using a ride-sharing service?

If your destination is well-connected, using a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft instead of renting a car may also be an option. Ride-sharing services are usually cheaper, easier to access, and more environmentally friendly than rental cars. It is essential to check what payment options are available on your ride-sharing service accounts to ensure that you have budgeted enough for your trip.

Final words

Renting a car is an excellent way to see the United States, or any country, especially if you want to get off the beaten path and explore on your terms. No other mode of transportation affords as much freedom as a rented car does. However, before you sign any paperwork, consider going over these important rental car tips, so you don’t find yourself in an unpleasant situation later.

Do your research first and plan. This way, you can avoid any additional costs that are not included in your quote. Also, ask about taxes and other fees before beginning your trip, so you don’t find yourself paying more expenses than expected at the end of your rental agreement.