Hiring a car is never the funniest part of going away. The process can be fraught with hassle, as rental companies love to use confusing language and throw hidden charges at you. But it doesn’t have to be such a chore. My guide on how to rent a car covers everything you need to know for a smooth, cost-effective rental.
Book in Advance:
One of the golden rules of securing a budget-friendly car rental is to book in advance. As your travel dates approach, prices tend to rise due to increased demand. By booking early, you not only get access to a wider selection of vehicles but also stand a better chance of snagging lower rates.
Opt for Economy Cars:
If you’re traveling solo or with a small group, consider renting an economy or compact car. Not only are these vehicles more fuel-efficient, but they also tend to have lower rental rates compared to larger models like SUVs or luxury sedans. Assess your needs realistically and choose a car that suits your requirements without unnecessary frills.
Car rental insurance
Usually the biggest stumbling block for how to rent a car is the insurance. Every rental comes with different options at different prices providing different levels of cover. It can be a bit of a lottery deciding what to do, although the most sensible option is to take out full insurance.
Whatever levels of car rental insurance you go for, remember that most come with an excess. This refers to the amount you’ll need to pay on top of the insurance in the event of a claim. These can vary wildly depending on the rental company, car and type of insurance so always, always check before you rent.
Which car rental company should you use?
When choosing where to hire your car from, look beyond the basic choice of the car itself. Most companies will have similar fleets, no matter if you go for a big international or small local rental agency.
There are some pitfalls to look out for, especially when comparing budget with pricier options. First and foremost is unlimited mileage. This is easy to overlook, but many budget agencies limit your rental to 100 km or miles a day, with big ‘per km/mile’ charges if you go over. If you’re planning a long-distance trip, make sure your rental has unlimited mileage.
A person’s feet in white sneakers, hanging outside the convertible cars.
Another thing to consider in these times of travel uncertainty is a flexible cancellation policy. This means you can cancel a rental at the last minute should your plans change. The last thing to think about is location, especially if you’re renting from an airport. The bigger agencies will have desks in the arrivals terminal. Smaller, budget rentals may be based off-site though – often a bus ride away that can take time and fray nerves after a long flight. Book at your discretion!
Book a car through DiscoverCars.com, like I do. They search through all of the highest-quality car rental companies to find the best prices for you.
