Showing posts with label Rental Cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rental Cars. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Using Hybrid Rental Cars

Traveling has its pluses and minuses. There can be a great deal of excitement that is connected to visiting a new part of the world. Of course, there are also certain expenses that can be incurred when one travels and this is why those who do a great deal of traveling need to cut expenses where they are able. One way of saving money involves eschewing traditional rental cars and using hybrid rental cars instead.

If you are a person who travels a lot, you are also a person who needs to rent cars in order to get around in a new town. This is not something that is rare either as anyone who pokes their head around a major airport in the world will notice that there are a number of rental car services vying for all the competition that walks through the doors of these airports. What makes this competition interesting is the fact that a number of rental services are also starting to offer hybrid rental cars. This should come as no surprise to anyone as hybrid cars are widely becoming popular and any agency that offers hybrid rental cars will get a leg up on the competition.

If you are new to a city, you may find yourself doing a lot of driving – whether you like it or not! That is to say, when you are unfamiliar with a new city, you will probably find yourself making wrong turns, heading into the wrong direction of your destination, or even just sightseeing. This, of course, will burn fuel whether you like it or not. As such, hybrid rental cars can save a great deal of money because they will have the ability to gain a significant amount of mileage to a degree far greater than what is common in gasoline powered cars.

Keep in mind, that travel is the only reason people will rent a car. Sometimes, a car accident or repair work will necessitate utilizing the services of a car rental agency. For some, a hybrid rental car would be a wise choice as a rental model mainly bcause it can act as an introduction to hybrid cars. That way, those individuals in the market for purchasing a new car can dispel any myths they might have towards hybrids prior to making a purchasing decision. More than likely, the rental experience will leave them with a positive impressions of hybrids and the popularity of hybrids will continue to grow.

Look At Rental Cars & Agreements

One of the most popular reasons for rental cars is to provide dependable transportation for vacations, frequent travelers or for anyone who has their own automobile in the repair shop and is in need of a temporary vehicle. Among the most popular rental car agencies are Hertz, Avis and Enterprise. In exchange for a fee, these companies allow drivers to rent the automobile of their choice on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

One of the most important considerations, aside from the type of vehicle being rented, is the optional insurance coverage. This service, which is relatively inexpensive, will cover any damages sustained while the automobile is in the customer’s care. Generally, if insurance is not purchased, the customer may be held financially responsible for any damages that occur while the automobile is in their possession. While on the road, anything can happen. From the slightest fender bender to a scratched door or even worse, when life’s unexpected events occur, insurance coverage is often the only link between minimal out-of-pocket expenses or financial ruin.

When considering rental cars, it is important to know the age limits, if any, for each state. Upon selecting an automobile, the car rental agency will provide a written agreement, which must be signed and dated by the customer. In order to rent an automobile, the customer must be able to provide a valid credit card in order to confirm the reservation. In most cases, the credit card is used only to hold the reservation and is not actually charged until the rental period expires or as specified in the rental agreement. At the time that the car is returned, the customer will have the option of either having his/her credit card charged or paying in cash. Regardless of the final payment method, however, customers are required to provide a credit card before taking possession of the automobile as a confirmation that the rental agency will receive payment.

Depending on the agency offering rental cars, there may be mileage limits. In some cases, there is a fee if a certain amount of mileage is used. For others, unlimited miles may be available. Upon taking possession of rental cars, most agencies will make sure that they are washed and filled with fuel. When they are returned to the rental agency, most expect that the fuel tank will be refilled and the car will again be washed. In addition, all rental cars are due back at the agency at a specified time of day or the customer may incur a late fee. It is important that all cars be returned promptly or the rental agency be notified if there is an unforseen delay in the car’s return.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Rental Cars: Do You Make This Costly Car Rental Mistake?

Doesn't it seem confusing sometimes just to get a rental car? There seems to be so much paperwork and so many decisions to make.

For example, should you get the collision damage waiver or not? Should you buy additional insurance coverage from the car rental company?

If you've ever watched people at the rental car counter, you know these are questions that most people struggle with. Sometimes you can decline additional insurance on car rentals, but there are specific instances that you should always buy the insurance. But how do you know?

One of the biggest areas of confusion is the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) offered by the car rental company at the time of rental. It covers damage to the rental car if you are involved in an accident.

The CDW isn't exactly insurance, and it only covers only damage to the rental car. It doesn't cover property damage or personal injury. If CDW is purchased, the car rental company waives some or all of its right to gain from you for physical damages to the car.

So should you purchase the CDW the car rental agency pushes at you? Experts say that most people don't need it but purchase it anyway. This is a very costly mistake!

You can save yourself a lot of hassle and unnecessary cost by doing three things. First, check your own car insurance policy to see what coverage carries over to rental cars. Second, see if the credit card you are using offers any coverage for renting. And finally, check the options the car rental agency offers in its own policies.

Many car insurance policies include all-inclusive and collision coverage to damages to rental cars. There is no sense paying for more if your policy includes this coverage, right? Just verify the details with your insurance agent before you decline the car rental company's additional insurance options.

Typical car insurance policies provide liability coverage that extends to car rentals. If you injure someone in an accident while driving a rental car, your policy will often cover you. If your car insurance policy does not provide these coverages when you are driving car rentals, be sure to purchase additional insurance from the car rental company to protect yourself.

In addition, many credit cards offer coverage for rental cars. If your credit card includes coverage for car rentals that have been damaged in an accident, you don't need to buy any other additional insurance coverage the car rental company offers you.

Finally, read the car rental policy carefully and decide whether or not your car insurance or credit card covers you. Then discuss the car rental's coverage with the agent. Always make an informed decision. Don't give into pressure by the car rental agent.

Deciding whether or not to pay for additional insurance coverage the car rental companies offer can be a tough decision. Check with your credit cards and existing car insurance policy to see if they provide rental car provisions, and if they don't, you'd better consider spending the extra money for additional insurance for your own protection.

You shouldn't pay for anything that you really don't need! On the other hand, you don't want to have inadequate coverage in the event of an accident with rental cars.
Rental Cars: Do You Make This Costly Car Rental Mistake?
Author: Karen Kirby