Hire Car In Any Country
Barb Anderson

Defined Tag: Hire Car.

You want to hire a car? This is not as difficult as it may sound. The main thing is to have a credit card. Yes, this can be a real drag, but hey: they're giving you a car for a day or so, what do you expect? Okay, but let's say you've got a credit card. That's the beginning.

While a car is a big investment, and so presumably is renting one, the fact is, it's neither rocket science, nor like getting into Harvard. You'll want to bring your credit card, driver's license (and if you've got a second valid form of I.D., that's always smiled at by the hire a car places).

Don't be intimidated. Just go in, knowing what you want. Or if this is not the case, ask. Take in a few considerations include price (of course), how far you're going to take the vehicle, reputability of the place you want to hire a car from (in case it breaks down), who will have to pay if, indeed the car breaks down, the number of miles you can drive before having to pay so-and-so amount per mile, and of course (especially if you're under forty), what the car looks like.

The optimal car would go something like this: You don't need a credit card, cash is fine (with little or no deposit); a beautiful, new sports car with all the accessories your heart's desire (sorry, the flux capacitor-driven engine is next year's model), gorgeous interior, air conditioning, amazing sound system that blows windows out as you pass by, and of course, the token blonde in the passenger's seat, already provided.

Ah, dreams. But alas, the real world is a bit stickier. So, some things to look out for including not only the rates you have to pay to hire a car, but also where you can and cannot take your car (i.e. Foreign countries are often a no-no); when the car is due back; any hidden costs (often found at the bottom of the contract in the smallest print allowed by law -or in sections that you really don't understand -examine these parts especially well until fully understood).

Insurance is also a biggie. At most places it's required, but there still exist a few cowboy operations that utilize "insurance optional" as a selling point by offering lower prices without the insurance. This is pure lunacy. If you are offered insurance, take it. If nothing's mentioned to you about insurance, ask about it. Don't accept anything that seems less than sane or pragmatic.

Find out about discounts, as well. Often, if you're a member of AAA, the Diner's Club, or many senior citizen organizations or whatnot, discounts are available to hire a car. Further, there are rates for renting a car a week or more, as well as NOT renting on weekends, when they're most greatly in demand.

Find out if multiple drivers cost extra, likewise, especially if you'll have a friend along for the ride. If your buddy or sister is driving the car and they are not covered, should an accident occur, especially if they are hurt, this is big trouble as they're often not covered and you'll find yourself accountable for hospital costs and buying the hire a car place a new vehicle. But not to worry, just do your homework and all will work out!

Barb Anderson has edited or written numerous articles for family-oriented ezines and sites on the worldwide web. Barb is Editor of the Power Learning Tips and Tricks newsletter, which is available at:   http://MastermindLearningSystem.com.