he USA is a unique country with many interesting places to go. High-quality roads, friendly drivers, and cheap car rental make it a great place to travel on 4 wheels. It’s always a great idea to rent a car in the USA and go on an exciting road trip.
Looking to explore the vastness of Pennsylvania? No problem. Pick up your rental car from Avis Pittsburgh Airport and enjoy the trip. Thousands of US locations are available to you, allowing you to have a great experience wherever you go.
Yes, car rental gives you many advantages, but it is very important to organize it correctly. We have compiled a list of the most common mistakes travelers make, so try to avoid them on your upcoming road trip:
They don’t book in advance
One of the common mistakes travelers make is that they don’t book a rental car in advance. Yes, there are many companies offering car rental but in high season the demand is very high. As a result, you may not find the car you need upon arrival at your destination, or the price will be sky-high.
It will be much better if you book a rental car in advance – the most optimal period is 2-3 weeks before the start of the trip. How to do it? Use the simple 14CARS car rental app installed on your smartphone. The application collects offers from all available car rental companies in the desired location, and thus allows you to choose the best deal.
Typically, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a driver’s license with a credit card to book your rental car.
They don’t inspect the car before picking it up
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Renting a car and not inspecting it for damage can be costly for you. The fact is that you risk paying for the damage that was actually caused not by you, but by the previous renter. That is why, before picking up a rental car, you should inspect it for scratches, chips, cracks, and other damage both outside and inside the car. If you find defects, ask to include them in the car rental contract. This will allow you to avoid potential claims from the provider when returning the vehicle.
They don’t pay attention to insurance
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When traveling to the USA, you can take the following types of insurance:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – provides cover if a collision or damage happens, costs between $ 8.99 and $ 29.99, LDW included
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) – provides cover if theft or loss of use of the vehicle happens
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) – provides cover for third party damages, costs between $ 9.99 and $ 15.50
Two insurance options are available when renting a car: basic insurance with excess and full zero-excess insurance. The first option means you pay the excess amount while the insurance company covers the rest. However, this insurance often doesn’t cover damage to wheels, tires, windows, mirrors, and undercarriage. The company will deduct the cost of damage for these elements from the deposit blocked on your credit card.
Unlike basic insurance, full insurance is usually more expensive, but it does cover even minor damage. Which insurance to choose depends on your driving experience and budget. If you are an experienced driver, then you can save money by taking basic insurance. However, if you are a beginner or a young driver, you will benefit from full insurance. This will allow you to completely avoid material risks if an insured event occurs.
They don’t check rental conditions and additional options
The rental conditions are the most important thing you should pay attention to. Firstly, some companies may limit miles. For example, the contract says that you can only drive 100 miles a day. This means you will pay for every extra mile.
Another important thing is an additional driver option. If you plan to have someone else drive your rental car, be sure to add it when booking a vehicle.
The fuel policy is also a thing that matters a lot. As a renter, you can use either the Full-to-Full or Prepaid Fuel option. In the first case, you pick up a car with a full tank of fuel and it doesn’t matter how much fuel remains in the tank upon your return.
On the other hand, the Full-to-Full option means you pick up and then return a rental car with a full tank of fuel. That is, you need to refuel your vehicle before returning.
If you are traveling with children, don’t miss the child seat option. Include it in your booking and the car rental company will provide you with the right device according to your kid’s age.
They rent cars from little-known companies
Picking up a rental car from small regional firms is usually cheaper. However, you often get not what you expect. Firstly, such a company may offer stricter rental conditions, for example, limited miles, which is not very good if you plan to travel a lot. Secondly, the quality of the cars can be far from perfect, and you risk ruining your trip if your rental car breaks down.
So, it’s better to rent a car through a trusted company. For example, consider Enterprise, Avis, Thrifty, Budget, Hertz, National, or Alamo to avoid unpleasant situations on the road and enjoy a hassle-free car rental!
