Summertime is roadtrip season. The weather promises to be particularly nice this year. That is good reason enough to hit the road on a discovery of offbeat destinations and roadside attractions across the nation.
The most important thing when planning a roadtrip is the choice of the vehicle. You want an automobile that won’t let you down or an easy way to change it when it does without having to pay garage fees and ruining your roadtrip.
Seasoned roadtrippers prefer car rental to using their own car. It is often more convenient and less risky. If you plan to rent a car for your upcoming adventures, here are things you need to know before making your first car rental.
Car rental requirements
Always, you will need to show a valid driver’s licence as well as a credit card to car rental services. Often, they will require you to be at least 21 with extra charges applied to people under 25. Age is an advantage when considering car rental.
Costs involved
Talking about charges, it is important to understand car rental costs. The base rental rate is the main — and most significant part of — car rental costs. Depending on the companies you rent with, it can be either daily, weekly, or even monthly.
Additional charges may imply
Atop of the base rate, there are often additional charges you have to pay attention to. you might have to purchase required miles before your roadtrip or pay for miles driven — beyond the amount included in your base rate. Other car rental charges include accessory rental, car insurance, gas, and extra-driver fees.
Gas is more expensive at the rental company
Be aware that most rental company will require you to return the car with a full tank or pay for the difference. Interestly enough, gas is often much more expensive with rental companies. So always remember to fill the tank before returning the vehicle.
About car insurance
Car insurance matters for any vehicle on the road and even more for rented cars. There are two types of rental car insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemented Liability Insurance (SLI). The former covers damage on the car itself while the latter includes damage to property and injury to people. Be sure to know which one come with your base rental deal before signing anything.
Know if your credit card covers your car insurance.
Here is something you might not know, some major credit cards provide coverage for car holders “free of charge”. Call to check to what extent your credit card company covers your car rental — if at all. You will save big on hefty rental car insurance fees which can be as high as $25 per day.
Car rental can be very convenient for little that you keep an eye out for unexpected fees. Do your research, ask plenty of questions, and come in prepared before penning your car rental agreement.
What are your best car rental pieces of advice? Tell us all about it in the comments or on social media.