Rental Cars

Renting a car can be a frustrating experience if the consumer does not have a basic understanding of rental car terms, fees and insurance. Additionally, if he or she is not 21 years of age, does not have a credit card, or does not have a good driving record, they may not qualify to rent a car with most rental car companies! The following information is intended to help the consumer choose a rental car company, vehicle type, and the necessary while avoiding the common problems traditionally associated with the rental car business.

The Car You Want to Rent

Let’s face it, you’re spending the money and you have to drive the rental car, so you want to enjoy your driving experience. But how do you choose a rental car? Obviously when reserving a rental car you should think about what type of car you want and how much you want to spend.

Rental cars have become a commodity, and when you’re buying a commodity, price should be one of your main considerations. Service and convenience should also be important. If you choose to rent from any of the '”national” companies, (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise , etc.), you will most certainly get a well maintained, nearly new, low mileage car at a competitive price. These companies can afford to provide the vehicle in lots close to your destination airport and also provide frequent shuttle service.

However, many airports now have common lots shared by many of the smaller rental car companies. These companies have also joined together to provide shared shuttle service. If you are open to car preference, do not need the latest and greatest vehicle, and/or have the more time to check your vehicle out of the lot, you may want to consider renting from a lesser known company. Smaller company prices, particularly for weekly rates, can be considerably less than those prices advertised by the national car rental companies.

So why does it matter which car you actually rent if price, service and convenience are the main considerations for a majority of rental car customers? There are generally three additional factors that every renter might want to consider before choosing a specific rental car.

Safety: The renter should consider renting a car similar to his or her own vehicle. This insures that the controls and amenities are generally situated in the same or similar manner as their own vehicle and can allow for better control of the vehicle by the driver.

Practicality: Rent a vehicle that is suitable for your purpose. If you have your spouse, the kids, the dog and accompanying luggage with you for the annual family vacation, that sporty Ford Mustang just might not meet your needs.

Fantasy: On the other hand, if you are by yourself, or accompanied by just your spouse on that weekend get-away or second honeymoon to the mountains you may want to rent a car that you always wanted to drive or even are thinking about purchasing someday.