There’s no denying that renting a car when you go on vacation makes life easier for you and your traveling companions. Doing so gives you the freedom to travel wherever you wish without relying on taxis, public transport, or the kindness of strangers.
While the process of booking a rental car is straightforward, many people fall afoul of little-known rules or tips to make the process as easy and affordable as possible.
The following five hints and tips will help you have the perfect holiday rental vehicle, leaving you to concentrate on making memories instead of worrying about the rental car:
1. Make Sure Your Driver’s License Is Valid
It might surprise you to learn that many people attempt to rent cars on their vacations without checking the validity of their drivers’ licenses!
Before you go on vacation, make sure your driver’s license is valid for the duration of your trip, and check that you’re allowed to drive the type of car you wish to rent.
Checking the validity of your driver’s license will ultimately depend on where it was issued, so make some inquiries with the relevant government department in your area, such as the state DMV in the United States.
2. Choose The Right Car
Another way that people fail to enjoy their rental cars is when they select vehicles that aren’t appropriate for their needs.
For example, if you’re used to small compacts and rent a supercar, you could easily crash it and injure yourself and others. Even a light collision could result in whiplash.
What does whiplash feel like, you might ask yourself? It often causes intense neck pain, headaches, and even dizziness, so it makes sense to lower the risk of causing such injuries by sticking with a car more suited to your needs and driving style.
3. Search Online For The Best Deals
The World Wide Web makes it easy to search for any information, and finding the best deals on holiday car rentals is no exception to that. Booking your rental a few weeks in advance can often help you secure the best deal, as can paying for it online in advance.
You’ll likely find companies like Avis and Enterprise in most locations, although you shouldn’t discount independent rental companies at your destination as they may offer very attractive rates.
4. Film The Car Before You Sign For It
Some people end up paying high fees for their rentals due to accidental damage they weren’t aware of causing.
With that in mind, spend a minute or two slowly walking around the car and filming it with your smartphone, paying particular attention to obvious dents and scratches.
Do the same thing with the interior, and keep the footage for a few weeks after your rental period for peace of mind.
5. Always Fill Up The Gas Tank
Lastly, always return your rental car with a full tank of gas – even if it wasn’t full when you picked it up. The reason for doing this is simple: the rental company will record the fuel level as full, and they won’t charge you any fuel surcharges.
