Or it may be an SUV you need so there's enough room for the whole family, whatever size or style car you want to drive, you can get it at a rental agency.
There are some things you should know before rushing over to the rental office to sign the rental agreement.
1. You must be 25 or older to rent a car. That is true for most rental car agencies. There are a few who will rent to drivers over the age of 18, but you usually have to leave a large deposit, and those rental offices are hard to find. Some of the larger companies may rent to a parent or older friend and put a younger person on as a driver. It varies depending on the car rental agency you use.
2. Anyone who is going to drive the rental car will need a valid drivers license. If you don't have a license, you cannot rent a car.
3. You will need a credit card to rent a car. The car rental agency will take a deposit from your credit card and return the deposit amount when you have turned the car back in. Some rental agencies allow you to leave a cash deposit, but again, that depends on the car rental company you use.
5. Your existing car insurance policy may cover the rental car you lease. It may not. The only way to know for sure is to read your insurance policy, or you can call your car insurance agent and ask him. If your insurance doesn't cover the car rental vehicle you can buy insurance coverage for the term of your rental agreement. Ask the rental agent to explain the different rental car insurance plans and options available to you, and listen carefully. You may want to get full coverage just to be on the safe side.
6. Always call several different car rental companies so you can compare what model cars they offer, how much the cars are, and check to see if the agency is running any current specials. You may want to inquire about what services the rental agency offers, such as pick up and drop off services. Some rental offices will drop the car off directly to you, and pick it up at the end of your lease term. Ask about mileage plans that come along with the rental cars. Will a set number of miles and a small price per mile plan work for you? Or do you need unlimited mileage, and if so, how much will it cost you?
7. Check and see what offers or discounts you can use towards your rental car. If you belong to AAA you may be eligible for a discounted car rental rate, not only on your rental vehicle, but on hotels while you are traveling.
There are all kinds of discounts available and here are a few of them:
AAA Members (Automobile Association of America)
Military Discounts
AARP Members (Formerly the American Association of Retired Persons)
Credit Union Members
So be sure to check all your affiliations. You may be able to save yourself some money, or get a free upgrade on the model of rental car you drive.
8. When signing the car rental agreement, make sure to read the contract carefully. Double check your rental car insurance policy if you have opted to purchase it. Make sure your mileage limit, or unlimited mile status is clearly visible on the front of the rental contract. Be sure you understand the contract. It is better to feel silly and ask a question if you have any questions at all.
Now that you have chosen the model car you want to rent, and purchased your rental car insurance, get going! Your vacation is waiting for you.
