How to rent a car for the first time?

Introduction

Over the last few years, the car rental industry has witnessed exponential growth in terms of customer base all around the globe and we’re not surprised. Given the number of ways a rental car can come in handy under different circumstances and needs, it has become a go-to mobility solution for a major chunk of the population, especially tourists. Clearly, convenience and comfort are the ultimate needs of the hour and the easiest way to achieve that is by renting a vehicle if you don’t happen to have one with you.

That said, booking a rental, as intimidating as it may sound, can turn out to be a breezy process if you know the ABCs of it. But if it’s your first time making a car hire reservation, we’re here to help break down the process for you. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know when renting a car.

What is the process to rent a car?

Renting a car is an easy process, mostly comprising just three steps - Search, Compare, and Book. But before that, there’s one additional and probably the most important step that you need to perform. Here’s a summary of the complete process.

1. Find the right platform

Booking your rental with the right platform is one of the keys to securing a deal that is best suited to your needs and budget. A car rental platform enables you to find the best deals from top suppliers under one roof, hence saving you plenty of time.

2. Search the deals

Enter the required details in the search box, including pick-up & drop-off locations, dates, time, country of residence, and age to allow the system to gather available deals based on your provided information.

3. Compare the options

You will be presented with all the deals being offered by the suppliers available at your preferred location. You can compare them based on your traveling requirements and budget.

Exploring the top deals from different companies on a car rental comparison platform enables you to compare them easily in terms of prices, ratings, reviews, and other aspects.

4. Book a car of your choice

The final step is to reserve a vehicle that you think is best suited to your requirements by paying a small amount. You can also consider adding Extras like additional drivers, GPS, child car seats, etc., to the booking if needed.

For additional services, suppliers charge a nominal per-day fee. Since the availability of Extras is confirmed by the provider during pick-up, charges for the same would be collected at the desk and not at the time of booking.

Tips to book a cheap car rental

Book in advance

If you have decided on the dates for the trip you are supposed to take or are certain of your upcoming travel plans, it’s best if you make a reservation for your rental in advance. It will not only save you from last-minute hassles but most importantly will help you pick a vehicle from a wide selection of offers at a cheaper price.

Prices tend to increase as you near the pick-up date and therefore, aim to book a car at least a week in advance if not weeks before.

Be mindful of the extras

During the booking process, suppliers provide an option to add Extras like a navigation system (GPS), child car seats (infant/toddler/booster cushion), additional drivers, and more. The add-ons included in the deal are charged on a per-day basis.

If you are looking to cut costs, avoid adding inessential Extras to your booking and only stick to services that are actually needed for your trip. For instance, if you forgot to bring a child car seat and the driving laws require you to have your child restrained in a car seat, you can consider renting it from the car provider.

Compare the deals thoroughly

To find the best yet cheapest deal, it’s important to make a thorough comparison among the deals displayed to you. Prices tend to vary for each supplier based on the vehicle category they are offering.

First start by narrowing down your search to deals that align with your needs, then compare them in terms of prices. The more you look through available rentals, the better your chances of finding and securing the cheapest offer.

Rent for a long term

You may have been led to believe that long-term rentals tend to be expensive, but that’s not true. Contrary to popular belief, vehicles hired for a longer duration are comparatively cheaper. So if it’s doable and required, consider making a booking for an extended period.

There are multiple companies that provide monthly deals that can be reserved for up to 6 months or more, explore the options provided by them and book a car of your choice for as long as you need.

Select a deal with the inclusions

Suppliers offer a variety of benefits with some of their deals and that’s not just limited to additional drivers, airport fees, unlimited mileage, vehicle license fee, winter tires, etc., but advantages extend to inclusions like Collision Damage Waiver, Third Party Liability, Theft Waiver.

Therefore, when searching for cars, go for the option that either comes with maximum inclusions or inclusions that are most useful to you in order to make the most of the rental cost.

Opt for a 'full-to-full' fuel policy

To avoid receiving extra charges at the end of the rental period from the company, consider booking a deal with a Full-to-Full fuel policy. This fuel policy means that if you have received the vehicle with a full tank, you’re also supposed to return it with its tank full. If you happen to drop it off with a half or empty tank, you will be charged extra by the supplier.

Things to keep in mind when picking up your rental car

Security deposit is paid at the rental desk

Upon arriving at the supplier’s desk to collect your ride, the renter will be requested by the associate to submit a security deposit. Keep in mind that only the main driver’s credit card will be accepted by them. They will block the deposit on the card and release it once you have returned the vehicle.

All drivers must be present

During car collection, all drivers need to be present. The availability of all drivers including the main renter and additional drivers is a must during pick-up since they will be required to sign the rental contract.

Pick-up location

The complete address of the supplier is mentioned in the Rental Confirmation Voucher, along with additional instructions on how to reach the car hire location. At airport locations, there are kiosks of suppliers that are either located on-airport or off-airport with cars parked in the vicinity.

Late pick-up will be marked as a no-show

Until and unless you have intimated the supplier regarding late pick-up, you will be marked as a ‘No Show’ in case you fail to collect the vehicle within the suggested time frame. Not only will you be subject to ‘No Show’ charges but you might also not be able to get the same deal you had booked. To avoid that, inform the provider beforehand and also make sure to provide the correct flight details during booking so that the supplier can check the status of your flight.

Inspect the car properly

Inspecting the car during pick-up can help you avoid unforeseen charges. Make sure to check the exterior and interior of your vehicle for any kind of dent or damage. If you notice anything unusual, take pictures and show them to the associate when needed. You wouldn’t want to be charged for anything you aren’t responsible for.

Keep all documents handy

Providing the requisite documents during the collection of the vehicle is crucial. Apart from carrying your voucher, bring along all the other documents mentioned in it, including a valid driver’s license, a valid identity card (preferably passport), and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Failing to produce mandatory documents might result in the company refusing to provide you with the rental and therefore, make sure to keep them handy.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or a road trip, looking for a vehicle temporarily for some time, or have to run daily errands, a rental car will always come to your easy rescue. With all the basics of renting a car covered in this article, you will not have to worry about the process or things you need to take care of. However, it’s crucial that you thoroughly read the terms and conditions to make informed decisions when booking a vehicle.