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Car Rentals Tips for Cost-Savvy Travellers

While visiting a new city, renting a car for travel opens up an infinite world of unique experiences! You can take shorter 1-day and longer highway trips, watch the rural landscape, and go to places where most tourists yet have to step. However, there are some things to consider when you opt for a car rental. Herein, we shall discuss some of the common mistakes one should avoid.

To Insure or Not to Insure

While renting a car, check whether it is covered by rental insurance. For this, consider checking your auto insurance policy and the benefits that come with your credit card. There exist some insurance policies in which rental cars are also covered. If your credit card benefits include car rental insurance, then make sure you book and pay with your card. Also, the cardholder should be the person who would be driving the car. Some car rental companies offer to purchase insurance, so it would be best to arrive at the location knowing beforehand if you are covered. Don’t forget to read the fine print to understand what is covered and what is not. In some situations, buying insurance through the car hiring agency makes sense. Still, usually, it would be a grave mistake to pay for insurance more than one.

Car Rentals Tips for Cost-Savvy Travellers

But there is a catch, too! If you are a driver under the age of 25, then you have to mandatorily purchase additional car rental insurance. It makes sense to check with your credit card issuing company whether the insurance benefits include young drivers’ insurance.

Fueling Options

It is rare to find a car rental company that offers gasoline in the car rental charges. In most cases, three fuel options are provided before you start your ride. First is self-refill, where the driver has to fill up the gas tank to the same level as was in the car before renting. The good thing about this option is that you have to pay only for the gasoline you have used during the rental period. Another option is a rental agency refill. In this, the car rental company refills the gas at a pre-determined price. This seems like a convenient thing to do, but remember, some car rental agencies charge higher rates compared to the ones at fuel stations.

The third option is full tank prepayment. In this option, you prepay the price of a full tank. Often, it is at a slightly lower price than the market rates. Full tank prepayment can be a good choice for people who want to drive a lot. Also, you won’t have to refuel before returning the vehicle. But the catch is that people won’t get a refund for the remaining gasoline in the car. So, choose the fuel option that is best for your needs.

Location and Type Matter

Car rental prices are often dependent on location and the type of car. Agencies near the airport or other major connectivity points charge higher. You can also get discounts during the off-season and for longer rental durations. Suppose you properly research companies, types of cars, dates, durations, and inclusions. In that case, you can save considerable money with no last-minute hidden surprises.

If you plan to rent a car in downtown Vancouver, West Coast Car Rentals has convenient and cost-effective rental options to explore. Book your car rental today and experience the freedom.

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