Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Talita

 

The idea of renting a car might seem like a simple task. Many people feel they simply have to go to a rental service and pick a ride they want. To some individuals, it might be that easy. However, that isn’t the case for everyone. Depending on their needs, people need to find the right rental car for their use. 

Deciding which car is most suitable for the moment might be difficult sometimes. How do you know what car to pick or rental service to use? What factors do you need to look out for when choosing a car? Here are some valuable tips to help you find the right rental car. 

 

 

   1. Define Your Needs  

If you walk into any car rental service, you will probably be shown a collection of vehicles to choose from. How do you know what car to choose? The answer is simple, and you must define what you need from the car during the trip. 

If you need a fast car, it would be better to get a luxury sports car. A larger car would be better if you need space for the trip. Clearly defining your needs before going to a rental service will help you make the best choice when picking a rental car. 

People often make hasty decisions when choosing rental cars because they don’t clearly define their needs. A person looking to save up on gas money should opt for an electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3 instead of a Ferrari. If we know what we need, choosing will be effortless.   

 

   2. Consider Sizes        

Size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a rental car. A car of the right size can save you a lot of unnecessary trouble on a trip, especially if you have a lot of luggage. 

Some countries have small and narrow streets which aren’t suitable for large vehicles. Renting a smaller vehicle when traveling to such countries is more advisable than choosing larger cars. 

If you need a rental car for a family trip or tour, getting a larger car with more space is better. The size of a rental car is essential, and you need to consider what vehicle size works best for you before choosing a rental car. 

 

   3. Research The Rental Service 

After deciding on the type and size of car you need, the next step is to do your homework on the rental service of your choice. The general opinion is a beneficial factor for picking the right rental service. 

All you need to do is check out people’s reviews on the rental service of your choice to know if it’s a good pick. Once you’ve decided about the rental service, you need to know their terms and conditions. 

You should also check out if there are any applicable penalties, travel restrictions, and additional services before choosing the rental service. Some rental cars come with GPS and other perks, so it’s always good to know about them.  

 

   4. Run A Final Check 

When you decide on what car to pick at the rental service, run a final check to ensure everything is in perfect condition. Many times, individuals drive off without making a final examination, and this can lead to different complications on the road. 

For example, you should always check if the license plate number on the car matches that in the paperwork. Sometimes, rental services might give you the wrong documents for the vehicle you pick, leaving you in unexpected situations. 

You should also check if there is any damage to the car before driving off. This ensures you are not charged for any damage you didn’t cause. 

 

 

   5. Consider Boot Size 

Knowing how much boot space you will need is essential when renting a car. If you’re taking a vacation alone, a rental car with a small boot space is enough for your tip. However, getting a car with a larger boot space is better if you’re going on a family trip. 

You should also consider getting a rental car with bigger luggage space if you plan to make any heavy purchases. This is to ensure that there will be enough space to accommodate all luggage with you.  

If you are traveling with kids, you also need to consider the space needed for extra kits like baby seats and strollers. 

 

   6. Automatic Or Manual? 

People tend to get used to driving the same car type, which is why selecting the kind of gear you are used to when you want to pick a rental car is essential. If you are the type that drives an automatic most of the time, stick to it when choosing a rental car. 

Some countries also have different driver seats. Hence, it is critical to go for the ride you are most familiar with. If you prefer having a manual transmission, pick a manual car when you walk up to the rental service. This will ensure your safety and prevent unexpected events.  

 

   7. Get Insurance 

Most rental services offer insurance to their customers. Many overlook this because they don’t want to pay for unnecessary services. However, it is advisable to get insurance when you can, especially when you’re outside the country. 

Road safety is paramount, and anything can happen on the road. Hence, it is essential to be safe at all times. Getting insurance from the rental service is greatly recommended. 

 

Conclusion

Finding the right rental car that suits your needs might seem easy. However, various factors must be considered when picking a rental car. You need to know what kind of car you will need, the size that works, and information on the rental service of your choice. Once you know the best rental car type for you, the rest is easy.  

People often find themselves in awkward situations with family members and the authorities because of little things they overlooked when picking a rental car. This occurs because they don’t know how to find the most suitable rental car. With the correct information, you can avoid these little errors. 

 

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.