
What Are The Requirements For Renting A Car?
We all know that renting a car for the first time can be a challenging and exciting experience. Whether you are planning a vacation or a road trip, it is obvious that a rental car will be there in your travel plans. It is fun to travel and drive the vehicle by yourself, especially when you travel with your family or friends. So many rental companies are out there offering a wide variety of fleets. That is why it is important to understand a few things first. Like- When should you book the rental car? What documents will you need? How much does it cost? And more! But, sometimes, it seems impossible to understand the requirements to rent a car.
However, when you know the requirements, the confidence to head towards the counter desk and pick up the keys is different. Let's dive into this blog and understand "What are the requirements for renting a car?" Go through all the requirements before you rent a car.
Things You Need Before Renting A Car
When you rent a car for the first time, it feels like a daunting experience as hidden charges, insurance options, and mileage policies can change your mood. It may force you to travel by air or train. But it gets simplified when you know the car renting process and what things are required. Below are some of the things you need before you rent a car:
Minimum Age Requirement
Several car rental companies have set a minimum age for their vehicles. Generally, when you rent a car, your age should be at least 25 years old. If the company age is set to a minimum between 21- 24, it will charge additional fees from you. Moreover, if the age of the driver is 18, then it depends on the state law whether they will allow them to rent a car.
Requirement Of Documents
You may have to show some documents, like the original driver's license and debit or credit card, but that should be active. In addition, some rental companies may tell you to provide a good driving record.
Insurance Coverage
When you rent a car, you have to make sure that you consider the consequences of an accident or theft, which is mentioned in the car rental agreement. Car insurance offers protection against unnecessary expenses. But you should know that your policy covers rental coverage. If your policy doesn't cover rental cars, you have the option to buy it from a car rental company.
Driver's License
You will surely need a driver's license before you rent a car. A driver's license confirms that you are a legal driver and is also proof of your age. Commonly, your age should be at least 25 years old to rent a car. However, in the U.S., the minimum age is 21 to rent a car. The drivers aged between 21 and 24 have to pay the additional rental fee. Even some car rental companies may ask you to provide the same state license where the rental location is.
Credit Card Should Be Active
Even when you have a driver's license, the renting process will get paused if you don't have an active credit card. Most car rental companies don't accept debit cards, even though they have the logo of credit cards like Master card or Visa. An active credit card by the name of the driver is important because the car rental company put the card on hold for insurance purposes.
How You Can Rent A Car? (Best Tips)
When you rent a car, it provides you with several benefits while traveling. A rented car provides flexibility and freedom, and you can travel comfortably without any restrictions. If it's your first time, here are some tips that you can apply while renting a car:
Avoid Booking Car Rentals At Airports
If possible, avoid renting the car from the airport. The charges will be high if you rent a car from the airport. It is because they will pick you up right after your flight and drop you off on time for your departure flight. Some renters look for convenience, and the high charges are worth the price, but for some renters, it's not. Usually, car rental offices that are located inside the cities have prices on the lower side. So, first, consider the options. If they are worth the money, then only rent it.
You Might Not Need The Car Insurance
Car rental companies try to convince the customer to buy something additional. One of these additional purchases includes car insurance. The insurance process starts from the booking time and will continue until you pick up your car. Sometimes, renters politely refuse to get any insurance, and the company does not take it further.
However, other times, when you refuse the insurance, they warn you. They tell you that if any scratch or damage happens to the car, it will protect you from fines and penalties. These tactics are just one way to sell more insurance. Generally, this happens with the smaller car rental companies. However, it all depends on the location.
Moreover, if you have an auto insurance policy, it may cover the liability for a car rental. Call your insurance provider and check whether it is covered or not.
Also Read: What are the Best Car Rental Companies in Lanham?
Keep The Right Card With You
The right way to rent a car is with a credit card. Usually, many car rental companies accept payments from credit cards as it helps them check credit availability. In addition, it also helps them to easily hold the estimated cost of rental and security deposit without any issue.
There are many ways in which payments done by credit cards help the renters:
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Insurance- Many popular cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, Capital One Venture X rewards credit card, and the United Club Infinite Card offer you insurance between $75,000 and $150,000 per rental car.
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Reward Points- Credit cards including The Platinum card® from American Express, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire preferred® card, and U.S. Bank altitude® reserve visa infinite® card offer reward points to the renters on each dollar they have spent on the car rental.
Complete Your Homework
Thinking of how to rent a car? Make sure that you complete your homework first. The best you can do is rent a car online. Before we reserve a rental car, you first have to search online. Generally, the process will start with discovering cars and comparing the prices on the website. It helps to get an idea of the rental car's exact cost and where you can get lower prices.
Check For Reviews
One of the best tips before renting a car is to carefully check the reviews. Read what the customer said about a particular car. Remember that reviewers get easily pissed off in many situations. Reviews like they have been extra charged or GPS has an upcharge. The best thing is to disregard these reviews when renting a car.
You should be more concerned about quality of service, cleanliness, customer service, and more! So, if you see negative reviews related to all or any of these things, you know you have to shift to another rental company website. It is just that you have to do your research carefully.
Select The Vehicle Of Your Choice
Car rental companies offer you a wide variety of vehicles to choose from. Make sure that you keep your driving style and budget in mind before you select the car.
Check the vehicle carefully before you sign all the documents. Does the car have any dents or scratches? Does the interior of the car is clean, or seats are clean? Inspect the car with your agent.
Ensure To Fill The Tank By Yourself
You drop off the car, and the car rental agency fills the tank. Seems very convenient, right? Hold on! Don't make a fool of yourself. You have to pay for that later on, and that can be costly compared to the actual price. When you pick the car, they give you a tank full. Ensure you plan some extra time when you can fill the tank before you return the car.
How Much Is The Cost Of A Rental Car?
Generally, the prices of car rental changes according to the seasons. However, the average car rental cost is $50 a day, and compared to the last year, there is a downfall of about 20-25%. Now those who are planning to rent a car will get relief in cost as well as in gas prices.
From Where To Rent A Car In Maryland?
Now, you may know all the car rental requirements with all the above information. But one question is still unanswered: "From where to rent a car in Maryland? If you are looking to rent a car in Maryland, Bon Voyage car rental is the place you should look for. Bon Voyage Car Rental is known as one of the trustworthy rental car providers in Maryland. It offers a large variety of fleets from economic, luxury, and SUV cars. Other than that, they don't take any hidden charges, and the booking prices of each car are mentioned transparently on their website. You can also get the responsible driver you need. Just let them know about your requirements.
With Bon Voyage, one thing is guaranteed, and that is hygienic and safe cars that ensure a comfortable traveling experience.
Contact Details
Phone No: 202 696 6487
Mail At: Bonvoyagecarrental22@gmail.com
Visit Us: 9500 Annapolis Road Suite B5 Lanham MD 20706