Hassle-Free Car Rental

How often, and for what reasons, do you find it necessary to rent a car? Are you one of those individuals who travels frequently? Many people, when they travel, prefer the luxury of a rented automobile as opposed to a taxi, shuttle bus, public transportation, or the generosity of friends or family.

Have you ever tried to hail a taxi? Unless you’ve got a killer whistle, don’t count on tripping over any idle taxies. Oh, sure, you might be able to get a taxi at the airport, but do you really want to pay in excess of $10 to go only two blocks? This might be an exaggeration , but that’s what it seems like. Sight-seeing is definitely out of the question. Do you have money to burn?

Airport shuttles are a very popular mode of transportation. However, when traveling, waiting in excess of 11/2 hours for the shuttle, having to stand in the aisle because the shuttle was overloaded, and being stepped on does not make this option very appealing. Never mind that standing in a moving vehicle is a safety hazard.

If you think airport shuttles are the worst, think again. Ever try to "lug" two suitcases onto a bus? Are you familiar with the bus schedules or routes? Chances are the other passengers aren’t going to take too kindly to you delaying the driver with your numerous questions. Have you ever had to push you way through a crowded bus to get off at your stop in time? And subways! Now, many of you don’t consider yourselves paranoid or alarmists, but with all the crime and violence occurring on subways, you’d be better taking your chances with the bus system.

How many times have you heard that before? Can you trust your flight to arrive on time? Does your ride know to check with the airline prior to picking you up? Don’t forget that your activities are limited by your host’s schedule, unless he/she arranged for time off, has an extra car for your use, or is letting you borrow his/her car while he/she is at work. Talk about inconvenience!

How many of you can afford to be without a car? Oh, sure, you can car-pool to work or school, but then you can’t run to the bank or pay your utilities during your lunch hour, unless you walk really fast and the places you want to go are nearby.

Did you know that some automobile insurance policies offer rental car coverage when you have an accidents? If you’re injured in an accident, how are you going to get to the doctor? If you’re one of those people who purchased an extended warranty with your vehicle, chances are you have some kind of rental car coverage. Take advantage of this feature while your car gets repaired.

Whether you choose Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National or any of the other rental car companies, you need to know the basics of car rental before you make mistakes that could cause you valuable time and money.

Here are some tips to make your rental experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

* Make sure you ask the reservation agent if there are any additional discounts, savings, or promotions you could be entitled to. If you’re in college, check for student discounts. If you’re in the military, check for military discounts. If you’re a Senior Citizen, check for Senior Citizen discounts. You get the picture.

* Reserve in advance: Advance reservations not only get you better prices, in most cases, but you’ll also have a better chance at getting the vehicle class (subcompact, compact, mid, full, van, etc.) of your choice.

* Valid driver’s license: This should be self explanatory. Just like you would need one to operate your own vehicle, all car rental agencies require a valid driver’s license. And that goes for any additional drivers.

* Minimum age restrictions: Most car rental agencies require all drivers to be a minimum of 25 years old. However, many of the smaller or local companies rent to 21 year olds, providing they purchase the optional insurance. For any of you under the age of 25, your best bet is usually Alamo.

* Credit card: Most rental agencies require a major credit card to secure a rental. You don’t necessarily have to pay with a credit card, but agencies like to secure an approval code on a given amount, like $200, for a deposit. This amount does not constitute a purchase. Rather, once the car comes back in good condition, the credit card draft is usually destroyed.

* Reserve with weekly rates instead of daily: Weekly rates usually give you a break in price. You’re better off paying weekly and returning the vehicle early than paying the "premium daily rates" for returning a car a few days late. You’re normally not penalized for returning your rental early.

* Insurance, do I or don’t I?: Before you rent, check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers you in a car rental. Also check with your credit card companies. If you have a Gold VISA or MasterCard, you probably have additional insurance coverage. There are several types of insurance that the agent will try to talk you into purchasing – Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) and Additional Liability Insurance (ALI). Most of these are optional, but again, check with your insurance and credit card companies to see if you have coverage. Also, make sure that any additional drivers have their own coverage.

* Upgrades: If, upon arrival, the rental agency is out of the class car you reserved, you might be able to upgrade for no additional charge. Don’t assume you’ll get it though. It’s up to you to ask.

* Unlimited mileage: Most rental agencies have unlimited mileage for travel within the same state, though some of the smaller agencies charge mileage after 100-200 miles each day. You can find this out easily when you call for reservations.

* Gasoline charges: Make sure you fill the tank before returning your car. Also, some rental agencies will try to tack on a gasoline charge and ask you to fill the tank before returning the vehicle. By you filling the tank before returning, you are sure to pay the gas price at the pump, not what the agencies will charge you. Make sure you read and understand all the charges, including the fine print, before you rent.

* Additional charges: This may include airport surcharges, recovery fees and state taxes. If you’re planning on returning the vehicle at a different location, be prepared to be assessed a drop-off charge. You may also be charged for additional drivers. Check with your rental agency for all applicable charges. Ask about hourly rates if you need the car for less than a full day.

* The 24-hour clock: Make sure you are informed about your drop-off time and any additional charges for returning late. For example, if you return a car within a 24 hour period, you will only be charged for one day. However, if you return your car 26 hours later, you’ll be charged for two days.

* Check the condition of the car: Most agencies will perform a checklist in the presence of the renter. Make sure you note anything you observe, for example, not a full tank of gas, scratches on the bumper, needs car wash, smells of cigarette smoke, etc. If you don’t note something that was there before you rented the car, you could be held liable for any damages, no matter how small or insignificant.

* International travel: Are you planning on crossing the border to Mexico or Canada? Make sure you know the facts before you do. You could be violating the contract you have with the rental agency, and you could be voiding out your insurance protection with your credit card or insurance companies.

* Note your license plate: Taking the family on vacation to an amusement park or other vacation spot? Make sure you write down the make, model and license plate number before you leave your rental car. Remember, you’re driving a vehicle that’s not your own and leaving it in a huge parking lot.

* Request an extra key: Some rental agencies will furnish an extra key if you ask for one. After all, nobody’s perfect.

* Traveling with children: Most car companies have child seats for infants. Be sure to specify if you need one when you make reservations.

* Look at a map: Chances are you’re visiting a location that you’ve never been to before. Note the location of the car rental agency and ask any questions you have before leaving. Most agencies even have maps available for their customers. Just ask!