Car Rental Concerns - Things To Consider Before Booking
Who's Gonna Drive The Rental Car?
You, the renter with the credit card and valid driver's license in your name, can drive the rental car. But what if you need an additional driver? Then you will have to get written authorization from the rental company. Having an unauthorized person drive your rental car can have serious repercussions if the police gets involved. Your rental contract might be negated because you have an unlisted person driving YOUR rental vehicle. Therefore anything pertaining to any agreed upon insurance and/or accident coverage might be voided. Do you want to take those chances? Then check the company's policy regarding additional drivers.
With some car rental companies, there are allowances in the contract to let your spouse or partner drive car rentals without an extra charge. Regardless of this allowance, make sure your honey's name is on the contract. The minimum age requirements still apply, as will driving records (ie. a valid drivers license). Sometimes a credit card is even required. There is normally an extra fee for the additional driver, and an extra fee if the additional driver does not meet the minimum age requirement. Check with the car rental company first before you decide if you need anyone else driving the rental car.
Whaddaya Need?
Booking your reservation ensures you a certain rate. However, it does not guarantee you the reservation of a specific vehicle type. The actual availability of a car model is only certain once you arrive at the counter. Take the time to think about the kind of vehicle that will benefit you the most. Sure, renting a convertible sounds cool (think of how fabulous you'd look bombing down the freeway), but it would be highly impractical if you're planning on shopping up a storm or have a lot of luggage to tow.
Here are some things to consider before choosing a rental vehicle:
- How many passengers will be traveling with you? A sports car won't be the greatest choice if you're traveling with a couple of kids. A mini-van would be a better choice (if you want to keep your sanity).
- How much luggage will you all have? What extra equipment are you bringing?
- What are you using the rental vehicle for? Are you planning any daytrips, or are you planning to do mostly city driving? You are probably not going to rent a luxury sedan if you're going camping at a national park.
- How much do you plan to buy during your trip? Most tourists tend lack the foresight of their "extra" purchases. All those tee shirts and snowglobes for your nieces and Aunt Mildred do add up in bulk. A compact car probably won't hold all your purchases from the Mall of America.
Car rental companies might place the same vehicles in a different class sizes. This could even vary within the same company at different location, so just check! You might end up with what you think is a compact car when what you requested was a midsize.
Common sizes listed are economy, compact, midsize, fullsize, premium, luxury, SUV, van and minivan.
Do You Want Fries With That SUV?
Although there are no guarantees at the time of your reservation, you can make special requests and preferences. The actual availability of a car model is only certain once you arrive at the counter.
Most companies will have car seats, equipment racks and additional luggage racks for rent if you need these extras. While it is not a guarantee, just be sure to request these at the time of reservation. Most states have laws that enforce the use of child car seats for children under a certain age and weight. Booster seats are normally unavailable for rental, so if you require one, then it is probably best to bring your own. Some car rental companies will even offer special additions. Budget Rent A Car
offers cell phone packages and smoke-free cars at some locations. Looking for cheap car rentals? Don't forget that these extras will add up.
|
