There are a host of benefits that come with renting a car. For instance, if you are holidaying and you need to conveniently and comfortably move around without having to wait on public transport, then renting a car is highly recommended. In most cases, the rental car you choose is usually in mint condition as it is maintained on a regular basis.
However, choosing the right car rental is not an easy task. This is because not all car rental companies provide the same quality, customer-focused service or the same makes and models. The following tips can, however, help you overcome the hurdles and get you into the most affordable, comfortable, and reliable rental car.
1. Decide Who Will Be Joining You
The last thing you want is to rent a car that can’t accommodate your entire team. Always consider the number of people who will be riding with you before you approach a car rental company. That gleaming sportscar may be ideal if you are travelling with one friend. However, try as much as you will, you will not be able to fit seven people into a flashy convertible. You may need to search for a minivan or SUV instead if you’re travelling with several people.
2. Luggage Considerations
If you have a suitcase that’s larger than a backpack, you might want to consider the luggage-carrying capacity of the rental car you are looking to rent. Some rental cars are ideally suited for travellers with minimum luggage. If you are, however, hauling large bags along, you will have to get a car that accommodates that as well. This is especially important if you will be staying in several hotels.
3. Establish How Much You Are Prepared to Spend on Fuel
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll likely have a maximum fuel budget. If you don’t want to bust your fuel budget, you might want to stay away from fuel guzzlers and instead choose a fuel economy car that will be easy on your budget. While large vans and vehicles may be ideal for carrying large luggage, they are also known to consume higher volumes of fuel.
4. Decide Which Features You Will Need
If you are going for a road trip in an area you’ve never been to before, or one whose terrain you are not very familiar with, a GPS would be a handy feature. A car tracker is also a crucial feature in the unfortunate event that the car is stolen. When considering features that you want the car to have, always remember that the more features it has, the higher the rental cost. Again, whatever features you need will depend on your budget and the nature of your trip.
5. Consider Going for the Excess Insurance Coverage
Excess insurance coverage for the car rental may be very handy in case you are involved in an accident. Most insurance companies go to great lengths to cover damages incurred in an accident. When it comes to insurance, the more comprehensive the coverage, the better. This is not one of those aspects you want to skimp on. It’s not good to assume that the car will not be stolen or get involved in an accident. Always be prepared.
Choosing the ideal rental car depends on the intended use, the distances to be covered, the number of people you’re travelling with, the luggage volume, the features, and the budget. These are some of the considerations you should factor in before checking out a car rental business or choosing a certain make or model. Whichever rental car you end up with, always remember to drive safely.