Car rental is a great way to get around without the expense of owning and maintaining a vehicle. However, it’s important to understand what to expect before you reserve a car.
Many car rental companies have supplemental coverage policies, like damage waivers, that limit your out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident or other damage. You can also save by booking a pre-paid rate.
Pick-up and drop-off locations
When renting a car, it’s important to know where you’ll be picking up and dropping off the vehicle. Most rental companies require that you return the vehicle to the original location where you picked it up. However, one-way rentals are sometimes possible. This can be a good option if you’re planning a road trip that involves two different cities.
When choosing a pick-up and drop-off location, consider the traffic situation and parking availability in that area. In addition, you’ll want to check if there are any extra fees, such as an E-Z pass transponder or GPS, that will add to the cost of your rental.
Another option is to use a car sharing service like Uber, which can be a great way to save money on a rental. These services allow you to Rent a Car Rotterdam cars by the minute or hour, which can be a lifesaver in New York City, especially if you need to transport something oversized, travel to outer boroughs, or even to New Jersey.
Vehicles available
When you book a car, the vehicle options available to you depend on your travel needs. Some people like a small city car while others prefer something larger for family vacations or road trips.
If you are planning a winter trip, consider sport utility vehicles with four-wheel drive and traction control to help you navigate snowy or slick roads. However, these vehicles are typically more expensive and less fuel-efficient than other cars.
You can find a vehicle that best suits your travel needs by choosing the type of car category, size and model when booking. Car rental companies use unique classification systems to categorize their vehicles. You may see the same car listed as intermediate, mid-size or standard depending on the company. To avoid confusion, read up on the different categories to understand what each means.
Additional fees
Many people are unaware of additional fees charged by car rental companies. These can include junk fees such as the use of a toll transponder, GPS navigation system, and satellite radio. These products are expensive and often not needed, especially if you have a smartphone that has all the functionality of these devices. Other hidden fees can include airport surcharges, premium location charges, and out of hours fees. Many of these extra fees aren’t reflected in the initial quote, so it is important to review your receipt thoroughly.
Other add-ons may include insurance, a damage waiver, and the use of child seats. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to review the total before confirming your reservation. Also, be careful to return your vehicle with a full tank of gas to avoid paying extra charges for refueling. If you’re unsure about any additional charges, contact your travel consolidator to get clarification before booking your car.
Insurance
Credit cards often offer car rental coverage. They may cover collision damage and theft, depending on the card. However, these policies are usually secondary and only come into effect after your personal insurance policy or the coverage offered by the car rental company have been exhausted. These supplemental policies are also often more expensive than the standard loss-damage waiver (LDW) that rental companies offer. Before renting a car, it is important to call your credit card issuer and ask what their policies cover.
Most car rentals come with some form of insurance, but it is vital to understand how these policies work. For example, the basic car rental coverage, known as Collision Damage Waiver, only covers the bodywork of the vehicle. This excludes the engine, wheels, undercarriage, and windows. Purchasing additional insurance coverage can protect you from this, but it will also increase your rental rate. Additional insurance coverage can also include Personal Accident Insurance, which pays for medical expenses incurred in the event of an accident.
