How to Rent a Car

When your car is not available due to accident or repair, renting a car may be the answer.If you have never rented a car before, it can be confusing to know what questions to ask and what to expect. Reviewing information about the rental process can help you maintain control of the transaction.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Major credit card.
• Car Insurance

How to Rent a Car

1. Decide on the size of the car that you wish to rent choosing one of the four available styles: Compacts, standard-size, luxury and vans.

2. Call at least four rental companies to get prices, available services, deals that may be available, any weekend package rates and complete costs with taxes.

3. 
   ATT Phone

   Determine when you wish to rent the car keeping in mind that rental companies often have special rates on the weekends. Be prepared to tell the company how far you intend to travel because that may make a difference in the rates.

4. Check your insurance policy for discounts while renting. Check any groups such as AARP and other groups you may belong to for any additional discounts.

5. Call back the company that you wish to do business with. Tell them one more time what it is that you want and make sure that the information that you get is the same information that they gave you the first time.

6. Give the company a major credit card because they will not accept a debit card or cash. Be prepared for them to place a lien on your card for the anticipated rental fee plus $250.00. Understand this lien will be removed upon safe return of the car.

7. Remain within the rental agreement with respect to mile usage and days used. Fill the gas tank upon return of the car and present it for inspection.

8. Pay cash or allow the company to complete the transaction with your credit card. Check with your credit card company in three business days to make sure the lien has been lifted.

9. Pay cash or allow the company to complete the transaction with your credit card. If you use cash, check with your credit card company in three business days to make sure the lien has been lifted.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare prices.
• See if you have any additional discounts from any of your professional associations.
• Inspect the car at the rental agency for damage before you leave the lot.

Resources

• Renting a Car

[iamageniuster]

on 10/25/2008 Excellent article. 5 stars!