Are you stepping up your travel game and gearing up for summer vacation? If so, chances are you might need to book a rental car at some point.
Before you slide behind the wheel of your next rental, there are a few things you should consider. Make sure to check these things off your list before planning another trip.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
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An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Talk to your credit card company
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Even if your car insurance doesn’t cover rentals, many top credit cards do offer coverage.
Check with your credit card provider to see if rental car insurance is included as a perk for card members. Ensure you clearly understand what is and is not covered and how much coverage you have.
Check your insurance coverage
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You might be able to add insurance coverage to your rental car through the car rental agency, but this protection can be expensive.
So, before you book the car, ask your auto insurance company if it covers rental cars. If it does, you can probably save money on insurance by opting out of additional coverage.
Try to avoid rental agencies at the airport
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Using a rental agency at an airport can be convenient. However, you might pay more when renting a car at the airport.
Price out different options before you go and see if it might be cheaper to take a cab or Uber to a rental agency a little bit farther away, where cars are often cheaper to rent.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Make sure you're familiar with the models
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Before renting a car, you should know the specific makes and models the agency offers and which are good options for you.
The last thing you want is to get stuck with a small car for your big family.
Inspect your car
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Before you take possession of the vehicle, make sure you and a rental car company representative walk around the car and check for any dings, scratches, or other minor issues.
Pay close attention and make sure the representative notes anything that looks even slightly suspicious. Take photos of anything that looks amiss.
Do some comparison shopping
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When looking for a rental, do some comparison shopping to get the right car at the best rate.
Costs can vary significantly from company to company, so it is foolish not to see what is available.
Don't add too many drivers
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Are you going on a group trip or traveling with extra family members? Designate drivers before you book the rental car.
Adding extra drivers to the rental agreement can result in additional fees that add up, however. So, limiting drivers to just one or two people might save you money.
Get a contact number in case you have issues
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Things can happen when you rent a car, including accidents, running out of gas, or even locking the keys in the car.
So, remember to ask the rental car company for contact information in case you need to contact a representative about issues that arise while driving the vehicle.
Familiarize yourself with the car
![man inside a car in a showroom](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/10/11/man_inside_a_car_in_a_showroom.jpg)
One of the great things about renting a car is you can try out a vehicle that is different from the one you own. Perhaps you want to try a convertible or electric vehicle, for example.
But if you plan to drive a new car, familiarize yourself with it before you put it in drive. You don’t want to end up fiddling with the climate control or sound system while driving.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Review the gas policy
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A rental car company might have specific rules about how much gas should be in the car when you return it. In many cases, this is a full tank.
If you ignore these rules, you might have to pay an extra fee more than the cost of filling up the tank yourself.
Bottom line
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Before you rent your next car, do the things on this list. That way, you'll increase the odds of having a good rental experience.
Also, consider paying for your rental and other vacation expenses with a credit card that lets you earn cash back or other perks.
- You could save up to $600 with some companies
- Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
- Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
- Quickly find the perfect rate for you