When traveling for business or pleasure, there are many details that deserve your attention. For example, you may need to rent a car for your upcoming trip.
While this sounds simple enough, especially since there are a variety of companies to consider, it’s possible that you could make a mistake if you don’t take the right approach.
Fortunately, you can follow some basic tips for choosing the best rental car company.
Note: once you find a company you trust and enjoy doing business with, you can rely on their services for future trips.
Now, it’s time to review five tips that will allow you to make an informed and confident decision:
- Selection
There is nothing more frustrating than booking a rental car, just to show up at the counter and find that your preferred vehicle is not available.
The best rental car companies have a large selection, ensuring that you always get the vehicle you want and need (or something better).
For this reason, it’s best to stick with companies that have strong brand recognition. These providers are known for having the largest selection.
- Rate
It’s easier than ever to search for a car rental online. All it takes is access to the internet, a few minutes of time, and the ability to make a decision.
As you use the internet to compare your many options, pay close attention to the rate offered by each company. If all else is equal, you should always gravitate toward the company with the most affordable price. You can find many discounts online using sites like Groupon. They have Sixt discount codes available now for your car rental needs.
Tip: make sure you are comparing apples to apples. After all, it is safe to assume that a compact car does not rent at the same price as a luxury SUV or sports car.
Last, but certainly not least, don’t overlook the fact that some companies regularly advertise online coupons. For example, you could find coupons for everything from 10 percent off to a free upgrade.
You can compare car insurance rates over here.
- Customer Service
This may not sound like a big deal upfront, but it could definitely come into play at some point down the road.
What will happen if you arrive at the counter and need to change your reservation, maybe because you’re traveling with more people than you initially believed?
What will happen if you’re involved in an accident and need the help of your rental car company?
What will happen if your vehicle breaks down and leaves you stranded?
A company with a dedication to customer service is one that will step in and do whatever it takes to make things right. Conversely, companies that don’t care about its customers will add more challenges to your life – and that’s not something you need when you’re traveling.
- Read Online Reviews
It goes without saying that you can find car rental deals online. But here’s the problem with this: a good price has a way of taking your attention away from other important details.
It’s imperative to read as many online reviews as possible, as you want to see what other consumers are saying about a particular car rental company.
If possible, narrow down your search by city, island or other smaller area. This is important because some companies have a better reputation in particular parts of the world. For example, the best way to find the best place to rent a car in the Greek island of Naxos is to search for rent a car naxos or similar language.
Although it will take a few minutes (or hours) to read through a variety of reviews, the information you gather will help you make the right choice. You can navigate the reviews left by customers on https://www.swissvans.com/product/ford-transit-custom-lease/. The best way to measure how trustworthy a car leasing company is.
- Watch for Extra Fees
There are some fees that you have to pay no matter what. You will be faced with these regardless of which rental car company you use.
However, keep this in mind: some fees don’t have a set cost, meaning that one company may charge you more than others.
Some of the most common rental car fees include:
- Sales tax
- Vehicle license recovery fee
- Parking surcharge
- Concession recovery fee
- Customer facility charge
If you have any questions about a fee on your receipt, don’t hesitate to ask the person at the counter for additional information.
To protect against these fees in the first place, contact multiple rental car companies before booking a vehicle. This will give you the opportunity to ask about fees, thus allowing you to compare those that are charged by each company.
Do You Really Need a Rental Car?
There are times when you have no choice but to book a rental car. You realize that you’ll need a vehicle to get around, so you do whatever it takes to select the right company and vehicle for your trip.
You shouldn’t automatically assume that you need a rental car. Take for example somebody who is visiting Berlin for business. For more information on a Berlin hotel with a shuttle service, you can visit Expedia to compare your many options. This may lead you to skip the rental car altogether.
Opting against a rental car will save you time and money, while also helping you avoid the stress of being behind the wheel in a foreign city.
Conclusion
If the time comes to choose a rental car company, you have a few options:
- You can make a decision based on what you’ve done in the past
- You can make a decision based on price alone
- You can dedicate yourself to conducting in-depth research with the idea of finding the best company
With the five tips above, you’ll find yourself in position to choose the rental car company that can provide the experience you’re seeking.
Do you typically rent a car when traveling? Do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts and advice in the comment section below.
I love renting a car when travelling, you see so much more of the surrounding area and have a real sense of freedom. I agree that customer service really makes a huge difference
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