How do I choose the best rental car?
Follow these six steps when renting a car
For many people, the range of cars on offer is overwhelming when they are standing at the car rental company to rent a car. You need a car, but have no idea which one to choose. This is also difficult, because the differences in passenger cars are small and often also have to do with taste. However, there are indeed a number of aspects that you can select well on when renting a car.
Below is a step-by-step plan for renting a car to help you make the best choice.
1. Manual or automatic
In the Netherlands, manual transmission cars are still driven more often than in, for example, Japan en AmericaIn the past, there were clear reasons why we preferred manual transmission cars here. The cars were often more economical in use and the engine power was used optimally.
Due to technological developments in the automotive industry, differences between automatic and manual transmission cars has become increasingly smaller and there has been an increase in the number of machines in the Netherlands.
Nowadays, the choice when renting a car is more focused on experience and comfort. Are you always used to changing gears while driving? Or do you just find it more sporty? Then choose a manual car.
However, it is not difficult to drive an automatic, you get used to it quickly and it is often more comfortable. Do you often have trouble keeping the clutch under control the first time you drive a new car? Then it is best to choose an automatic. Read more here advantages and disadvantages of an automatic and manual transmission car.
View a overview of all rental cars that are manual or automatic.
2. Luggage compartment
Car rental companies often also make a distinction in the amount of luggage space. The differences can vary from 100 to 1500 liters. Therefore, determine for yourself in advance how much luggage space you need and take this into account when choosing which car you can best rent.
For example, are you going on holiday with 4 people? Then it is best to take a station wagon rent that offers enough space so that you can also travel comfortably. Do you only need to rent a car for a business meeting, or are you going to the beach with two people? Then choose a smaller model with less luggage space and pay more attention to the extra services such as air conditioning.
Are you moving, but a van is much too big? Or are you not used to driving a van? Then you can always choose the small moving variant: the station wagon. You can fold down the rear seats, which makes the luggage space tripled to no less than 1500 litres. This is ideal for moving loose and small furniture.
3. Petrol or Diesel when renting a car?
Does it matter whether you choose petrol or diesel when renting a car? It depends. The rents don't differ much in most car rental companies. Diesel is often cheaper when you rent the car for a longer period where you travel long distances. This can be when you go on holiday or when you have several business appointments that are far apart for a number of days in a row. Also keep in mind that you have to refuel the rental car, read here why rental companies want you to the car is filling up.
4. Rent a car for your holiday
In the Netherlands there is a clear difference in price between petrol and diesel. On average, diesel is 30 cents cheaper per liter. Are you going on holiday and are you about to rent a car? Then first check the fuel prices for petrol and diesel in your holiday country. There are large differences per country.
For example, pay extra attention when you go to Britain of Spain travels. Diesel is often almost as expensive here, or sometimes even more expensive than petrol. Also in countries such as Hungary en Czech Republic you pay more for diesel than petrol. So make sure you are well informed about the current prices when you go on holiday with a rental car.
5. The service of the rental company
Rental car insurance
The service may differ per company. Therefore, inquire about how the car insurance is arranged, how they handle personal data such as your driver's license and whether it is possible that the driver is not the tenant. But it is also useful to inquire about the deductible of the rental car.
Damage to rental car
Find out in advance what the rules are if the car is damaged.
Payment
Most car rental companies offer multiple payment methods. For example, some companies offer the option of paying by credit card or by postpay. Always be careful when sharing an ID, so read our tips to to prevent identity fraud.
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I was wondering if there is any difference in insurance between the choices. Do you arrange that too? What are the costs of that?
roel
Dear Roel,
There is definitely a difference in insurance for different rental vehicles. This week we will discuss this new blog about.
When picking up, you can take out various additional insurances on the rental car: reduced deductible, passenger insurance, theft insurance, glass insurance and roadside assistance abroad. Feel free to contact us if you want to know more about this.
Yours faithfully,
Frits Pieper
Adrem Car Rental
Is there a limit to renting a rental car? In distance or time for example?
g
Thanks for your response.
There is no maximum to renting in time: you can rent as long as you want. The maximum in distance per day is the maximum number of kilometers you can drive in 24 hours. The only limitation I can think of is your wallet.
Regards,
Frits Pieper
Adrem Car Rental