subject: Rental Car Costs And Considerations [print this page] There are multiple factors that you need to consider when deciding to get a rental car for your business trip or personal vacation. In some areas it may be more economical and less stressful to utilize public transportation, but in others it is very difficult to get from place to place without having your own vehicle to drive.
One of the first things to consider is the company you're renting from. Some individuals choose to select a company based on reputation, while others stick with the lowest price that they can find. It's worth noting that the lowest rate is typically obtained by booking a reservation online instead of on the telephone. You may want to call to book the reservation for a vehicle if you have any questions that you need addressed before booking, but you may pay a slightly higher rate for the convenience.
Look at the different options available to you when renting. You will want to rent something that is able to fit everyone you have in your party. A 2-door vehicle isn't going to be ideal if you have children that need help getting in and out of the vehicle, whereas an SUV is less than ideal if you are driving in an area with high gas prices. The rates you're going to pay on a day-by-day basis will vary based on the type of vehicle you're renting.
The costs of renting a car vary from one company to another. It's wise to choose a company that offers unlimited mileage without charging an additional fee per mile, especially if you intend to go sightseeing and will accumulate miles quickly. You'll also need to factor taxes into the overall cost of renting your vehicle. These can include road, vehicle and sales tax among other miscellaneous fees that can significantly increase your total renting costs.
Insurance is something else you need to take into consideration when renting a vehicle. Your current insurance policy may cover rentals, but you should double check to make sure before refusing the coverage the rental company offers at the time. This is especially true if you're renting in another state or country where your current insurance coverage may not meet the minimums required by law. Insurance exists not only to protect the vehicle in the event of an accident, but also covers costs that may incur if the vehicle is stolen while you are renting it. It may also be beneficial to invest in personal property insurance when you book the rental. This will ensure that damage to personal property is covered in the event of an accident.
Read the contract carefully to determine exactly when the car needs to be returned. Some companies will allow you to return it anytime on the day stipulated in the contract, while others go by the hour and give exactly 24 hours from the time you originally took the car. If it's not back by the designated time, you'll likely need to pay overage charges by the hour. There may be a grace period in the contract.
Getting and securing your rental car doesn't need to be a stressful experience as long as you do your research and plan ahead of time.
