8 Important Tips For Renting A Car On The Road

During vacations or business trips, it is common to need the freedom of movement that a vehicle offers. It is not always possible to have your own car, so you should consider some tips for renting one on a trip.

There are more and more alternatives in choosing an option adapted to personal needs. Family cars, private cars, motorhomes and minivans are some available models. However, there are details to consider.

Insurance, additional costs and fuel are conditions that must be considered to avoid inconvenience. Renting a car offers comfort and many advantages, but it is also a big responsibility. The more information you have, the smoother and more pleasant the trip will be.

The advantages of renting a car on a trip

This service is chosen for the convenience of having a vehicle in another location. The freedom of movement allows you to plan your routes the way you want, going to more distant destinations.

Setting up an itinerary without being subject to the potential inconveniences of public transport is one of the reasons why many travelers prefer to rent a car.

know the roads

If it’s your first time visiting a city or country, chances are your paths are labyrinthine. In this sense, the car’s built-in GPS works as a map that helps you navigate with less risk of getting lost.

In addition, many have an automatic toll system, to go through the expressways and pay for everything together when returning. However, one must pay attention to the conditions of contracting and the possible additional costs of these services.

No maintenance worries

Of course, renting a car includes the responsibility to take care of it as your own. However, the difference is that the normal wear and tear that occurs on vehicles is not a concern. The use of tires, changing oils and fluids or any maintenance costs are the responsibility of the companies.

multiple trips

Many travelers assemble itineraries that include different cities and countries. This can be a disadvantage when renting a car on a trip.

However, for a surcharge, which may be minimal, it is possible to return it elsewhere. Also, some companies allow you to take the vehicle on a ferry.

More than one driver

Most car rental companies allow you to register more than one driver per vehicle, should your group of travelers need it. This condition may have an additional cost or be free of charge. However, as one of the unavoidable tips for renting a car, it is very important to leave all this defined at the time of picking up the vehicle.

The Disadvantages of Renting a Car on a Trip

Besides the advantages, there are some setbacks if you decide to rent a car on a trip. It should be taken into account that, being a borrowed vehicle, it must be taken care of. It’s better to travel very carefully.

Certain formalities and conditions must be met:

• Short periods: If the rent is for short periods, the cost of the per diem will most likely end up being higher than the weekly or monthly rent. In addition, accessories such as GPS and baby seat usually have an additional price.
• Long periods: in case you wish to have a vehicle during long journeys, it may be necessary to rent more than one. Companies set a month’s rent limit.
• Number of kilometers: Another limitation is the number of kilometers that can be covered. In case of overtaking, the fines are onerous. It is advisable to choose rental options that, although more expensive, offer unlimited kilometers.

• Fuel costs: something the user has to face is fuel costs. In some countries this can be a high expense.

8 tips for renting a car on a trip

So, let’s see 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 whether it’s for business or vacation, as budgets tend to vary.

In addition, the better known are the itineraries, distances and places to visit, the easier it will be to choose a car.

2. Types of vehicles

One must consider which car model is suitable for each occasion. The most important thing is to ensure that all family members have a place and are comfortable.

Also, assess the terrain you will be traveling if you need a motorhome or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Don’t forget the space your luggage takes up.

3. Review the requirements

Companies require certain conditions as a guarantee, such as a credit card to make the payment, although there are those that accept debit.

Also, you must have an international driver’s license. Depending on the destination, your wallet from your home country might even be accepted. Otherwise, just get a special license.

4. Contracts

To avoid surprises or misunderstandings, one of the tips when renting a car is to check the fine print of rental contracts. These may include additional insurance, taxes or fees that are best understood in advance.

It is also essential to check the condition of the vehicle before removal, especially the paintwork and possible scratches or breakages. It costs nothing to take pictures of important angles. This way, it is avoided that the company wants to add expenses for previous problems.

5. Book early

A tip that saves you trouble is to have your rental confirmation before you reach your destination. Booking the vehicle and the model you want on the various websites on the Internet allows you to pick it up right at the beginning of the trip.

During the holiday season, there is high demand and low availability. Also, costs are generally higher if processed on site.

6. Fuel tank

In general, 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. Knowing well the type of fuel that the vehicle accepts (petrol or diesel) is essential to avoid surprises when going to a gas station.

7. Know the traffic rules

There are details of behavior on public roads that are specific to each city or country. Knowing them helps you navigate better in the first moments aboard a vehicle in a new location.

The meaning 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 Risks Included: Perhaps the most expensive option, but covers all types of bumps, accidents or breakages and no deductible costs. It is the most complete coverage.
• Rent on the spot: Another option is to book an uninsured car and choose it based on the seller’s recommendations.

• External insurance: there are intermediary companies that offer insurance outside the rental companies. The advantage of this option is to cover the cost of the franchise.
• Without insurance: the last alternative is the cheapest. In the absence of contracting insurance, the user must bear all the expenses that imply a claim, through the deposit or deductible that is in guarantee.

Having everything ready in advance is one of the best tips for renting a car on a trip.

Nowadays, there are more and more reliable websites where you can reserve vehicles before you travel. Websites often have a wide variety of models available, as well as tools for comparing prices and rental terms.

It’s best to do this at home, before you go out. Thus, we can reach the destination with a guaranteed means of travel.