Some Basic Rules to Rent A Car

Added: 01/30/2006

With the introduction of online booking and inexpensive air tickets, providing a car rental package deal or car hire has become a competitive market in just about every country in the world. A Rental car is a perfect option for people who have no access to their own vehicles and need one for business or leisure trip. Most often rental car centers can be found near airports, which make them easily accessible and extremely convenient.

Currently there are a great number of car rental companies, offering a wide range of vehicles at reasonable prices. Numerous discounts are available as well, contributing greatly to the business' competitiveness. Because of the growing number of car rental options, many travelers prefer to give up their own vehicles and take advantage of the opportunity to rent a car, which has proved to be fast and convenient. However, there are certain points concerning car rents, which should be made clear. First and foremost, on hiring a car, a valid driving license and identification is required. You may be also asked to show a major credit card in your name.

The majority rental car centers have age restrictions. Generally drivers under 25 are allowed to rent a car for an additional fee, which is usually $25.00 per day. Exceptions include locations of New York, where the additional fee for drivers aged 18-24 makes $115.00, and some locations in Idaho, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington and Iowa, where drivers must be at least 25 to rent a car. For this reason it is necessary to check all the terms and requirements for the selected location.

A car rental company can deny rental service whenever a driving license of a renter fails to meet established criteria. This concerns invalid or suspended license, one or more convictions for irresponsible driving within 48 months, the use of stolen vehicle, expired license, or more than two accidents within 36 months.

Most car rentals in the United States and Canada require a deposit to rent a car, with the amount, deposit type and method of payment varying from one location to another. Despite the fact that a driver may not be required to take the insurance, he is responsible for a car in case of damage. While renting a car, check with your insurance company whether you have full protection coverage. In case you don't have proper protection, budget can sell coverage for your rental. You may consider damage waiver or super cover, offered frequently by rental car centers.

Some renters choose to purchase insurance from independent insurance agents, which ensure full coverage of damage caused to the car. The benefits of coverage may vary by location. At some Budget locations a credit card is required to secure a reservation, while others accept them for payment during car return. Following major credit cards are usually accepted at corporate-owned locations: Budget Charge Card, American Express, Budget International, Discover, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, Cash Prepayment ID Card and Optima.

It is possible to rent a car on a daily 24 hour basis, starting at the pick-up time. However, if you make up your mind to keep a vehicle for a few more days, you are free to do it. As far as cancellation policy is concerned, a driver may cancel 48 hours in advance of the designated time without penalty.

In case you cancel within 48 hours, a $75.00 fee is assessed. If a reservation is made without a credit card, a fee will not be assessed. This cancellation policy is carried out in corporate US locations only. At some locations an assessed fee may be equal to one rental day in case you fail to cancel within the designated cancellation period.

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