Basics on how to rent a car

[Jleu22]

There our countless reasons why people want/need to rent a car. Whether you want to visit family for the holidays, save some money on your next vacation or you just need a car for a couple days...I have some very helpful info that you might want to read.  

First , the most commonly asked question...Are you 25 years old with a valid drivers license and a MAJOR credit card?

Not 25 years old?? That's still ok, there is usually an extra fee for renters 21-25. You will most likely be restricted to renting just cars though no luxgery cars and no suvs. Most try to get around this by saying that there parent is going to rent it for them. NO GOOD. Your parent is now the only person who can drive it, so your still out of luck.

Don't have a major credit card?  By major they mean not attached to your bank account. Some locations do accept debit cards but you have to meet their requirements as well. If you are renting from a airport most companies will ask to see your return flight itinerary (proof you are going to be bringing the car back because you are flying back out of the airport). If you are renting at a non airport location (they call them home city locations) a certain company will ask you for 2 current utility bills and a pay check stub. Also you will usually have to put a deposit down on top of the rental amount.

Even if you do have a major credit card sometimes you will have to make a deposit or a security hold on your car before you can drive it away!

Another common question...what about insurance? Most of the time it's optional.... if you have your own insurance on your every day car you want to ask your insurance company if you are covered in any car you drive. But that is not always the case some states require extra and in other countries they have required protections that you need to purchase.

Ok now when do you want the rental? That's a bigger question then you can ever imagine! Weekend specials are really popular some starting on Thursday nights others starting on Fridays...but don't expect all locations to have a weekend special. Think it's cheaper to start in the beginning or middle of the week? Nope not really. Business travelers get cars all through the week. Some locations may have more cars on the week day but not the best prices. A lot of companies price their rentals based on availability...supply and demand from your high school economics class.

Planning your trip a head of time is a lot better then getting it last minute. Your flying in to Florida for Christmas???? SO is every one else! Any time you are even thinking about renting a car you want to reserve it at the very least a couple weeks in advance. for big holidays a month in advance. Some companies will do a reservation for you with just your name and phone number...(you don't pay for it until you pick it up) so don't be afraid to make a reservation...you can call back to cancel it if it turns out your going to go with some one else or your plans change.

I have a lot more tips for renting a car...i am in no way an expert but i am a employee of a rental car company so any cafemom that has any questions about rental cars on almost any aspect of them can message me ok :) safe travels and i will be journaling more about rental cars here in the future :)