You’re standing at the car rental counter, and the agent is asking you questions. What kind of car do you want? What size? How long do you need it? You have no idea. You just know that you need a car, and fast. You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this same situation when they need to rent a car. The good news is that National Car Rental is here to help. With over 50 years of experience in the business, we know a thing or two about renting cars. In this blog post, we will share car rental tips that will make your life easier the next time you need to rent a car. From choosing the right car to understanding the ins and outs of insurance, we’ve got you covered.
Keep This Points In Mind
1. Plan Your Trip in Advance:
This may seem like an obvious one, but it's important to remember that the earlier you start planning your trip, the better. By giving yourself plenty of time to plan and research your options, you'll be more likely to find the best deals on car rentals.
2. Compare Prices:
There are a lot of different variables that can affect the price of a car rental, so it's important to compare prices from multiple companies before you book. Be sure to consider things like fuel costs, insurance rates, and extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
3. Choose the Right Vehicle:
For most people, a standard sedan is going to be the best option for a car rental. But if you're planning on doing a lot of driving or traveling with a large group, you might want to consider upgrading to an SUV or minivan. Just be sure to factor in the added cost of gasoline when making your decision.
4. Book Online:
In general, you're going to get the best rates by booking your car rental online in advance . Many companies offer discounts for online bookings, so it's definitely worth taking a few minutes to compare prices and make your reservation ahead of time.
Choose the Right Car Rental Company
When it comes to car rental, it's important to choose a company that you can trust. National Car Rental has been providing quality service for over 50 years, and is one of the most trusted names in the industry. With over 700 locations worldwide, they offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, and their rates are competitive. National also offers a number of convenient online tools, such as the ability to make reservations and view your account history.
Know the rules of the road
If you're new to driving, or just need a refresher, make sure you know the basic rules of the road before renting a car. In the U.S., all drivers must:
-Drive on the right side of the road
-Obey posted speed limits
-Stop at red lights and stop signs
-Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles with the right of way
-Use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns
There are also a few things to keep in mind when parking:
-Most states require you to park your car in an legal spot (i.e., not blocking a driveway or fire hydrant)
-You may need to pay for parking, so have some change handy
-In some cities, you need to park your car in the direction of traffic flow on one-way streets
What to Look for When Renting a Car
When you rent a car, there are a few things you should look for to ensure you have a positive experience. First, make sure the car is clean and in good condition. There should be no major damage, and the interior should be clean and comfortable. Second, check the rental agreement to make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Be sure to ask about any fees or charges that may apply, and be aware of the mileage limit if there is one. Finally, make sure you have all the necessary insurance coverage in place before you drive off.
How to Save Money on Your Next Car Rental
Assuming you're looking to save money on your next car rental, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Shop around and compare prices. Don't just go with the first company you find.
2. Look for discounts. Many companies offer discounts for things like AAA membership, prepaying, etc.
3. Consider renting from a smaller company. They may not have all the bells and whistles of the big guys, but they'll likely be cheaper.
4.Don't get caught up in extras like insurance or GPS navigation systems. Unless you really need them, they're not worth the extra cost.
5. Ask about special rates or deals. Sometimes car rental companies will offer special rates for certain groups or periods of time. It never hurts to ask!
The best time to book your rental car
When it comes to booking your rental car, timing is everything. You can save a ton of money by booking your car in advance, especially if you're planning on renting during peak times.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, the best time to book your rental car is usually about 2-3 months in advance. This way, you can take advantage of early bird discounts and other deals that are often available.
If you're not able to book that far in advance, don't worry – you can still find great deals by booking 1-2 months ahead of time. And, if you're really in a pinch, you can sometimes find last-minute deals by booking just a few weeks ahead of your trip.
Of course, the best time to book your rental car will vary depending on when and where you're traveling. So, be sure to do some research before you book to ensure that you're getting the best possible deal.
What to do if you have an accident
If you have an accident while renting a car, the first thing you should do is remain calm and assess the situation. If possible, move your car to the side of the road so that traffic can flow freely. Once you've done that, it's time to call the police and your rental car company.
The police will create an accident report which will be useful for your insurance company. As for your rental car company, they'll likely have a roadside assistance number that you can call. They'll send someone out to help you and may even give you a replacement car if yours is badly damaged.
How to deal with a breakdown
If your car rental breaks down, don't panic. First, try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. If you can't fix it, call the rental company's roadside assistance line. Be sure to have your rental agreement and ID handy. The representative will likely ask for this information.
If the problem can't be fixed on the spot, the rental company will send a tow truck to take your car to the nearest service station. You may be responsible for paying for the tow, so be sure to ask about this upfront. You'll also need to find alternative transportation while your car is being repaired. The rental company may be able to provide a replacement car, or you may need to make other arrangements.
In any case, follow the instructions of the representative from the rental company. They will help you through every step of the process so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
What to do when you return the car
When you return the car, make sure to:
-Turn off the engine
-Lock all doors and windows
-Return the key to the representative
-Make sure to remove all of your belongings from the car
-Check for any damage to the car and report it to the representative
-Thank the representative for their time.
Conclusion
We hope you found these tips helpful for your next car rental. At National, we're committed to making your experience seamless and stress-free from start to finish. Whether you're renting for business or pleasure, we have the perfect car for you. Check out national car rental selection of vehicles today and make your reservation online or over the phone. We look forward to getting you on the road!
