As of 2022, there are 15,577 car rental companies in the United States, a 0.6 percent increase from 2021. With so many car rental companies to choose from, selecting the best one can be stressful and difficult.
Most people prefer using car rental services since they provide a wide range of cars, prices, and services. They have a modern fleet that can make your trip memorable.
When searching for a car rental delivery service, keep in mind that there are several factors to consider in order to make the best decision.
In most cases, making the correct choice will be difficult and challenging if you don’t know how some of these companies operate. As a result, the first thing is to understand how they carry out their services and the perks you will receive from them.
Keep reading to know how to choose the perfect car rental delivery service.
Consider Your Car Rental Needs
A regular rental car company will often offer similar vehicles in different classifications. Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in categories.
Nowadays, you can choose everything from mini cars to luxury vehicles. What do you need? You may want a luxury vehicle.
But, if you will spend most of your time in the car, that may be a wasted expense. Why not rent a convertible?
That may be a better choice, but if you have a lot of luggage or the weather isn’t conducive, it’s not practical. Ensure you know what you need for your trip to make a good decision.
Rental Car Insurance
Travelling can be expensive and frustrating when unplanned expenses begin adding up. If you want to have a weekend out with your family, something you did not plan for, consider rental car insurance.
Before deciding on whether you need that extra rental car insurance company, you should know:
- Your auto insurance covers every damage to rental cars
- You will need to pay your deductible upon damaging a rental car under the insurance plan
Even though your auto insurance plan covers the use of rental cars, what is the extent of its coverage? How long will it last, and how protected are you?
Remember, you will have to pay if the rental car has to sit in the repair shop. You will also pay for the loss of revenue even though your insurance covers the damages.
In case of damages during your travel, like a tire burst, you can always contact tire road help companies. Click https://www.allcoasttyres.com.au/services/car-service/ to hire a company that will offer onsite call-out repair services.
But, some rental companies will offer a waiver. A collision damage waiver (CDW) is an agreement between you and the rental company that states you will not be liable for any damages to the car.
That’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card for every damage like one due to intoxication. But the waiver provides the most hassle-free option.
Bigger Is Not Always Better
Large rental vehicles tend to consume more fuel. The vehicles are more expensive and hard to maneuver in cities with narrow roads and limited parking.
You can opt to go with mid-sized and cheap rental cars. Such cars have better fuel economy than large rental cars.
Consider reserving a compact or subcompact car. That is so because most rentals companies have a few smaller cars, and you might get an upgrade to the mid-size category.
But, it’s not a guarantee you will receive an upgrade. If that’s a bit discouraging, try and choose a rental car that is large enough.
Unless you need more storage, do not ask for a big SUV.
Price Range
Upgrading to a bigger or faster model may be very tempting. That’s especially so if the upgrade won’t add much to your overall cost.
But the little extra each day will add up quickly over time. Also, there will be extra fuel costs, higher excesses, and bigger security deposits that come with big cars.
After choosing a model that fits your needs, you will resist hard sell at the company’s counter, sticking to your budget. Since not all road trips are equal, ensure you match your car with your trip.
Any Need for an Extra Kit
Are you going to travel with the kids? If so, ensure you check the child seat policy of the country or state you are traveling to since it may be different from your state.
Ensure you reserve the child seat when booking your rental car since they don’t come as standard. Also, do the same for GPS/satnav systems.
You have to pay for this extra equipment when booking your rental car. Also, rental companies do not always guarantee them.
Since they charge at a daily rate for such extras, you will save money when you take your own. If you plan to travel to a hot place, your car must have air conditioning to have a comfortable road trip.
Amount of Boot You Require
What amount of space do you need? Remember that all your luggage must fit in the boot since roof bars are rare or not an option when hiring a vehicle.
Skiing is the only exception since you can fit the car with a ski rack. Leaving your luggage in the back seat isn’t a good idea either.
You might attract thieves and may end up compromising your travel insurance.
Choose the Best Car Rental Delivery Service
The best car rental delivery service will have tow trucks to get the car to you in time.
Begin your search by defining your needs and later think about the kind of vehicle right for you. Then do due diligence on the available companies, and don’t forget about the rental car insurance.
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