Renting a car allows you to explore in the way you want, no matter where you go. Discover quick and easy tips for renting a car to help you enjoy a worry-free and enjoyable experience.

1. Book Your Car Before Traveling
Car rental prices can vary significantly, and they are often lower when booked online in advance rather than walking in to rent a car. Ideally, you should rent a car as soon as your trip is confirmed to avoid last-minute price hikes and to ensure you get the type of vehicle you want. Even booking a rental car one night in advance for a last-minute trip can save you money. Additionally, online reviews can help you choose a reputable car rental company, as each rental company offers different services, much like airlines. Some may offer incredibly low prices but compromise on service quality, while others prioritize high-quality vehicles and excellent customer service, and customers are often willing to pay a little extra for that.

2. Plan Your Timing Carefully
Choose a pick-up and drop-off time that allows for flexibility in case your plans change. Many customers may not be aware that car rental companies will not wait if a customer arrives later than scheduled. If you are traveling by plane, allow at least one hour to get through passport control and collect your luggage. If flying to a popular destination during peak times, it is recommended that you allow additional time. For your return flight, schedule the car drop-off about two and a half hours before the departure time. Rental companies will charge fees for late returns, so be sure to allow enough time to drive the car back.

3. Share the Driving
Imagine a happy family driving in a car, with the parents in the front and two children in the back. The rental price typically includes the rights for one driver, but renters can pay extra to add additional drivers. Driving in a foreign country can feel more challenging than driving at home due to various differences, such as speed limits, traffic signs, and unexpected rules. If you are traveling with others, paying a little extra for the option of an additional driver can be worthwhile, as it allows for shared driving among two (or more) people. Sharing the driving gives everyone a chance to rest and enjoy the scenery.

4. Peace of Mind with Insurance Coverage
Typically, car rentals come with basic coverage, but this may not cover all aspects of the vehicle. If you want additional coverage, you can purchase extra insurance when booking the car, buy it online from an insurance company, or obtain it from the rental company staff when picking up the vehicle. You can choose whether to purchase additional coverage, but be sure to check what your existing insurance covers (and what it does not) so that you will not face unexpectedly high costs in case something happens. For more information, please refer to the article “How Does Insurance Coverage Work When Renting a Car?”

5. Read the Information and Prepare Your Documents
Few people take the time to read important information, as it can feel cumbersome, especially during a vacation. However, it would be better to take a moment to clearly understand the details of the insurance you purchase to avoid problems later. If you book online, you can review the rental terms and conditions on the website and in your booking confirmation, allowing you to check them at home before the trip.

When picking up the rental car, the company staff will check your documents and require you to provide a security deposit using a credit card. You will definitely need your driver’s license, credit card, and identification documents, but you may also need additional paperwork. Therefore, it is advisable to review the specific terms and conditions of the rental before starting your trip. For more information, please refer to “Steps and Details for Picking Up Your Car.”

6. Clearly Check the Prices
Comparing rental car prices online can help you determine which prices are reasonable, but there may be additional fees to pay later when picking up the car. Once you have a clear understanding of which additional services you want to purchase (such as an additional driver or returning the car to a different location), you will know the total rental cost before starting your trip. You can view the prices of various additional services in the rental terms and conditions. For more information, please refer to the article “Additional Fees and Other Costs When Renting a Car.”

7. Don’t Be Attached to a Specific Car
Some customers may not be aware that renting a car does not guarantee a specific brand or model. Ultimately, rentals operate on the principle of “similar vehicles,” meaning you may receive a car that is comparable in size and specifications to the option you booked. Therefore, there is no need to worry if you choose one model over another that is nearly identical, as you might receive the model you did not select or even a different model altogether. For more information, please refer to the article “Choosing the Right Type of Rental Car.”