One of the things we hate when traveling is the hassle of renting cars. But renting a car online can be exciting, stress-free, and simple if you know the right steps to take. If you know how to invest some time upfront, you can ensure to get the car of your choice at the optimal price.
If you’re planning on renting cars abroad or locally, follow these rental car online tips to find the best deals.
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Table of Contents
1. Identify the best rental companies for your needs
Before you begin your search for the best deal, it’s important to identify the top car rental companies that align with your needs. Consider factors such as a variety of cars, customer service ratings and reputation, cancellation policy, and any additional services offered.
Once you narrow down which car rental companies offer the best services for your needs, you can then begin to compare prices. Once you narrow down which car rental companies offer the best services for your luxury cars needs, you can then begin to compare prices.
Use price comparison websites for deals on car rentals
When things get overwhelming, one good technique is to narrow down your choices and compare prices. You can use comparison websites to find the best deals on rental cars. These sites usually compare prices from different rental companies and refine your search by features, such as car size and extras.
By comparing multiple options at once, you are putting yourself in a better position to identify the best deal available for your needs.
If this is your first time renting a car online and want to avoid the hassle of extensive research, I have done the job for you. I have searched for the world’s leading car rental websites and found that Discover Cars is on the list. It is a great place for you to begin your search for the best deals since the prices are usually lower than other rental companies.
2. Ask about discounts and promotional codes
One thing to remember when renting cars online is to ask about any discounts or promotional codes that you may be eligible for. Most rental car companies offer discounts or special offers from time to time, so asking about these can help you save some money on your booking.
Additionally, loyalty programs often provide members with extra discounts or upgrades and are worth considering if you plan on renting a car regularly.
3. Be aware of what is included in your rental fee
When you are looking for a rental car, make sure to read the fine print. This information should explain what is included in your base rate, as well as any additional fees and taxes.
Some companies may include features such as GPS navigation systems or child safety seats at no extra cost, while others will charge extra for these extras. Knowing exactly what is included in your price can help you avoid making unnecessary purchases during your trip.
One of the annoying things, when I book rental cars online, is the hidden fees. I get surprised at the rental desk because of the extra fees. Luckily websites like Discover Cars do not have them.
4. Estimate extra costs like gas tanks and insurance fees
Most online rental car companies charge an insurance fee on top of the base rate if you don’t have your own car insurance. So it’s a good thing to estimate the extra costs when you rent a car online.
Additionally, many companies charge for gas tanks that are not returned in full. Make sure to factor these extra taxes and fees into your total price estimate when looking for the best deal online.
In my experience renting cars in Japan, I was told to return the car in the full tank but it was not included in my budget. I included this in the list so you don’t make the same mistake.
5. Get Completely Safe Deals When Renting Cars Online
Renting a car online can be a great way to make travel more convenient and cost-effective. However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your rental experience is safe and secure.
From checking car rental reviews to knowing the full terms of your agreement, here are some tips for renting a car online.
6. Verify the Rental Company’s Credibility
Before you commit to booking a car rental, check out the company’s reviews and website. Research the rental company’s history and ratings, and check for any customer complaints related to safety or fraud.
You can also search for reviews on social media platforms to get an idea of how satisfied customers are with their experience.
7. Review the Terms and Conditions Carefully
Before signing a rental agreement, ensure you’ve read the terms and conditions carefully. Be sure to review any damage waivers, disclaimers, and inclusions.
Ask the company what is not covered and make sure all included services are up to your standards. Pay close attention to insurance coverage for things like an accident or a stolen vehicle, as it will vary from company to company.
8. Get All Inclusive Rates with Any Coverage Explained
When renting a car online, it’s important to get an all-inclusive rate instead of taking separate costs for liability insurance, collision damage waivers, and the like. This way, you are covered for any accidents or other mishaps that may occur during the rental.
It’s good to ask the company exactly what is included in the rate and make sure they explain any coverage limits or conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary in order to protect yourself when renting a car online.
9. Inspect the Car Thoroughly Before Signing Anything
It is important to inspect the car you are renting. Looking for any scratches or dents that may have been overlooked, as well as any technical issues with the engine or other parts of the vehicle.
If you spot anything that wasn’t previously disclosed by the rental company, it’s important to bring this up before agreeing to rent the car so they can document the issues and ensure proper compensation if damage occurs.
10. Prepare a Contract That Outlines Your Rights and Responsibilities
Before finalizing any rental agreement, it is important to prepare a contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities. It is also useful to include information such as the total cost of renting, including taxes and potential late fees; the number of miles allowed per day; accepted methods of payment; what forms of insurance are covered; and any other restrictions or extra charges you may incur.
In order to protect yourself, it is best practice to have all details outlined in writing and agreed upon by both parties before initiating any car rental.
Tips on Exploring Japan by Car
Take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Japan from behind the wheel with a road trip! A lot of tourists follow the most popular tourist spots but I think if you want to explore the deeper beauty of Japan, you need to learn how to navigate Japan’s roads and highways and explore hidden treasures along the way.
Plan Your Route in Advance
Before you hit the road, it’s essential to plan your route and budget accordingly. Research well-traveled routes through the country and consider diving into less-traveled roads to discover hidden gems.
Additionally, be mindful of Japan’s speed limits at all times and familiarize yourself with their toll booths. Make sure you also have enough money saved up for gas throughout the duration of your trip so you don’t get stranded.
ALSO READ: Why should you visit Japan
Book your rental car online with ease
If you want to have a wonderful time in Japan, you will have to book at the best rental car websites online. Once you decided on your destination and planned your route, it’s time to book and check car deals and car types.
As I have mentioned a few times in this guide, let’s take a look at the company rental Discover cars and see how you can book a car online.
It’s pretty easy and quick. You just have to input your pickup location, and dates (see the image below) and you can start from there.
Make Sure You Have the Right Documentation
You don’t want to get in trouble while driving in Japan so making sure you have the right documents is important. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation on hand.
At the minimum, it’s best to carry your passport, rental documents, and car registration with you during your journey.
Additionally, consider signing up for roadside assistance from a provider like RSA Japan or National Auto Club of Japan to help with any vehicle breakdowns you may come across.
Familiarize Yourself with Toll Roads and Fees
Driving on a toll road is an unavoidable part of your journey. Make sure you are familiar with the tolls associated with each route before setting off to avoid delays, fines, and other inconveniences.
Many toll roads in Japan use electronic cards such as ETC (Electronic Toll Collection), so be sure to purchase this card beforehand, or research whether your rental car offers it as a service.
Also, be aware that some routes require different types of tolls depending on the vehicle size.
Explore Off-the-Beaten Path Attractions and Landmarks
Take a break from the regular tourist stops and explore some of Japan’s hidden treasures. Don’t forget to stop at some of Japan’s iconic off-the-beaten-path points of interest, such as Himeji Castle or the Otonashi Waterfall.
You can also hike to spectacular mountain views from Mt. Urayama in Kurohime and relax at one of the many hot spring resorts dotting the countryside.
Whatever you do, make sure to take plenty of pictures to capture every moment and amazing view!
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Stay Safe While Driving in Japan and renting cars online
While Japan has an excellent reputation for its roads, it’s still important to take precautions when you’re driving in a different country. Make sure to always wear your seatbelt, follow speed limits, and obey traffic regulations.
Familiarize yourself with the route you are taking beforehand so you don’t get lost or stuck in unfamiliar places. If you do have car trouble, it’s best to find a service station and call your rental agency for assistance.
What rental car online tips can you add to the list?
I hope you have a wonderful travel time and explore places by car! If you have any additions, please comment them down below.
It really is important to ensure the company you are looking to use is credible. Inspecting the car before signing everything is vital, some companies do try it on as my family found out last year.
Thank you Melanie. I agree!
Renting cars have never crossed my mind. However, when my career start to kick off, I know I may need to consider renting cars. Thank you for sharing as I wouldn’t know where to start from.
Im glad. I hope this helps when you rent cars online next time
I always get nervous when renting cars. There’s so much to consider so this helps narrow it down! I’ve always shopped around for prices but don’t think about some of the other things here.
Thank you Steph.
My tip is to always get insurance if you are driving in Ireland or another country or location where the roads are very narrow. While I didn’t have an accident on the road, I ruined the car in the parking garage scraping against a column when I didn’t realize I was turning too tight (used to making turns on the other side of the car.)
Insurance is important.
Renting a car can be nerve wracking. It is good to have a strategy! We rented a car online to use in Mexico, and fortunately everything went smoothly.
Excellent tips for renting cars! We don’t do it often but when we do, I always seem to miss a step. This will help.
Really great tips for renting cars on a trip to Japan – and in general. These are very helpful ideas when renting a car at any destination. Thank you for sharing!