7 Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
Renting a car in any country can be an overwhelming thing to do, especially if you've never done it before. It can be a minefield of information and gobbledeegoop, which is difficult to decipher. But don't worry. I'm on hand to break it all down for you. Here are some of my top tips for renting a car in the USA!
1. Compare prices before committing
Rental companies can vary greatly when it comes to the price they charge. Do your research and shop around for the best deals. However, just like everything else, never go for a company that you haven't heard of or that is super cheap.
We always go for a renowned rental company that is middle-of-the-range when it comes to price. Research everything you can about the company and the car before committing, together with keeping an eye on the price so that you're not paying more than you have to.
2. Read the terms & conditions, as well as any insurance policies, properly
If you do nothing else on this list, you have to make sure that you do this one. It's imperative that you read all of the terms and conditions and the insurance policies that concern the rental car. It will tell you what you're covered for and what you're not covered for.
Of course, there are the obvious things and rules that you need to follow, such as making sure you're wearing a seat belt at all times, etc etc. But there will be some other, more obscure things that it will tell you.
It should include all of the usual things that you can expect to find on any car insurance document, including who is liable if you're driven into, together with the excess amount that will need to be paid should the worst happen.
Make sure the insurance policy covers you for absolutely everything. However, it's important to note that most rental cars and the insurance that goes along with it will not include damage to the roof, for some reason.
It's possible to extend any cover or add to it if needed. This can depend on the car rental company you choose. Either way, make sure you do some in-depth research about what you're covered for and what you're not. This will help you to avoid hefty bills should something happen.
3. Book your rental in advance, almost at the same time you book your holiday
It's always going to be cheaper if you book your rental car in advance. In fact, you should really book it when you book your trip. Most travel agencies will book it together as a package, so you might not have to worry about it so much.
However, sometimes it's not possible to book a rental care as a package, so you'll need to do it separately from everything else, which is what we did for our honeymoon. Also, booking it in advance will ensure that you have a vehicle that you can use once you get there.
It reduces the possibility of getting there and they either have nothing left or nothing suitable for what you need. Avoid disappointment and make things more convenient for yourself by booking your hire car in advance, preferably when you book your trip.
4. Plan your routes before you embark on your journey
This is especially useful if you've never been to the place you're visiting before. Make sure you plan out your routes, know which roads and highways you'll be taking and know when you're coming on and off. Also, it's useful to find out how long that journey will take. Basically, be as organised as possible in order to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. It's also essential for your safety, and the safety of other road users.
5. Know the rules of the road & remember, they diff from state-to-state
Driving in another country is a daunting task, especially when it's also on the other side of the road. What you should do before renting your car is to check the rules of the road in the state you're visiting. The rules will vary from state-to-state, so don't just research the American rules of the road. Instead, get specific.
Instead of searching for "USA road rules", search for "road laws in Florida" or "road rules in San Francisco", to get even more specific. No research is too much, because it'll prevent you from ending up with unwanted tickets or being pulled over by the police, which nobody wants, no matter which country you're driving in.
6. Check the vehicle thoroughly before giving it back
Make sure that there's nothing left behind in the vehicle before you give it back to the rental company. Check in all of the door pockets, glove compartments, in between the seats and in the boot. Look under the seats and in the foot wells too. Basically, look in both the obvious and not-so-obvious places for any personal belongings that might have been behind.
7. Double check if the vehicle needs to be given back with a full tank of petrol
There are some policies when it comes to USA car rental which requires the renter to give the car back with a full tank of petrol. Granted, if you give it back empty, they will fill it for you, but the prices are likely to be considerably higher per gallon than they would be at a petrol station there. Does the car need to be given back with a full tank or aren't they fussed? Double check your paperwork to avoid unnecessary additional costs or fees.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful in your USA venture. Let me know in the comments if I've missed anything and I'll see you all again very soon with some brand new content!
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