How To Rent A Car

Price Quotes

Renting a car is very much like finding a hotel room. Of course you want the best price, but you don't want to find yourself staying in the worst part of town in a room with a broken toilet, just as you don't want to rent a car whose air conditioning doesn't work or from a rental agent who is rude and obnoxious. That said, most of the major car rental companies -- for example, Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget -- are usually safe bets, whereas smaller, lesser known firms might not be as reliable.

Larger companies usually have a toll-free number that you can call for price quotes, but be prepared by at least having an idea of what you're looking for. It is always a good idea to shop around online through major travel websites, like Expedia, as they can give you prices to a wide range of vehicles from a wide range of car rental companies. These prices are not always the best available; check the individual company websites for any specials as well.

Most car rental companies will match or beat competitor's prices, so use that to your advantage to get a quote that is even better than what is advertised. Again, make use of the toll-free numbers, and try to speak to the branch specifically rather than a centralized reservation call center to get the absolute best price.

Insurance

Car Rental Insurance is where many car rental companies make a lot of money. Do not go without insurance -- that is obviously a bad decision -- but don't get suckered into the typically high rates that car rental companies charge either. There are other options available. Among these are:

• Credit Card: If you have a Gold or Platinum card, there is a good chance that your credit card has some form of travel insurance, and this sometimes includes coverage for car rentals. Check your user agreements and read carefully. Often, credit card insurance is on a reimbursement basis, meaning the cost of the damages is initially charged to your credit card, and then taken off at a later date. Bear in mind that you are usually responsible for any interest that accrues.

• Travel Insurance: Some travel insurance policies include car rental coverage, and some are offered specifically for car rental -- these are sometimes cheaper than purchasing coverage through the car rental company. Make sure you bring proof of your coverage when you pick up the rental car.

• Your Own Car Insurance: The policy that you have on your own vehicle back home may also provide insurance for when you rent a vehicle. Again, bring some form of proof (a registration or policy number, ideally on a formal document of some kind).

Important Tip: If any of the above policies carry a deductible, car rental companies often offer something called "Deductible Waiver" or something to that effect. What this does is if you get into an accident or the rental car is broken into, the claim still goes through your insurance policy, but the car rental company will pay for the deductible up to a certain amount. For a more carefree vacation, "deductible waiver" is something you should seriously consider.

General Tips

• Check the vehicle carefully before you take it off the lot. You WILL be liable for any damage not noted on the contract when you return the vehicle. Places to pay particular attention to are the undercarriage, bumpers, and the roof (especially on taller vehicles like SUVs and vans). The windshield should be checked for any rock chips, cracks, pits, and the like.

• Use the pickup service. Most car rental companies -- whether they advertise it or not -- will typically pick you up from the airport, your hotel, or wherever you are and drive you to the branch to fill out the rental contract. This can save you cab fare and the hassle of trying to find the car rental location. Of course, if your hotel is far away from the branch, they may decline the free pickup service.

• Ask for an estimated total. The last thing you want is to return the rental car and discover a whole mess of hidden fees and surcharges. Check your mileage allowance. Ask the agent for a total for how much the rental will be, including all charges, taxes, and fees when you get your price quote in the first place, so there is no ambiguity or disagreement when it comes time to sign the contract and/or to pay.