Renting a car is more economical compared to purchasing plane tickets, especially when you are traveling with your family or a group of friends. Instead of buying separate tickets, you’ll just have to rent one car and everyone will be there. Major car rental companies operate their own website where you can conveniently reserve the car that you need in a certain airport or pick-up place. However, before you go and make that reservation, here are some things that you need to consider before confirming the reservation online.
First you need to know that the car you reserved online is not guaranteed until you pick it up. I’m not saying that there won’t be a car. You will still have your car, but it might be a different make and model than what you originally had. What will be taken into account though is the capacity of your car. Your SUV will be different, but you will still have the same capacity for you and your friends. The trick is to book locally. If your reservation will not be picked up at an airport in another state and you’re dealing locally, you can always ask for a favor to make that reserved for you. Of course, it still will not be guaranteed but you will have the upper hand since you called in to ask for assistance.
Next is to make sure all the things that you need in your car are there. Whether a baby rack, a ski rack or a GPRS, make sure you have them by calling at least 24 hours before you pick up your car. It’s best that you call the national toll free and the local number to make sure you have them. You don’t want to find yourself without the things that you need so make sure you have them even before you pick them up.
Lastly, you need to make sure you know how much you’re going to pay. Each car rental company has different sets of additional payments so you may need to look closer. Most fees would be state taxes, gas and other additional payments you may need to pay before you pick up your car. An exception is the additional payment you must make once you return the car. Make sure you have the car returned on time or else you’ll wish you just flew by plane instead of embarking on a road trip. There would be additional fees if you requested additional things to be placed on the car: GPRS, Satellite Radio and racks are the common add-ons that you can request for a certain fee.
If you are using the car, and you picked it up at the airport because you flew in, make sure to return them at least TWO hours before your scheduled flight. With all the security that you have to go through right now, you’ll just miss your flight if you get in the airport with your car in less than an hour.
So do your homework and ask questions before you complete the reservation. You may not need to pay anything upon reservation, but you will be strapped in cash if you don’t take a look at the hidden fees.
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Hi,
It is indeed a great article on car rentals. The only thing of major concern is that the rules change for the particular country in question.
Being from New Zealand, one important criterion I would like to highlight is that many New Zealadn car rental companies here are very fussy about the driver’s age.
If you are under 21, it is wise for you to check with the car hire company in advance about rules regarding driving a car rental in New Zealand.
Also, ensure with the car rental company if there are any surcharges associated with this.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Tim Alpe
Comment by Tim Alpe — September 9, 2007 @ 4:20 pm