Car Rental Guide

The majority of people are interested in car rentals when they're on vacation. But what many travels may not realize is that car rental in the United States, or North America in general, is different than car rentals in other countries like Europe.

Car rental in the United States is usually very simple to do. The better known, and perhaps safest, car rental agencies can easily be found in a phone book like your local White or Yellow Pages. It's even possible to find car rental agencies on the Internet. If you're looking for a car rental in the United States, all you need to do is take the phone numbers you find in the phone book or online, and call each car rental agency. Ask for the agency's location, car availability and partnerships with any airlines or hotels. Don't forget to ask about any special deals or rates, like group rates.

Most American car rental agencies offer pick-up at no extra cost, even if only a few advertise this feature. If a car rental agency doesn't offer pick-up, then ask if the agency will reimburse the cost of cab fare.

And don't feel like you have to buy extra car insurance from an American car rental agency. Most reps will give you a hard sell on this, but most times it's not necessary. Your car rental will usually be covered under your own car insurance. But if you don't have car insurance under your name, it's a good idea to accept the offer of car rental insurance from the agency.

In the United States, you'll need to be at least 25-years-old to be able to get a car from a car rental agency. Some will give you a car rental if you're younger, but you'll need to pay a much higher cost.

The procedure for car rentals in other countries like Europe is usually a little bit different than in the United States. Naturally, for European car rentals you won't be able to look in your local Yellow Pages phone book. But you should be able to gather all the information you need for arranging a foreign car rental on the Internet.

European or other foreign car rentals are usually much smaller than American car rentals. So cut the amount of baggage you take along. Plus most foreign car rentals are stick-shift. The minimum age for car rentals in European countries is also 25, but this age varies between car rental agencies and countries.

Always be sure to buy extra car insurance on a foreign car rental. Also be aware that foreign car rentals can be very expensive. So can the gas.

Wherever you choose to get a car rental, be sure that the vehicle is in good shape. Before leaving the car rental agency's lot, examine the car for dents, scratches, tears in the upholstery or balding tires. If you find any, immediately report them to the car rental representative. If you don't, you might be responsible for the costs of those repairs.

Car rental is usually an easy and convenient process, regardless of what area you're in. Just be practical, and above all, drive your car rental as safely (or more safely) than you would drive a vehicle you owned.

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