The holidays are privileged moments to break the daily monotony and start again on the right foot. rent a car to discover an idyllic destination often represents savings compared to other means of transport, but above all gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and according to your desires. It is, however, necessary to take some precautions and pay attention to certain points in order to prevent the trip from turning into a nightmare or a financial ruin.
A car model for every getaway
To choose the most suitable rental car for your vacation, it is important to define the desired use beforehand. So, if you have to make a lot of short trips, a small model will save you money on both rental costs and fuel.
Families can opt for sedans that offer optimal comfort or set their sights on minivans, especially if the luggage is bulky. Off-roaders, on the other hand, are the ideal form of transportation for those heading to destinations where roads and tracks are in poor condition or who plan to explore sites away from paved roads. .
It is also useful to evaluate the number of kilometers to cover in order to choose the offer that will come closest to your budget. If possible, opt for the “unlimited mileage” option, although it is rarely offered in Europe during the holidays.
How to find the best deals?
Once you’ve figured out which car model is right for you, it’s a good idea to compare the offers from different rental companies. Online services save you time and allow you to evaluate rental companies with just a few clicks. It should also be noted that rental rates when booking online are often lower than those offered on site.
In addition to the price, you must take into account certain criteria such as insurance, the options offered or the time limit for returning the vehicle. You can also see if the company is responsible for refueling when you return. If this is the case, you must plan for additional expenses for the purchase of fuel, which will be billed to you by it.
When to reserve the car?
There are clear advantages to reserving a rental car for your vacation. This is because rental prices increase as the delivery of the vehicle keys approaches. In addition, this option gives you the opportunity to take advantage of significant discounts offered by some online rental companies and to devote the last weeks before departure to other aspects of the trip such as administrative formalities or accommodation.
What about additional insurance?
Depending on your needs, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basic and additional insurance required before departure. As a rule, basic insurance is included in the rental price of the car. This mainly concerns bodily injury and material damage suffered by a third party and his vehicle. Depending on the risks specific to your destination, you can ask to take out additional insurance to better cover you.
It is also advisable to find out about the amount of the deductible as well as the warranty exclusions. Some rental agencies offer a reduction in the excess, or even its coverage. Thus, an additional guarantee can cover the driver and his passengers in the event of an accident, up to a predefined ceiling.