Renting a Vehicle
Where to
Rent?
There are several auto rental companies to choose from. Many are offices of
major national firms whose networks include locations directly within airports,
and in all major cities. Other auto rental companies may be local neighborhood
businesses with a single location.
Most reputable
rent-a-car dealers offer you different classes of vehicles:
economy compact mid-size
full-size luxury
The cars generally are equipped with a radio, automatic transmission, power
steering and air conditioning. Each auto renting company has its own scope of
services.
What about
Rates?
Motorists can get confused when rates are discussed. Rent-a-car rates are based
on a series of factors which include:
Type and size of the car
How long you plan to keep the car
Gasoline charges
Mileage charges
Insurance coverage
Waivers (CDW/LDW)
Drop-off charges
Taxes
Time of the week you rent the car
Season of the year you are renting the car
Car rental
companies frequently offer two types of rates: a daily rate within a mileage
charge, and a rate that includes free mileage (or specified number of free
miles per day). The other is the weekly rate.
Rates are often based on a 24-hour period with a one-hour grace period. If you
keep the car more than four hours after this period, it may be less expensive
to keep it another day, since hourly overtime charges may be high. Also, some
rates such as weekend specials are only available during certain time periods.
The rate you pay may change if you keep the car beyond that time.
Promotional or special rates that are lower than regular rates also may be
available. Car rental arrangements are sometimes offered in tour packages that
include airfare and lodging. Reputable car rental companies that advertise a
certain rate will have on hand a sufficient number of cars to meet demand.
However, you should check the ad to see if it discloses the number of cars
available on a "limited," or "first
come, first served" basis. Also check to see if the cars are available
only at certain locations.
Most companies
do not include the cost of gasoline in their rates. The tank is full when you
pick up the car, and you pay for additional gas. Keep in mind that if you
return the car without a full tank, you will be assessed a refueling charge by
the car rental company which is often higher than gas station prices.
Also, when you return the car to a location other than where you picked it up,
you may have to pay a "drop-off" charge. Find out what the
requirements are when you make your reservations.
It is
important not only to compare the rates of different firms, but to also check
out the different plans offered by each company. Each type of plan offers
certain advantages. To find out which type is most advantageous for you,
consider how long you will want the car and the approximate number of miles you
plan to drive. Then add up the cost both ways in order to find the plan that
will save you the most money, yet offer the services you need.
An important
consideration in any comparison of cost is to make sure that you are comparing
similar types of cars, comparable insurance coverage and other person
considerations including drop-off privileges. It is a good idea to be cautious
and to check out any company that advertises a rate that seems unrealistically
low.
What about
Insurance and Waivers?
Many auto rental companies include basic automobile liability and standard
comprehensive insurance protection, including theft insurance, as part of their
service without added charge.
Personal
Accident Insurance (PAI) is optional at an additional charge. This provides
both life and medical insurance for the driver and passengers. But check your
personal car insurance policy--you might already be covered.
Personal
Effects Coverage (PEC) is also optional at an additional charge. It covers loss
of, or damage to, personal property, such as luggage and cameras, in the car,
with some limitations and exceptions. You should ask what is covered and what
the reimbursement limits are.
Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW) for a daily charge, the rental firm may offer you a CDW. A
CDW is not insurance. However, if you take it, the company waives the right to
collect the deductible on collision insurance from you. Again, check your
personal car insurance policy to see if it covers damage to rental vehicles.
The CDW is optional, and it is illegal for a company to require you to purchase
it.
Loss Damage
Waiver (LDW) provides coverage against theft and natural disasters, such as
floods and lightning. Each company has its own limitations. You should ask what
is covered and to what extent.
It is a good
idea to examine, and be sure you understand, the insurance coverage and any
waivers offered by the renting company. This is especially important when
advertised rental rates are considerably lower than usual. Be sure you give the
vehicle a thorough examination for unusual dents and scratches before you take
it out. Any damage should be noted on the contract before you leave the lot,
even if this means going back into the rental office to make sure the damage is
acknowledged in writing. Also, make sure that the spare tire and tools are in
the trunk.
Making a
Reservation
In some places you may be able to walk in and rent a car without a reservation.
But to make sure you will have the type of car you want, when you want it, you
should reserve in advance. Most rent-a-car companies take reservations in
advance and will guarantee them with your credit card number and arrival time.
Often they will provide a reservation number which you should record.
When you call
for a reservation, give the time and date you want the car and your preference
of model and make. Major companies will reserve a car in the cities they serve
in the
Who Can
Rent a Car?
Generally, anyone with a valid driver's license and acceptable credit card can
rent a car. Most companies require renters to be 25 years of age, although in
some cities the age limit may be between 18 and 21. If you do not have a credit
card, but qualify for a cash deposit including the estimated rental charges, as
well as other verifiable information. In some areas, rental companies will
require a cash deposit including the estimated rental charges, as well as other
verifiable information. In some areas, rental companies accept only valid
credit cards and will not take cash.
Tips to
Remember
Other rent-a-car services you might look for:
- Infant safety seats (required in most states)
- Specialized rates over particular holidays
- Winterized cars with snow tires or chains; ski racks and ice scrapers
- Top of the car luggage racks for long trips
- Special controls for the handicapped
- Four wheel drive vehicles
Rates and
options are always subject to availability.
When you reserve your car, ask if the rental company provides emergency road
service. If so, you will be given the toll-free number to call if you need
help. The rental company will either repair the car on the spot or bring
another car to you.
This
information is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on
any company, product, or service.