Renting a car is one of the best options for exploring a new destination with maximum freedom and flexibility. However, booking a rental car can seem like a complex task if you are not well informed. By using the right precautions and knowing some aspects to pay attention to, you can get the right car at the best price.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to book a rental car, avoiding complications and saving on costs.
Necessary Documents
When booking a rental car, it is essential to have the right documents to avoid problems when picking up the vehicle. Here is an in-depth look at the necessary documents:
Identity documents
To rent a car, you must have a valid identity document. This can be an identity card or a passport. It is important to know that, while in Italy the driving license is generally accepted as an identity document, abroad it may not be sufficient on its own. If the rental takes place in Europe, an identity card may be sufficient, otherwise you will have to present your passport.
driving license
A driving license is obviously essential. If you are traveling within the European Union, your national license will generally be sufficient. However, if your trip involves destinations outside the EU, an international driving license may be required. This is an official translation of the national driving license and can be easily obtained at the DMV offices. It is always a good idea to check the specific regulations of the destination country on official sites such as Traveling Safely.
Credit card
Rental companies generally do not accept debit or prepaid cards, a credit card in the driver's name is essential for car rental. It is advisable to have a good limit available on the card to cover any deposits and unexpected costs. The car rental company will keep the security deposit on your card which will then be returned to you at the end of the rental. The amount of the security deposit is always indicated on the booking site and varies depending on the car rental company and the size of the car you rent.
How to Choose and Book a Rental Car
Prenotare un’auto online in anticipo è spesso la soluzione più conveniente. Ci sono numerosi comparatori di prezzi che possono aiutarti a trovare la migliore scelta low cost confrontando diverse compagnie di noleggio. Ecco alcune delle piattaforme più affidabili:
Rentalcars: Part of the Booking.com group, Rentalcars is one of the best-known platforms for car rental. It offers a wide range of vehicles and an intuitive user interface. It's a solid choice for those looking for a quick and easy booking, with detailed filtering options to find the car that best suits your needs.
Autoeurope: With a long history in the industry, Autoeurope offers a wide selection of cars and a clear comparison price table. Its interface is simple to use and allows you to easily compare offers from different rental companies, making it easier to choose the most convenient option.
DiscoverCars: Although relatively new compared to other platforms, DiscoverCars is quickly making a name for itself thanks to its reliability and competitive offers. It offers a varied selection of vehicles and often has advantageous rates for long-term rentals.
GetRentACar: This platform, despite having entered the market recently, is growing and can offer interesting options for car rental. It is advisable to explore its offers to find competitive rates and special promotions.
Skyscanner: Known mainly for flight searches, Skyscanner has also extended its services to car rental. It offers an overview of the available options and compares prices from different rental companies, allowing you to find the best deal for your trip.
EconomyBookings: Economy Bookings offers a wide range of rental cars (over 175,000). In summer, the most popular cars are those of the Economy, Full Size and Intermediate classes.
QEEQ: Founded in 2017, QEEQ.COM is one of the fastest growing online car rental platforms in the world, with over 7 million rental cars in approximately 200 countries.
The choice of site to use may vary from time to time. Depending on the destination and the period it may be convenient to use one or the other. Prices and offers can vary a lot, so it is important to always compare at least two or three sites to find the best deal. Furthermore, once you have found an interesting offer, it may also be useful to visit the official websites of rental companies, such as Avis and Europcar, which often have similar prices to comparators, but may include extra insurance. For rental in some countries, such as Greece for example, it may be convenient to also look at local car rental sites because they are often more competitive than international chains and price comparison sites do not mention them.
Once you have found the most convenient option, you can book the car. Depending on your choice, a full payment or a deposit may be required. Also pay attention to free cancellation, it is often only available by a certain date.
Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Car
The choice of car type can vary significantly depending on the type of trip and the activities to be done. Clearly the bigger the car the more expensive it is but it is not always useful for it to be so. To make the right choice and save money you need to consider a series of factors.
If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a compact car may be the best choice. It is cheap and easy to park. However, if you are traveling with family or a group of friends, a larger car, such as an SUV or minivan, may provide comfort and enough space for everyone.
Another important factor is the number of bags. A compact car may not have enough space but if there are two of you, you could make use of the rear seats. Always consider the hotel trips you need to make and whether you plan to leave your luggage in the car during some stages. In that case it is better to "hide" them well. The capacity of the trunk can make the difference.
The kilometers to travel and the itinerary chosen are a factor not to be underestimated. If your trip involves many kilometers, it may be wise to choose a more comfortable car. If the trips are many but short, it is better to choose a car with good fuel consumption.
Finally, one of the most important factors is the type of road to travel. If the route is on dirt or mountain roads, a 4X4 may be the best choice. However, if the itinerary is mainly urban, a compact car might be more practical.
What to Consider for Rental
When booking a rental car, there are various aspects to consider to avoid surprises and ensure a good experience.
Pick-up/Drop-off
Many rental companies offer the possibility of picking up and returning the car directly at the airport. Others, especially those that do not belong to the large international circuits, do not have an office located directly inside the airport terminal. In the collection instructions it is always specified that the company is located outside: there may in fact be a shuttle that leaves at regular intervals, or depending on arrivals.
Finally, some companies allow one way rental, i.e. pick-up or drop-off in different offices. This option is very convenient if arrival and departure are in different places but may involve additional costs. Always check if the service is available and there are supplements.
Deductible
The basic insurance policies offered by the rental contract reduce liability in case of damage or theft of the car for an amount represented by the deductible. In other words, the deductible is the maximum amount to pay in the event of damage or theft of the car, the rest is covered by the insurance. Some companies offer the possibility of reducing or eliminating the deductible by purchasing additional insurance. Be careful to read carefully what is covered and what is not because some parts of the vehicle may still not be covered by insurance.
Security Deposit
When you pick up the car, the rental company will block an amount on your credit card as a security deposit. This amount will be released at the end of the rental, unless there is damage to the car or other problems. It is essential to have sufficient credit card credit to cover this deposit. Once the car has been returned and it has been verified that there is no damage, the deposit is released and the amount is available on the credit card again. This operation can take a variable time depending on your bank, from one or two days up to a week.
Insurance
Insurance is a crucial aspect of car rental. The CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) covers damage to the vehicle, the LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) is triggered in the event of theft and vandalism, while the TPA (Third Party Liability) covers damage to third parties. Some companies also offer SLI (Supplementary Liability Insurance) which increases the limits for civil liability and PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) which guarantees compensation for the driver and passengers for injury in the event of accidents. Evaluating the different options to choose the one that best suits your needs may take time and be tedious but it is of fundamental importance in case of problems.
Fuel Policy
The most common fuel policy is the full-for-full fuel policy: the car is collected with a full tank and the full tank must be returned. This option is generally the most convenient, as it avoids additional fuel charges.
A second option is the “same level” option. In this case it is better to take a photo at the tank level with the date and time clearly visible. When returning it, it is better to make sure that the level is slightly higher than the initial one. If your fuel level is disputed and you are charged an extra cost, you will have proof to the contrary.
Mileage
Some companies offer unlimited mileage rentals, while others impose a daily mileage limit. Depending on the itinerary and travel arrangements, you can decide which option is most convenient. In general, to have more freedom and peace of mind during your trip it is better to choose the option with unlimited mileage. Extra kilometers often come at a high price!
Age of the driver
The age of the driver may affect rental costs. Drivers under 25 often have to pay a young driver surcharge. Check the rental company's age requirements and factor this additional cost into your budget.
Car Category
When choosing the car rental offer, it is essential to consider the category of the vehicle and its characteristics. The categories vary from Mini or Economy up to Compact, Large, SUV, Minivan or Luxury. These designations, although they may change slightly between companies, indicate cars of different sizes and performances. Other important features to evaluate include the type of vehicle power supply, the gearbox (manual or automatic), the presence of air conditioning, which is now almost always included and Car Play, which is very useful for the navigator.
Tips for Trips: the categories in the choice show a specific car model, which however serves purely as an example. At the time of collection, depending on the car actually available, you will be assigned the chosen model or another similar in size and characteristics.
Road assistance
Roadside assistance is a very useful service in the event of breakdowns or accidents. Check to see if it's included in your rental agreement, and if it's not, consider adding it for added peace of mind.
Optional
Additional Driver: only one driver is often included in the basic fare. If you wish to share the driving with another person, you must request an additional driver. Some companies offer this option for free. In both cases it is necessary to declare in advance who will drive the car by providing all the necessary documents.
GPS: a GPS can be useful, especially if you are traveling to an unfamiliar place. Some companies offer rental of GPS devices, but using your smartphone with a navigation app is always a great way to save money. If you don't have an unlimited connection, you can download many offline map apps.
Payment of motorway tolls: some companies offer devices for paying motorway tolls, which can be very convenient for avoiding possible queues. The credit card will be registered and at the end of the rental you will pay the invoice issued by the company that manages road tolls in that country. This service may require an additional fee.
Travel to Multiple States: If your itinerary includes traveling to multiple states or countries, it's always best to check the rental company's policies regarding international travel. Some companies apply restrictions or additional charges for cross-border travel. In other cases, insurance coverage may vary from state to state.
Travel Tips
Condition of the car
Before leaving, carefully check the condition of the car. Take photos and videos to document any pre-existing damage. This can be useful in case of disputes upon return.
Car Cleaning
Return the car in good clean condition to avoid cleaning charges. Some companies charge additional fees if the car is returned dirty.
Fines
Fines received during the rental period may be charged later with an extra administrative fee. Respect the rules of the road to avoid these costs.
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Renting a car can make your trip more convenient and flexible. By following these tips, you will be able to book the perfect car at the best price, avoiding surprises and fully enjoying your adventure on the road. Remember to plan ahead, compare different options and read all contract conditions carefully. With the right preparation, car rental will become an easy and enjoyable part of your trip. Have a good trip!
Last Updated on 2 September 2024
