The American car rental industry has grown almost five percent annually between 2017 and 2022. This shows more people than ever understand the distinct benefits of using a rental car business versus putting miles on their own vehicle.
Unfortunately, not every rental vehicle company is created equally. So before signing a contract or agreeing to a rental, you want to ensure you’ve chosen the best one for your needs. Continue reading to learn five tips for renting a vehicle.
1. Check Insurance Options
Does your primary car insurance company cover rentals? If you don’t pay for full coverage, you might not be covered when driving a rental. Call your insurance company or look up your coverage if you’re not sure.
If your rental isn’t covered, you’ll need to purchase insurance from the rental company. This can usually be added as an additional daily fee. However, some companies may have a certain level of built-in coverage.
2. Compare Rates
You’ll likely have two or more car rental company options available. Compare the daily rates and total purchase costs for your rental period.
Some companies provide significantly better rates than others. One example of a rental car business with modest rates is Car SHAiR.
3. Read Online Reviews
When you find the most affordable car rental option, be sure to check that it’s also reliable. You can do this by reading online reviews on websites like Angi.
These websites allow previous customers to rate their experience with businesses they dealt with. Look for companies with a minimum average rating of three stars. Take time to browse some of the written reviews, too, because this gives you an idea of what the company does (or doesn’t) excel in.
4. Understand Payment Options
Most car rental companies accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash as payments. However, be warned that some payment types require additional fees or deposits.
For example, some car rental companies will only accept cash or checks if you provide an additional deposit. If you chose to use a credit card, you wouldn’t need the funds for this additional deposit. Although you’ll receive that extra money back at the end of your rental, it can represent hundreds of dollars you may not have to spare.
5. Consider Amenities and Extras
Many car rental companies offer additional amenities that could make your experience better. Consider if there are any options you’d want for your rental. For example, you may want GPS, satellite radio, or in-vehicle Wi-Fi.
More Questions About Choosing a Rental Car Business?
Not every rental car company is created equally. However, you can use the five tips above to help yourself choose the best rental option for your unique needs.
Do you still have more questions about choosing a rental car business?
Feel free to browse our blogs. You’ll find other valuable articles on renting cars and related topics to help you learn more.
