How does renting a car work?

15 comments

1. >Is that more expensive than booking before?

   Imo it’s pretty fucking expensive. Especially if you’re under 25. There’s an extra charge.

   I wanted to rent a car in Chicago for one day and the lowest thing was $90.

   >Is there an insurance that covers potential damage if I cause a collision?

   Yes there is. Only makes it extra expensive lol.

2. You can just show up and go to a rental company. Most have cars available. However, it is cheaper to pre-book your car. That way you are guaranteed the size and features you need.

   If you have car insurance it generally covers rental cars. Your credit card might also provide liability insurance, check with your card issuer. In general, the insurance options offered by rental car companies are far more expensive than what you can obtain yourself. Don’t buy it.

   For car insurance in America there are two different kinds of liability to consider. The first is the damage to the rental car itself. The second is your liability / culpability in the accident.

   For the first part, this is generally referred to as comprehensive an can include uninsured motorist. It covers repair to the vehicle(s) involved in the accident regardless of who is at fault. It is generally optional insurance but worth getting if you need piece of mind. It is useful in the case where you are involved in an accident where the other party is at fault but does not have insurance.

   For the second part, this is the mandated insurance in most states, it is called liability insurance and covers you if you are at fault (full or partial) in an accident. You MUST have at least liability insurance to drive in most states.

   Again, check with your insurance provider if you have a car in your country or check with your credit card company. Coverage can be had far cheaper through them than the rental car company.

3. I don’t know if they charge a premium for booking as you need it rather than before, but, it’s a good idea to reserve a car for the same reason it’s a good idea to make a reservation at a restaurant.

   Car rental companies offer insurance, it’s optional. Whether it’s a good idea or not depends on what your personal car insurance is like, and also your risk tolerance.

4. Make a reservation! Your current car insurance may be enough. Consider just using Lyft to get around, no parking fee, gas and if you have some drinks you’re okay.

5. Airport. Credit card. Vaild drivers license. Car insurance extra charge and will cover accident as long as no one else drives the car.

6. You’re better to pre-book. You’ll find the airport locations to be the most expensive places to rent from. You’re better off renting away from there and catching a ride-share to the rental office. (The last time we were in NJ, we took the train to the rental car.)

7. Yes book in advance. Yes you can get insurance for the car. I am not sure if that covers liability, check with the rental agency. They’ll be familiar with the needs of international travellers. Keep in mind if you injure someone in the US, it can be very costly. So make sure you are covered for liability. I don’t know how they come at you in another country if you are found liable, but I know if you’re insured it won’t come bite you in the ass.

8. If you just show up, they’re likely not to have a car available for you. Fleets are pretty thin right now not just because it’s summer but also because the chip shortage has affected the number of cars rental companies can buy. And Hertz sold off a lot of its fleet when it went chapter 11. So absolutely book ahead, if for no other reason than to ensure there’s a car with your name on it when you get there.

   There is insurance, and that adds a few dollars to each day of your rental. Up to you if you take it or not.

9. Don’t pre buy the fuel. Fill it up at a gas station before you return it.

10. Priceline is your friend.

11. rental cars are very expensive due to the lack of inventory. Book ahead and shop around. If you are under 25 it will be a total ripoff.

12. If this isn’t a hypothetical and is for actual travel, you should 100% make a reservation. There is a rental car shortage and you can not rely on a rental car location having a car for you if you don’t have a reservation.

    I would also highly encourage to book directly with the company rather than using a third party site like Priceline. When a rental company comes up short and needs to cancel a reservation, the first people they’ll kick off are the people paying the cheapest rates and that’s often those who book via third party sites.

    Not all rental cars can be taken elsewhere. If you are not returning your rental car to the same location, you’ll need to tell them that.

    Airport locations also tend to be more expensive than locations scattered throughout the city. That said airport locations are also often convenient and usually are staffed 24 hours, so there are some benefits renting at the airport.

13. You can show up and get a car. You may end up in a bind if there aren’t any available. It can also be way more expensive if there are only a few options available in inventory.

    It is best to book in advance. Absolutely book in advance if you can and shop around for the best deal. Kayak and Priceline or similar websites can help quite a bit in finding a deal.

    Also, often you can get a better deal if you rent from a place that isn’t at the airport. You may have to take Uber or Lyft from the airport to pick up the car but often it is worth it. Highest demand is at airports.

    There is basic insurance. You can get more for an extra charge. You will have to ask the specific rental company what coverages they offer.

    Right now renting a car is $$$$$. There is a shortage of rentals and demand is coming back so prices are up.

14. First off at the airport then usually have an area or lot of cars you can rent. It’s best being 25 or older or otherwise they will charge you a lot. Now I can’t remember if you give them your insurance and it’s covered under there or they have something provided with the car. I think it’s usually with the car you rent. There should be some insurance that would cover it. But idk. I never been in a car accident with a rental before

15. Dude go with the app Turo, it’s the only way I rent a car nowadays. It’s like air BnB. It’ll be cheeper and no credit check.