Car Rental 101
Welcome
There are times in one's life when the use of rental cars cannotbe avoided. When someone plows into you at an intersection, whenyou are taking a 2-day trip and your compact car just does nothave enough room to stretch out, these are times when you arehappy that there are rental cars at your disposal. Before yourent that car, though, you should know some things about theprocess. 1- The first step involved in obtaining a rental car is to doresearch on the companies in your local area. There are a numberof nation wide companies and more than likely local companies tochoose from when conducting your research. Try to narrow themdown to three or four companies that are closest to either yourpick up location or your destination. 2- You will want to ask about procedures that may be required bythe rental company. Many companies require that the car befueled up before its return, if this is not done, they willcharge you extra for it. It may also be in your best interest toask what the fee would be if the car is needed for longer thanexpected as well as what the rate is for late drop off. 3- If you have personal auto insurance, call your agent to seeif you are insured with a rental car as well. This will allowyou to save money by turning down the insurance offered by therental company at the time of vehicle pick up. 4- Finally, you have chosen the company and the car, its time topick it up. Make sure that you have the paper work that you willneed. Most companies will require you to show your driverslicense, be sure to have it. Also, your proof of auto insurance,if you will be turning their insurance down. A major credit cardis necessary; if you are not using cash to rent your car, do notcount on them taking a check. 5- Be sure to read the contract and ask questions about anythingthat you do not understand. It's better to take sometime at thecounter or on the phone to pin down the details, than to thinkyou got it and have to deal with the company in the event of anaccident. Ask questions!