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Rental Car Tips #2

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How to find the best Rental Car Company

Ask around and consider their customer service record.

Consider their rental policies and qualifications, are they favorable to you or do they penalize you in some way.

Do they offer a Premium Club that offers the services you need?

Check to see if you belong to any groups that entitle you to a special deal with a particular Rental Car Company.

Find out what partnerships they have that could save you money in other areas. Many Rental Car Companies have agreements with hotel chains, airlines, or credit card companies.

See if they credit your frequent flyer or frequent guest programs with points.

See if they carry the types of cars that you like to drive such as new, used, Ford, GM, and luxury or specialty vehicles.

Check their locations. Do they have them where you travel? Do they have international locations? Are they mostly on or off-airport? Do they have 24-hour facilities, so they will always be there if your flight is late?

What types of extra services do they offer? Could they deliver a car to you or do they offer a pick-up service? Do they have 24-hour emergency road service?

Can they honor your special requests?

Consider their rates and the availability of any coupons or discounts

POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Age requirement

All Rental Companies have a minimum age requirement, usually 25.

Some will rent to those 21 years old with a surcharge, which tend to range from $5.00 to $25.00 a day. Ask about this policy if you are under 25.

Some Rental Car Companies will rent to those 18 and above in certain situations. Government or Military personnel on official business are often allowed to rent. Some companies will rent a car as an insurance replacement vehicle.

The minimum age requirement applies to the renter as well as any additional drivers.

Requirements for additional drivers

Additional drivers are often required to meet most, if not all, of the same requirements as the renter. Rental Companies may be flexible about the credit card requirements.

Additional drivers must usually also be present to present their valid driver’s license to the Rental Company’s representative.

Many Rental Companies will charge a fee to list an additional driver.

Is it a problem if I let someone else drive the car without first listing them as an additional authorized driver?

Yes, and it can be a big one. If someone else drives the car without the Rental Company’s permission, you have most likely violated the contract terms and any protection you had under that contract may be voided.

This violation could complicate or even negate claims against your personal insurance and negatively impact any coverage you receive from your credit card.

If the police stop an unauthorized driver, that driver can be detained or even arrested because they don’t have any legal right to have possession of the car.

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