Car rental tips for your next journey

Whether you’re heading on a business trip or a family vacation, getting a car rental can give you the freedom and flexibility you need.

Before you reserve a car for your next trip, there’s a few things you need to know. It’s important to understand what’s included in your rental and what can be added to make sure you get the best deal. Hertz is here to provide you with all the help and advice you need for getting a rental car. Continue reading to find out our top car rental tips.

Choosing your car rental package

When choosing your car rental package, it’s good to consider what you really need from your vehicle to ensure it meets the demands of your trip.

The following questions can be helpful to ask yourself before reserving a car:

• How many people are you traveling with?
  This will determine the type and size of vehicle you need to hire (SUV, minivan or a standard five-seater vehicle).
• How much luggage are you bringing?
  This will also impact the size of the vehicle you need.
• Do you require special accessibility?
  Perhaps you’re traveling with young children, someone elderly or with additional needs – this can impact the kind of car you need.
• Parking
  Think about the location you’re traveling to and the size of the vehicle you’re choosing to ensure that there is space for parking.
• Are you looking for style, comfort or practicality?
  There are cars that offer all three, but it’s always good to know which features are a priority for you.

What’s included in a car rental package?

Generally, when you rent a vehicle, your package will include the rental, car hire excess insurance, and breakdown cover. Other fees may also be included depending on your chosen firm’s rental terms, such as the administration fee, vehicle registration fee and location fee.

In many cases, you’ll be able to choose add-ons to your rental package and tailor it to your needs. This can include adding additional drivers, selecting different drop-off and pick-up locations, choosing a more luxurious car, or getting your car wrapped for a special occasion.

It’s important that you fully understand what is included in your car rental package and what isn’t, this way you know exactly what you’re signing up for. Always ensure that you read all terms and conditions carefully and contact customer services if you need further information or advice on your options.

Rental car tips for your next journey

If you want to get the best out of your car hire experience, there are a few car rental tips and tricks that can help you along the way. From accessing the best deals to ensuring that you and your passengers ride in style and comfort, check out Hertz’s top tips for renting a car below.

1. Book your rental in advance
   Generally, the earlier you reserve your rental car, the better deal you can find. You’re also more likely to get the car, price and terms you want if you book early on. We recommend booking your car hire as soon as you book your flights or confirm your trip.
2. Choose your pick up/drop-off locations carefully
   Airport pick ups can be more expensive, but they are often the most convenient option. Your car will be waiting for you when you arrive so you don’t need to worry about trekking anywhere after a long flight to pick it up. For those heading on a cross-country trip, picking a city drop-off location is usually a good idea.
3. Let’s talk about tech
   Be sure to highlight any specific technical features you think you’ll need for your journey. This can include, GPS, air conditioning, Bluetooth etc. Most modern cars will already have these features built in, but it’s always best to make sure you have what you need.
4. Save money with fuel-efficient cars
   Gas is one of the biggest costs when you’re heading out on a long car journey so you could save money by choosing a fuel-efficient car for your trip. Curb the rising cost of gas by selecting an innovative EV or hybrid car. You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your carbon emissions.
5. Prioritise comfort for long journeys
   For long trips, large sedans and SUVs typically offer the most comfort. The last thing you want is to start feeling uncomfortable halfway through the trip of a lifetime.
6. Be mindful of the weather
   Always check the weather forecast before any trip. If you’re going camping or traveling in snowy weather, it might be best for you to choose an SUV or four-wheel drive.
7. Take photos of the car before and after
   A key car rental tip to prevent any nasty surprises charges, take pictures of your rental vehicle as soon as you receive it and when you are returning it. This way, you have proof of the car’s condition throughout your rental period.
8. We rent child booster seats
   Not only are child seats and booster seats a legal requirement, but they’re also essential for the safety of your little ones. In America, all children must use a child seat until they are 12 years old. If you’re traveling with children, we offer booster seats for your car rental.

**Bonus tip – Sign up to car rental loyalty programs – You can access great awards and discounts by signing up to membership packages. As an example, Hertz Gold Plus members can get discounts on child car seats, add additional drivers for free and even score savings on their car rental rates.”.

What to consider when getting a car rental

When making a car reservation, it’s important to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of your policy. Do this before securing your reservation as this will ensure you get exactly what you want with no unexpected charges. Be sure to make a note of matters like car pick up and return times, mileage limits and fuel guidelines. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the rental provider’s customer service team for advice.