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Knowing a new place aboard a vehicle is a comfortable option for any trip. Find out everything you need to take into account before reserving a car.
During vacations or trips for any reason, it is common to need the freedom of movement that a vehicle offers. It is not always possible to relocate on your own; that’s why you have to consider some tips for renting a car.
There are more and more alternatives when choosing an option adapted to personal needs. Family cars, private cars, trucks or minivans are some models available. However, there are details to consider.
Insurance, additional costs or fuel policy are conditions that must be studied to avoid inconveniences. Renting a car offers comfort and many advantages, but it is also a great responsibility. The more information you have, the more peaceful and enjoyable the trip will be.
The advantages of renting a car
This service is chosen thanks to the convenience of having a vehicle in another place. Freedom of movement allows you to plan trips the way you want, even going to more distant destinations or walks.
Putting together an itinerary without being subject to the possible inconveniences of public transport is one reason why many travelers prefer to rent a car.
Know the roads
If it is the first time you visit a city or a country, it is most likely that its paths will be a labyrinth. In this sense, the GPS built into the car works like a map that helps to travel with less risk of getting lost.
On the other hand, many have an automatic toll system, to go through the expressways and pay everything together when returning it. Although attention should be paid to the contracting conditions and the possible additional costs of these services.
No maintenance worries
It is clear that renting a car includes the responsibility of taking care of it as your own. But the difference is that normal wear and tear on vehicles is not a concern. The use of the tires, the replacement of oils and fluids or any maintenance costs are the responsibility of the companies.
Multiple trips
Many travelers put together itineraries that include different cities and countries. This can be a disadvantage when renting a car.
However, just by paying a surcharge, which can be minimal, it is possible to return it in a different place. Also, some companies allow you to load the vehicle on a ferry.
More than one driver
Most rental offices allow you to register more than one driver per vehicle, in case the traveling group needs it. This condition may have an additional cost or be free. But as one of the inescapable tips for renting a car, it is very important to leave it settled at the time of withdrawal.
Disadvantages when renting a vehicle
Beyond its advantages, there are some setbacks if you decide to rent a car. It should be taken into account that, being a borrowed medium, it has to be taken care of. It is best to travel with a lot caution.
On the other hand, certain formalities and conditions must be met:
- Short periods: if they are rented for short periods, the daily cost will most likely end up being higher than a weekly or monthly rental. In addition, accessories such as the GPS or the baby chair usually have an additional price.
- Long periods: In the case of wanting to have a vehicle during long trips, it may be necessary to rent more than one. The companies establish one month as the rent limit.
- Number of kilometers: Another limitation is the number of kilometers that can be traveled. In case of exceeding it, the fines are costly. It is advisable to choose rental options that, although they are more expensive, offer unlimited kilometers.
- Fuel costs: Something that the user does have to face is fuel costs. In some countries it can be an incalculable expense.
8 tips for renting a car
Let’s see, then, what are the main tips when renting a car. Follow these recommendations and enjoy your trip.
1. Purpose of the trip
The first thing to consider is the reason for the trip. Differentiate if it is for business or vacations, since the budget tends to vary.
In addition, the more the itineraries, distances and places to visit are known, the better they can be based on the choice of car.
2. Vehicle types
This leads to considering what type of roll is suitable for each occasion. The most important thing is to make sure that all members of the family have a place and are comfortable.
Secondly, evaluate the land to be traveled, in case a truck or four-wheel drive vehicle is required. Do not forget the space that luggage occupies.
3. Review the requirements
Companies require some conditions as a guarantee. For example, credit card to pay. Although there are those that accept debit.
On the other hand, you must have an international driving license. The one that is used every day can be used, according to the agreement that each country has with the destination; it is something the traveler must find out. If not, it is enough to process a special permission.
4. Contracts
To avoid surprises or misunderstandings, one of the tips when renting a car is to check the fine print of the rental contracts. It may include additional insurance, taxes or fees that are better to know in advance.
It is also essential to check the condition of the vehicle prior to retirement, especially paint and possible scratches or breaks. It doesn’t hurt to take photos from the important angles. In this way, it is avoided that they later want to add expenses for previous breakages.
5. Book in advance
A tip that saves problems is to have the rental confirmation before arriving at your destination. Reserving the vehicle and the desired model through the different internet sites allows you to have the vehicle as soon as the trip begins.
During the holiday seasons there is a lot of demand and low availability. In addition, the costs are usually higher if it is processed on site.
6. Fuel tank
Usually, the agreement is to take the car with a full tank and return it in the same way. This option is not the only one, although it is the most convenient.
Otherwise, you pay in advance and end up paying more than what was used. Ensuring the type of fuel you carry (gasoline or diesel) is key to avoid surprises when going to a service station.
7. Know the traffic rules
There are details of behavior on public roads that are particular to each city or country. Knowing them helps to better navigate the first moments aboard a vehicle in a new place.
Meanings of signs, indications or implicit codes are some examples that a tourist can learn to have a better experience.
8. Insurance options
To rent a car you can choose different insurance alternatives that provide peace of mind when traveling through an unknown place:
- All risk included: perhaps the most expensive option, but one that covers all types of bumps, accidents or breakages and without a franchise cost. It is the most complete coverage.
- Hire it at the moment: Another option is to reserve a car without insurance and choose it according to the recommendations of the seller.
- External insurance: there are intermediary companies that offer insurance outside the rental houses. The advantage of this option is that it covers the cost of the franchise.
- Uninsured: the last alternative is the cheapest. If no insurance is contracted, the user must take care of all the expenses that imply a claim, through the deposit or franchise that remains as a guarantee.
Having everything ready before is one of the best tips for renting a car
Nowadays, there are more and more reliable internet sites where you can reserve vehicles before traveling. The websites usually have a great variety of models available, as well as tools to compare prices and rental conditions.
It is best to rent a car from home. So we can reach the destination with a means already available.
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