Whether you are travelling for leisure or for business, renting a car gives you a lot of flexibility. Here is how you go about finding the right car rental:
Ask for recommendation from your travel agent
You can always use the internet to find whatever you need for your trip but asking your travel agent can save you all the phone calls and all the shopping. Your travel agent can definitely help you find the right ride for at your destination. Your travel agent may have contacts in different cities and can get you a good rate. Travel agents may also have access to car rental promos which are not advertised to the public and only offered to travel industry insiders.
Dealing with car rental costs
When you rent a vehicle, you basically need to deal with a scheme of different charges. Car rental companies can make you choose from a daily rate with an option of mileage charge, or free miles, or unlimited mileage, or free mileage for extended period. The rates you will have to deal with will depend on the kind of vehicle you get. Most companies rent out compact, economy, intermediate, and deluxe vehicles. There are also promo rates which you can avail of but you need to book your ride in advance.
There are other charges you will have to shoulder:
Aside from the daily rate, you need to deal with car rental taxes. If you are going abroad, you need to be ready to pay an additional 10% at least to around 30% for your car rental. These rates may also be subjected to VAT or value added tax. At some airports, there will be car rental firms which may need to bill you with an airport surcharge usually at around 10% atop the daily rate.
In case you will get the car at the airport or from city A then return it to airport or city B, expect to pay drop-off charges. You can advise the car rental agent if you need to return the car in a different location, and ask if the drop-off charges are already included in the regular rate.
Some companies may charge clients with fuel fees. Although some charge a flat rate for petrol, a lot of car rental companies will have gas rates so the tank can be filled up upon return. In case you need to return the vehicle full tank, it will be best to fill it up at a gas station rather than paying the car rental company.
Be sure to read the fine prints of the car rental contract before signing it. The cheap promo rates might actually have hidden charges and you can end up paying more. Read for the coverage of the car rental rates, restrictions, and your liability as a renter.
Insurance options with car rentals
Insurance coverage. You cannot escape them when renting a car. Here is a good list of what you may encounter:
- Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver – When a car is damaged, you as the renter may be liable for a certain amount to the full amount of the vehicle. What CDW/LDW does is release you from this responsibility. Remember though that this will not be good if you violate the terms of the agreement. If you have personal auto insurance, this may not be necessary anymore but you need to ask if your personal insurance will be honoured. Collision or Loss waivers may be required or optional.
- Personal Accident Insurance – This coverage will provide for accidental death or medical expenses in case you meet a road mishap. This may cover for the renter and the passengers of the rented vehicle. Again, check if your personal insurance apply. This often comes as optional.
- Additional Liability Insurance – This will protect you from liabilities charged upon you by a third party because of death, injuries, or property damage while you are using the rented vehicle. This is optional.
- Personal Effects Insurance – In case you loss your personal belongings while they are in the rental car, this coverage will handle them. Check your personal car policy if car rentals are already covered.
Requirements and documents
First things first, you need a valid license to drive a rental car. Car companies may do a check if you have a good driving history and some may deny in case you have a not so good record while on the road. Some countries will also require an international license to drive on their streets. Car rental firms may require that you should be at least 18 years of age but some may limit their clients to be at least 25. There is also a limit for senior citizens.
Most car companies also require a credit card from a major credit card company to make sure that payments will be made. This applies even if you are requesting the bill to be sent to your company or even when you use a prepaid car rental voucher. Make sure that the credit card you have will have enough spending power so your rental will be approved.
Most car rental firms will also have prepaid vouchers which can be purchased if you do not have a good credit card in hand. Another option when you do not have a credit card to present will be to make a cash deposit which most of the time is sky high.
There are also policies with regard to the number of drivers for the rental vehicle. Read the contract to check the requirements. They may have certain age limits and may allow family or business associate to be behind the wheels. Additional drivers may also mean additional cost for you depending on the rental contract.
Confirmation of car rental
When you book a car with your travel agent, you should get a confirmation or voucher before leaving from your destination. This confirmation will include information like a confirmation ID, name of the rental company, the kind of car you are renting, date, and flight information. You may also get a phone number for a car pick up in case the car rental company is outside the destination airport.
The car rental confirmation will also allow companies to contact you in case you have not picked your car on time. They may inquire for flight delays and hold the car for at least a few more hours.
Make sure that you provide all the necessary information to your agent and the car company so you can avoid the hassles of losing your reservation. As courtesy, you should also cancel your reservation in case you cannot make a flight so they can rent the vehicle to other people.
Picking up your ride
When you go to the car rental company to get the car you are renting for your travel, you should present your confirmation voucher. The agent will help you complete the process and direct you to the driver’s seat. Again, read the contract carefully before putting any ink on it. You should exactly know what will be your responsibilities and liabilities when renting the vehicle.
Inspect the car you are renting before leaving the car rental garage. Look at the mileage, level of fuel, and any visible dents or damages. Everything should be noted on their part.
When you get behind the steering wheel, adjust everything that you need to adjust so you will be a comfortable driver. Check the mirrors, adjust the seats, check the air conditioner, and check the controls and buttons. Ask if you are not familiar with anything before leaving the garage.
In case you are abroad, ask the agent for any unfamiliar feature of the car you are renting. Make sure you are familiar with the local traffic signs, traffic rules, insurance coverage, and if you will not have problems with your license.
Returning the vehicle
Upon returning the vehicle, the fees will be computed. Usually the rates are computed on a 24-hour basis with an extra hour of grace period. You can be charged extra for being late for a few hours or be charged for a whole day depending on the agreement. Hourly rate contracts often cost more.
When you avail of promotions, make sure to return the car on time or the car company might charge non-promo rates because you did not stick to the signed agreement.
Other useful information
As the renter of the vehicle, you will be liable for any traffic violations you might incur on the road.
Your insurance and other terms of agreement will be void if you drive the rental car under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.
In case you have a disability, you can inquire for vans or cars with modifications so you will not have trouble with any equipment that you might need to bring.
You can ask the car rental company for local maps so you can plan your route before leaving. These often come for free but some may charge for them.
Always read the contract carefully and do not be afraid to ask any question about things which are vague or you do not understand clearly.
For car rental reservations call Supreme Clientele Travel (407) 413-9578
No comments:
Post a Comment