Renting a car can be a lot of fun. In the United States the term "Rental Car" or "Rent A Car" is used primarily; whereas, in Europe the term "Car Hire' or "Hire Car" is more popular. Both terms mean the same thing, essentially defined by the use of car for a relatively short period of time on a vacation, holiday, business trip, or sometimes just to replace a car that is being repaired or otherwise unavailable.

Car rentals offer the renter the opportunity to drive a car, truck or SUV that they normally would not or could not buy. Renting a car for a weekend getaway, to impress someone or just to have something different to drive for a couple of days are some of the most popular reasons to visit a car rental company. However, as fun as it is to rent cars, there are several things that must happen before you drive it off the lot.

• Most rental companies will not rent to any driver under the age of 25. If you fall under that magic number, you more than likely will need to get an older relative or friend to sign the actual contract for you and actually drive the vehicle. Even with the contract in someone else's name you will not be allowed to drive the vehilce and will be in violation of the company's policy. This means that you may not be covered by either the rental car companies' insurance or your own insurance policy in the event of an accident.
  
  Be extremely cautious of this risk and make sure that you understand the rental car companies' rules and abide by them to be safe from liability, both collision damage to the vehicle and liability from suit by the other driver in the event of an at fault accident. An increasingly small number of rental car companies will rent to a legal driver under the age of 25, but the rental rate is considerably higher. Call the agency of your choice or Contact Us and pre-arrange the rental car if you are under 25 and need to rent and drive the vehicle.


• You will of course, need a valid driver's license to rent the car. If you do not have a license, they will not rent to you under any circumstances. Most companies will also require you to reserve your car with the use of a major credit card, however; occasionally, you can pay in cash if you would prefer as long as you still offer a major credit card for use on file in the event of damage to the vehicle or use beyond the contract return date.


• Generally, you do not need to have personal auto insurance to rent a car; they will ask you if you would like to purchase their insurance for the duration of the rental contract. If you do not have personal auto insurance, it is wise to purchase their insurance. If, however, you have your own insurance policy, be sure to call your agent to verify that you are covered during your use of a rental car. If your personal auto policy covers you, there is no mandate to purchase a policy from the rental company.
  
  Keep in mind that most often your personal auto insurance policy will usually cover you for liability while you are driving another vehicle. However, it may not cover any damage, theft, or collision that you do to a non-listed vehicle that you are driving. And you will be reponsible for the deductible on your own auto insurance policy whereas the rental car insurance often carries no deductible. If you are travelling on company business and expensing your use of the vehicle, it may be prudent to utilize the rental car companies' insurance rather than put your own personal auto insurance policy at risk and then have to potentially sort out the deductible with your employer in the event of an accident.


• It is wise to review the rates on several car rental companies to inquire about prices, car availability and specials. Ask about options such as upgrades, pick up and drop off services, unlimited mileage, and weekend versus weekly rental prices. Many companies will also offer special deals to customers who are members of other organizations (i.e. credit unions, warehouse clubs, AARP, and AAA, etc).


• After you have called around, visited several different rental car company websites, or simply Contacted Us, found the best deal, and reserved your choice car; it is time to pick it up. Be sure to have all of your personal paperwork with you. You must have at minimum; 1) a valid (cannot be expired) drivers license, 2) a credit card for form of payment even if you reserved with a debit card or have cash, and 3) evidence of your auto insurance policy if you will not be buying their insurance. Before you sign the contract, read through it and ask any questions you may have.


• Once you arrive at the location of your vehicle, take photos of the vehicle from all sides. Be certain to photograph any damage and to bring the damage to the attention of an employee prior to driving the car off the lot. You don't want to be held responsible for pre-existing damage to a vehicle. Be certain that the damage has been properly documented on your rental car policy before leaving the lot with the vehicle.