Rental Car Information

A car rental agency or a rent-a-car is a company that rents cars for short periods of time (ranging from a few hours to a few weeks) for a fee. The internet is changing the car rental industry with companies that are now called online car rental companies.  Many of the top rental car agencies handle car reservations online.

Car rental agencies primarily serve people who have a car that is temporarily out of reach or out of service, for example travellers who are out of town or owners of damaged or destroyed vehicles who are awaiting repair or insurance compensation. Because of the variety of sizes of their vehicles, car rental agencies may also serve the self-moving industry needs, by renting vans or trucks.

Car rentals are subject to many conditions which vary from one brand to another. The vehicle must be returned in a good condition and must not exceed a maximum driven distance, otherwise extra fees may be incurred. Most companies set up a minimum age for the vehicle driver, which in some cases is as high as 25, even in countries where the minimum legal age to hold a driver's license is much lower.

Before you reserve a rental vehicle, be sure to review the different makes and models of vehicles from several different companies.  You might need a 4-door sedan instead of a 2-door hatchback depending on the number of people in your group.  Children might not mind squeezing into the back seat of a 2-door vehicle, but an adult might get tired of it, especially if wearing nice clothes.

In addition to the number of passengers you should consider the amount of room you need for luggage.  Most online rental car reservation systems list the number of and size of suitcases that will fit in the trunk. Make sure you have an idea on the amount of luggage you will have and reserve a car that is big enough.

  A convertible in Hawaii is great, but you probably don't need one in Minnesota in December. A suburban might be big enough for your luggage and the 3 people in your family, but do you really want to pay the gas bill and drive it around New York City? 

 Most rental cars have automatic transmissions, but some are standard transmission, so check to make sure you can drive a stick shift before you reserve one. Try to reserve a vehicle that you are familiar with so you feel comfortable driving it and a variety of situations.

If you are going skiing, make sure your vehicle is four wheel drive or is equipped with studded snow tires or chains. You can verify these online, but make sure to double check when you actually pick the car up.

When you arrive at the reservation counter be sure to explain why you need the vehicle, number of passengers, amount of luggage, discuss the weather conditions (snow and ice) and need for  4wd or studded tires. This will allow you a chance to change to another vehicle if needed. Most large rental car agencies are able to accomodate changes in vehicles, but it is your responsibility to try and reserve the appropriate vehicle for your needs.

A confusing aspect of renting a car is the insurance. The coverage varies by company, so it is important for you to know what your own insurance company covers regarding rental vehicles. You should also consider the amount of driving you will be doing, road conditions, area crime rate and your ability to pay if something happens to the car.  Like all insurance, rental car insurance is a matter of deciding the amount of risk and responsibility you are willing to assume.  Whatever you decide, make sure you read the fine print, ask questions and read the agreement again to verify the answer you were given matches the contract.

Before you get in the car and drive away, be sure to walk around the vehicle and record any damage or potential problems you might observe.  When you get inside the car, verify the mileage, amount of gas and interior condition of the car.  If you have any concerns, be sure to notify the rental car attendant and discuss your concerns.  It is much easier to spend the time to record any damage or switch vehicles now rather than later.

Remember to treat the rental car with respect and to drive with care.  Unfortunately, many people abuse rental cars and that might affect the insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident, the vehicle is broken into, stolen, or has mechanical problems, be sure to contact the rental car agency immediately so they can assist you.  In most cases, the rental car agency will do anything they can to keep their customers happy and make sure you are satisfied with their product and service.

There are many different rental car agencies that provide excellent service. Be sure to shop around, compare prices, types of vehicles, return policies, differences in mileage rates and insurance coverage.  Check the minimum age requirement for drivers, make sure you have a valid drivers license, most agencies require a major credit card in order to rent a vehicle.