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How to Determine what Car Rental Options To Get
A car rental is a great way to get from point A to point B and back again when you don’t have a car of your own or when you would rather not put the miles on your vehicle. When traveling away from home, renting a car gives you the most mobility for your money. Each time you rent a car you have a number of options the agent covers for you. Being options, you can decide to forgo those you don’t think are necessary. When it comes time to rent a car, you should consider these options carefully and decide which ones do and do not work for you. While they usually come with additional cost, they may offer more safety and protection from financial liability.
How to Determine Which Options Are Right for You
The first thing you will have to decide is the class of car that you want to rent. Most rental car companies do not let you choose the specific make and model of a car; rather, they offer you a choice of classes. For instance, if you choose economy class, you usually get something like a Ford Aveo or similar. It is small, light and gets better gas mileage than bigger cars. Other classes include midsize, standard, full-size and luxury to name a few. Enterprise Rent-a-Car, for instance, has 14 different classes of vehicles.
Cost will vary greatly depending on the class of vehicle you choose. Consequently, a luxury car rental will be considerably more expensive than an economy or standard rental.
Insurance
The next set of options you encounter pertains to insurance. Car rental firms always offer different levels of insurance. The first is basic coverage that will protect you from liability should you cause bodily injury or property damage to someone else. The second level is comprehensive coverage that usually includes a damage waiver. By agreeing to the second level of coverage, you are protected from liability should anything happen to the car. In other words, damages are waived. You may still have to pay some additional fees should an accident happen, but by and large you are free of responsibility. These are important options to consider. Insurance is always recommended, especially if you are traveling a great distance. The more desirable the vehicle, too, the greater the risk of theft. Purchasing the damage waiver is vital for an expensive rental. Again, these are just options, but they are meant to protect you financially.
Duration
The last option has to do with your overall travel and auto plan. How long you need the vehicle will be a question you are asked. Mileage is usually unlimited given the amount of time you rent the vehicle, but the duration of the rental will determine the total rental and insurance cost.
Remember, the more expensive the vehicle you rent, the greater the liability becomes should something happen to the car. If you opt for a high-end or luxury vehicle, you are wise to purchase the full insurance package when it is offered. Insuring yourself against any potential loss is the most important choice you can make after deciding which type of vehicle to rent.
