Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car for the First Time

It might surprise you, but only about 35% of American adults own a car. If you’ve got a place that’s even farther from home than that, renting a car can make getting around much easier for you. And with the ubiquity of digital devices, renting a car has never been easier either.

To help you get started, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to renting your first time. Whether you live somewhere fairly urban or plan to keep your car for as long as possible, this guide will help you find your perfect rental car at the perfect price point.

What is a Rental Car?

Rental cars help you make your way around a new city or unfamiliar part of the country. These cars allow you to drive someone else’s car while they keep the title in their name. So, as long as you return the car as clean as you found it and are insured to drive it, you won’t be responsible for any damage to the car.

This can be a great option if you’re traveling with a large group of people and want to save money on the cost of a car. You can do relatively long distances without having to worry about having enough gas to get you back home.

You’ll most often find rental cars in airports, gas stations, and other locations where you can drop off your car and pick up another. Most rental car companies will give you a list of drop-off points, as well as pick-up locations. This makes it easy for you to keep track of where you’ve put your car.

How Much Does a Rental Car Cost?

 How much does a rental car cost - how much does a rental car cost for a week

When you pick up a rental car, you’ll pay a set price for the entire time you intend to use the car. This price will include a set amount of gas, any wear and tear on the car, and a monthly fee that covers the cost of the car. Typically, you’ll pay a set amount of money each time you use the car, and you’ll also pay a fee that covers the car.

There are a few ways to use a rental car. In the most common arrangement, you’ll pay a set amount each time you use the car and also a separate fee for the car itself.

So, for example, if the rental car cost $300, and you drove it for a day, you’d pay the rental company $300 and then pay a separate fee for the car.

The Differences Between Car Rentals

Rental cars are often very similar with one major exception: the cost. The price you pay for a rental car will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your choice of car, location, and length of rental.

One thing that’s true for both car rentals and car ownership is that it’s often worth it to pay a little more if you’ll save a lot in the long run. You’ll pay less if you rent a car in one city and drive it to another city, but you’ll pay more if you rent a car in a large city and drive it in a smaller city.

Generally, you’ll pay less for a shorter rental than for a longer one. If you plan to keep the rental car for a month or less, it might be worth paying a bit more. By far the biggest difference between renting a car and buying a car is the cost.

Visiting a Car Rental Facility

Visiting a Car Rental Facility - enterprise rent a car

If you’re picking up a rental car in a city, it’s a good idea to visit the rental facility to get an idea of what you’ll be dealing with. This way, you can get an idea of how long it will take you to pick up a car and drop off a car. It’s also a good idea to look at the facility before you get there to get an idea of how you’ll need to park or what you’ll need to bring with you.

If you’re dropping off your car and will be done with it within the same day, you won’t need to worry about parking. If you have to have it parked, you’ll want to keep in mind that most rental facilities charge a fee for long-term parking.

Most rental car facilities require you to use a self-service system, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need.

Who Should You Rent From?

One of the best things about renting from a local car rental business is that you can often save a lot of money by renting from a nearby business. So, where you live could be a huge factor in your decision. Smaller cities and rural areas often have the fewest options for renting cars.

If you live in a city, renting from a local business can save you a lot of money. You’ll often be able to drive a car with fewer miles on it and at a lower price than if you rented from a company in another city.

Things to Look for When Renting a Car

You’ll want to make sure to pick a model that’s in good condition. If the car has a lot of miles on it, it might not be worth the cost to return it. Make sure the car has fewer than 100,000 miles on it. If it does, you’ll want to consider leasing the car instead of renting it. Make sure the car is not damaged.

Final Words

When you rent a car, you’ll likely be surprised by how much you like it. You’ll get a chance to see new places and meet new people. You might also discover a new hobby or two. There are many benefits to renting a car, and they go well beyond the cost savings. Rental cars let you go where you want to go and see what you want to see. It’s an easy way to travel and explore the world.

Reviews

Related Articles