A car rental can add a whole new level of freedom to a trip. But there are a few things you should know before you go.
Ask about mileage limits, and how much they’ll charge for exceeding them. You may already have coverage -- at no extra cost -- through your auto club or a credit card.
Safety
Car rentals provide a safe and convenient alternative to owning a vehicle. However, renting a vehicle is not without its risks. To avoid them, follow these valuable car rental safety tips.
Select a reputable rental company with a history of excellent customer service and maintenance. Choose vehicles with a high crash test rating, and check for key safety features like airbags, electronic stability control, rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and collision warning systems. If you're traveling with children, confirm that the rental company provides child safety seats.
Familiarize yourself with the rental vehicle. Take the time to adjust the seat and mirrors and learn where various functions are located. Be sure to remove any personal items from the vehicle before returning it.
Keep a basic emergency kit in the trunk, including a flashlight, first aid supplies and jumper cables. Park in well-lit areas, and lock the doors and windows when not driving. This simple step can significantly reduce your risk of theft and crime in the vehicle.
Convenience
Many people rent cars as a way to increase their transportation options. Car rental companies provide a variety of vehicles to meet different travel needs, and they offer convenience by allowing customers to reserve and manage their reservation online. This system streamlines the process of renting a car and Wypożyczalnia samochodów makes it more efficient for both the customer and company.
Convenience also includes the ability to choose from a wide range of vehicles and pick up and return the car at a time and place that suits the customer’s schedule. Some rental companies offer additional services, such as prepaid fuel or GPS navigation systems. These services can add to the overall cost of a rental, so it is important to consider them carefully before making a purchase.
One other convenience feature of car rentals is that they often include a full tank of gas when you pick it up. However, this can be a waste of money if you plan to use the vehicle for long trips.
Fuel Economy
Car rental is an important part of the tourism industry and is used by people who don't have a car, travel for work, or need to transport large items. It also helps to save time and money by avoiding parking fines, road tolls, and traffic jams.
Getting the best rate on your car rental starts with knowing what to look for. When comparing prices online, be sure to include any taxes and fees to get an accurate picture of the total cost.
Adding an EZ Pass transponder is a good idea for anyone who rents cars in New York. This will save time at toll booths and prevent having to make multiple trips to the car rental agency to pay for gas. Many companies require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. If you don't, you'll be charged a fee for the extra fuel. This can be costly if you're near your credit limit or running low on cash.
Insurance
When you rent a car, the rental company will likely try to sell you their insurance. But you may be better off skipping it. Credit card providers typically offer supplemental car rental insurance for a fraction of what the rental company charges.
Credit card car rental coverage consists of loss-and-damage waivers and liability protection. The former protects you from the rental company's financial responsibility for theft, environmental damage and collision. This usually costs $12 to $30 per day. Liability coverage pays lawsuit-related costs if you cause an accident, up to preset policy limits. Premium cards often include primary coverage, which means your own auto insurance doesn't know about the claim and won't raise your rates.
Personal accident insurance -- which covers medical expenses for you and your passengers -- and personal effects coverage (which reimburses you if items in the rental are stolen) also may be available on some credit cards. Contact your credit card company or benefit administrator for more details.