Important Questions to Ask When Considering a Car Rental on Holiday

When you're on holiday, you may want to consider a car rental versus trying to rely on public transportation; in some cities, there is a reliable bus or train system that runs on time, but in some locations, public transportation can be hit or miss at best. Busses and trains also mean riding with crowds and still needing to walk from the station to your destination. When you are ready to rent a car for your holiday, note a few aspects of car rentals so you know you get a car that works for your needs.

Ask if there is a mileage limit

Some rental cars will have a mileage limit, and your final rental costs may increase once you reach that limit. It's good to know this when on holiday as you may be planning on driving the car for sightseeing or to remote areas, and the distance then begins to add up very fast. Not all car rental agencies will have a mileage limit or even charge based on distance travelled, but you don't want any surprises on your final bill, so always ask about this when planning your rental.

Ask about the time limit for returning the car

Most agencies will have a time limit for returning the car; it might be on midnight the last day of your rental, but not always. Some agencies will have a drop box for keys, but others may expect you to return the car when the office is opened. Failure to do this can mean being charged another day or not even having access to the lot to drop off the car at all! Be sure you ask about these restrictions so you can get the car back on time and avoid any added fees or penalties.

Ask about charges for an upgrade

If you reserve a particular car and then arrive at the reservation desk, you might be told that your chosen car is not available, or you may see that there are nicer cars available. Ask an agency their fees for upgrading your rental, either because they overbooked rentals or because they have better models available. You may be able to get a sports car or larger car for the same amount as your original reservation, but don't assume the rental agent will share this info with you; ask about it instead so you know all your options and choices for upgraded vehicles.