Most consumers choose their car rental company based on which one has the most affordable rate. This can be a good way to choose, but there are some other things you want to consider when making the decision as to which company to rent a car from in California. First, make sure the car rental company you are considering is reliable and has a good reputation. This is important, because you will likely pay for your rental car with your credit card, and if the company claims you damaged the car they can charge you. Also, you want to make sure you will be getting a reliable car, and this is certain when you choose a reliable car rental company.
Next, check the terms and conditions the company has for their car rental services. Make sure there are no hidden fees or clauses that you may want to avoid. Also, check the minimum age requirement if you are younger than thirty. Most car rental companies will have a minimum age. You can usually rent a car if you are younger than this age, but you will be paying extra.
Another consideration is whether or not the car rental company has a variety of vehicle sizes for you to choose from. If you are traveling with your family, for example, you may want a van or large sedan rather than a compact car. Make sure that there is a wide range of vehicles to choose from so you will get one that meets your needs. In addition, if you are in need of car seats for your kids, look for a car rental company that offers these services.
There is no cut and dried cost to car rental. Your cost will be based on several factors. First, the car you choose will affect the cost. Typically, the larger the car, the more it costs to rent. If you need to rent a van or SUV, for example, you will pay more than for a compact car.
Remember to consider the size of the people and their luggage when you choose a car. It can be tempting to pick an economy sized car to save some money, but you want to make sure you will not be driving down the road with a suitcase in your lap! Only rent the car that has the size you need, and you will be fine.
Another thing that can affect your cost is any extras you want in the car. Some car rental companies will loan you car seats, DVD players, and GPS systems. This is great, but they cost extra. Only rent them if you need them.
Finally, check on the mileage requirements for your rental car. Most car rental companies have a mileage limit on their cars. If you drive over the mileage limit for your rental time, you will be charged a per-mile fee. This can be quite steep.
At this point you are probably wondering what you can do to save money on your rental car. There are several steps to take to save money on car rental. First, if you are in a discount club, such as AAA, check with that club to see what car rental deals they offer. If you rent cars often, check with your favorite rental car company to see if they offer "frequent renter" programs.
Another way to get a discount when you rent a car is to ask for one! When you are shopping around to see who has the best deal, as the rental agent if he or she can get you a better deal than what you have seen advertised. You will be surprised how often the answer is yes, particularly if they think you are going to take your business elsewhere.
Booking ahead of time will save you money. Keep in mind that car rental prices change almost daily. Watch the price on the Internet to see what your chosen car rental company is offering the week you need the car. When you feel it is an affordable price, make your reservations!
The smaller car you rent, the less it will cost. Make sure you only rent the size of car you actually need. Also, decline extra services that you don't really need. Finally, compare the difference between daily and weekly rates. Sometimes you can save money if you rent a car for a whole week rather than, say, four or five days.