Car rental services have existed long since the 1900s, but it was not until after the second world war did the industry experience significant growth. The first rental company to exist was Sixt, a German-based company created in 1912. Hiring rental vehicles-
Across the world, the most popular use of car rentals has always been among the British. The primary objective of car hire agencies is to offer services to individuals who require it temporarily for travel.
The operating process involves recording purchases from customers and renting them out in exchange for cash. Cars can be rented in three different ways: they can be outrightly owned, but this would mean that the vehicle rental administrator will risk making a decision on the amount to sell the vehicle when it is taken out from service. They can also be rented, or they can be owned through a repurchase program made directly with the car manufacturer.
As a tourist, the most convenient means of touring is by hiring a car. Car hire in Canada for couples is mostly needed during weddings, road trips, prom nights, or other social events. Although created for convenience, hiring a car goes beyond the selection and purchase process.
Most times, individuals often fall prey to rip-offs. Lack of research and failing to look beyond choosing a car based on model and color, are reasons why this happens. Proper planning and factors can help prevent you from making such mistakes, thus, guaranteeing a safe and smooth ride.
Top car hire tips- hiring rental vehicles
In other to avoid spending unnecessary money, time, and energy when renting a car, we have compiled tips to help you before or after making that payment. Below are things you should consider for hiring rental vehicles.
Compare prices
Before you make that payment or book that trip, start by comparing prices. Looking out for various rental services within your location ahead of time will help narrow down your options. There are a couple of sites that allow you to search for all car hire services within your vicinity, they provide you with the cars available and the prices for each hire. This helps you in choosing the best deal and saving money.
Refuse extra car rental insurance
In the case of accidents or damages to a rented car, do not take extra car rental insurance. Check your personal vehicle insurance policy to know whether it covers accidents on a rented vehicle. Your Express credit card and numerous other MasterCard cover insurance for rented cars. You should also check travel insurance when on a trip, sometimes they cover vehicle rentals as well.
Some agents will attempt to recommend you insure anything and everything, even those you do not need. Be reasonable about your travel plans before consenting to additional items.
Bring your personal GPS along
Rental agencies often charge extra for GPS. In a bid to reduce these extra charges, we strongly recommend you bring your GPS along.
Thankfully technology has created a more convenient alternative, smartphones. With Google Maps, you can easily navigate anywhere. You might also want to come along with an extra GPS beacon, just for safety. When traveling with a child, it is important you bring your own car seat, as this would save you from making unnecessary expenses.
Watch out for prepayment gas options
Prepay works like this: You purchase the first tank from the rental agency, and bring it back. But here is the trick, the prepayment cost per gallon is more expensive than what you would pay at local gas stations. If by any chance, you do not utilize all the gas you purchase, then it becomes a waste of money on your part.
The best way to avoid this is to forego the prepayment option and personally fill the car with gas before returning the vehicle. You could lookout for the closest gas stations close to you that offer the cheapest rates on gas. Try as much as you possibly can to avoid running out of gas, as this could lead to a number of dangerous situations. Make sure to remind yourself to stop for gas.
The worst option for anyone seeking to rent a car will be to return the vehicle without a full tank, this would mean a bridge on the initial rental agreement. The rental service agency will have a field day filling up the tank for you, at very exorbitant per-gallon rates.
Take time out to thoroughly check the car
When you get your rented vehicle, you are naturally eager to begin your road trip, business trip, or tour. But before you take off, you need to thoroughly check the car.
Remember that you can never be too careful. Walk around the vehicle, looking for bumps or scratches, while taking image recordings. If you discover any marks on the car, ensure the rental agency is aware of the imprints or bumps you discovered.
Normally, when you choose a car for rental, it comes with a condition report booklet. Take time out to read the report, as it will contain details of previous damages on the vehicle if there be any. When checking the exterior, pay close attention to the tires and brakes as they too can be damaged.
