Renting a car is one of the most popular activities in the United States. In fact, according to The Car Rental Marketing Association, there were more than 33 million rentals in 2021. Renting a car can be a great way to explore a new city or country, but it can also be stressful if you don’t plan. That’s why we’re here to help—we’ve put together this checklist of tips to make getting in a rental car as quick and efficient as possible.
Get in a Rental Car Quickly
If you’re renting a car, getting in and out can be a pain. Here are five tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
1. Arrive early. The earlier you get there, the sooner you’ll be able to get a rental car.
2. Get your rental agreement and keycard ready. This will help speed up the checkout process.
3. Bring your driving license and proof of insurance. These documents must be provided at check-in, so ensure you have them on hand.
4. Get your rental car keys and information packet ready too! This will include the car’s registration number, license plate number, etc.
5. Have your driver’s license ready to show the rental agent when you arrive at the counter to pick up your vehicle.
Are rental cars still hard to come by?
If you’re in a hurry to get into a rental car, you may be out of luck. A AAA study found that rental car availability has decreased in almost every U.S. city over the past year. In some cases, such as in San Francisco and New York City, the number of available rental cars has decreased by up to 50%.
The culprit? Many companies are turning to subscription services or self-driving vehicles to reduce costs. “Rental car companies were rapid to adopt self-driving technology,” said Brian Kelly, an analyst at IHS Markit. “That’s forced conventional automakers like Hertz and Avis to reduce their car fleets.”
As a result, fewer rental cars are now available on the open market – even in cities where there was never a shortage. In Los Angeles, for example, the number of rental cars available dropped from 7,000 in October 2016 to 4,600 this October.
How to handle rented cars when you’re done with them
When you’re done with your rented car, it’s essential to take care of the vehicle and return it in the same condition as when you received it. Here are four tips for handling rented cars:
1. Inspect the car before you leave. Make sure there are no scratches or dents and that all fluids and gas are gone.
2. Return the key with the rental agreement. This will ensure that the rental company has a record of who returned the car and when.
3. Write down the license plate number and other details about the car, such as the make, model, color, and year. You’ll need this information if there is a problem with the car after you’ve returned it.
4. Contact the rental company if you have any questions or problems while returning the car. They will be able to help you out if there is an issue with returning it or getting a refund.
Is it better to wait until the last minute to rent a car?
Many people believe it is better to wait until the last minute to rent a car. This is because there are often more available cars at the last minute. However, this decision may not be the best one. Waiting until the last minute can lead to problems with finding a car and getting rental insurance.
The best way to avoid these problems is to plan your rental car trip well in advance. Figure out what you need and look for rental cars that have those options listed. You can also use online tools like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to determine which airports have the most rental cars available and when they’re usually busiest. Finally, ensure you get rental insurance before you go so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Cheapest Way to Rent a Car:
There are a few ways to get in a rental car quickly. One way is to use the search function on Google.com or one of the other search engines. You can also try using the rental car companies websites. Another way is to go to a major airport, such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport, and look for the rental car booths near the security screening area. You can usually find representatives from major rental car companies who will help you quickly get in a rental car.
Opt for economy cars
Opt for economy cars if you’re looking to save some money on your rental car booking. They can be had for a fraction of the price of premium models, and many offer more than enough space and amenities to get you through your trip.
When looking for an economy car, compare prices and features carefully. You may be surprised at what you can get for under $30 daily.
Some popular economy car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Thrifty, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Overland.
Shop around online
When renting a car, it is essential to shop around online. Many rental car companies offer competitive rates and free or discounted rates for booking through their websites. Some popular sites to research rates include RentalCars.com, Hertz.com, and BudgetRentals.com.
It is essential to compare different rental car companies’ offers to get the best rate. Some companies may offer lower rates during off-peak times or for longer rentals. It is also important to remember that not all rental car companies are available in all states. To find out if a company is available in your area, visit their website or contact them directly.
If you are traveling on a budget, consider using one of the online rental agencies. These companies often have lower rates than traditional rental car companies and provide additional benefits such as extended warranty coverage and roadside assistance.
Turn to discount brands.
There are several discount brands to consider for those looking to save on their rental car experience. Some popular options include Enterprise, Alamo, and National. Each offers different incentives and deals, so it’s worth checking out each company’s website before making a choice. In addition to discounts, each brand has different rental car locations across the U.S., so be sure to choose the one closest to where you’re staying.
Forgo the extras
If you are renting a car from a rental company, skip the extras that can add up to extra costs. Some rental companies offer free airport transfers, car washes, and other benefits. You can also get discounts on your rental if you book at least a week in advance.
Some airlines also offer rental cars as part of their travel packages. Many airlines allow you to rent a car at the airport or online before your flight. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or dealing with traffic when you arrive.
Leverage memberships
As a frequent traveler, you may already know the benefits of rental car membership. Here are four quick tips to get in a rental car quickly:
1. Compare prices online before heading to the rental counter.
2. Sign up for membership at the airport or near your destination.
3. Use online reservation tools and discount codes.
4. Ask your travel agent if they have any member recommendations.
Stick to one driver
If you’re looking to get in a rental car quickly, stick to one driver. Rental companies will often assign drivers to cars based on their order of arrival, so if you have someone in front of you, it can be difficult to get assigned a car. Additionally, if you need to switch vehicles due to a mechanical issue, you may not be able to do so quickly if multiple drivers are in the rental fleet.
Skip the airport
If you’re flying to your destination and plan only to rent a car for the day, you can do a few things to speed up the process. First, research the nearest rental car agencies before you leave home. Not all companies are located at airports, so it’s worth checking. And if you’re traveling with an infant or child, be sure to ask about special rates and deals that might be available.
Otherwise, follow these simple tips:
-Arrive at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. This will give you enough time to check in and get through security.
-Call several rental car agencies and compare prices. Try not to overpay – you’ll have more money left for souvenirs!
-Don’t forget your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, and credit card information. You may also need a passport photo for some rental car companies.
Use your insurance
If you’re looking to rent a car, take advantage of your insurance. Many rental companies require that drivers have supplemental driver insurance in case of an accident. This coverage can help pay for damage to the rental car, personal injuries you may suffer, and any fines or penalties levied by the rental company. Consider adding trip cancellation insurance if something happens, and you need to cancel your trip.
Walk or ride
Getting in and out of rental cars can be a pain, but there are a few tricks to make the process go more smoothly. Here are four tips for getting into and out of a rental car quickly:
1. Double-check your reservation. Before you leave for the rental car office, double-check that you have made the reservation correctly. There may be restrictions on when and where you can pick up your rental car, so ensure that you have picked the correct location and time.
2. Have everything ready to go. When you arrive at the rental car office, ensure you have all your paperwork ready, including your driver’s license and credit card information. This will save time later on in the process.
3. Go early. The earlier you get to the rental car office, the better your chance of getting an available car. Also, avoid peak times — weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest — as this will only add to the congestion at the office.
4. Choose a high-speed line if possible. Choose a high-speed line when going through customs or picking up your rental car; this will help reduce the amount of time it takes to get through these processes overall.
Price out prepaid gas
If you’re looking for a rental car quickly, there are a few things to consider:
- Price out prepaid gas. This will save you money in the long run and avoid added fees at the rental counter.
- Search for cars that offer a no-cost drop-off and pick-up service in the area you’ll be driving in.
- Read the rental agreement carefully to understand any hidden charges or limitations.
What to do if you get lost in a rental car
If you find yourself getting lost in a rental car, there are a few things you can do to get back on track. First, ensure you have the rental car’s emergency locator transmitter (or “ELT”) with you. This device will activate if the car is submerged in water or stolen. If you lose your ELT, all the following steps will not work:
- Calling the rental car company.
- Finding someone who knows where the car is.
- Asking for help at a nearby gas station.
If your ELT doesn’t work and you’re still lost, try these steps:
1) Check to see if the gas stations and hotels near your rental car park have security cameras. If so, try videotaping yourself while walking around the area and showing your driver’s license and rental car identification number (if possible). This could help prove that you were in the rental car when it went missing.
2) Call your rental car company. They can provide you with a map showing your vehicle’s location based on its GPS location.
3) Try posting about your situation on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. If people know you’re lost and looking for a rental car, they may be able to direct you to one nearby.
