After driving an old, beat-up car for years, I finally made the decision to upgrade my transportation. I had set aside a little money every month to use as a down payment, and I was ready to make a new car my own. I searched loads of car dealerships in my area, but one business stood out to me in particular. The salespeople were kind and not pushy, and they had a reputation for fair deals. I worked with them to find the right car, and the paperwork was a breeze. This blog is all about upgrading your transportation, and why you shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge.
Upgrading My Transportation
Planning a Road Trip with a Rental? Ask About These 3 Options
Lauri Kivela
As warmer weather and vacation season approach, you might be thinking of acting on that urge to plan a road trip. However, all that mileage can wear down your car, so renting one might be better. But before you simply grab a car and go, be sure that your road-trip plans won't clash with the rental car rules. Be positive, though; even if you find that something you want to do isn't allowed by the basic contract, there are often modifications you can make that will transform the rental into the exact car that is right for you and your trip.
Bringing Pets
If you have pets and want to bring them on the road trip, be sure that the rental car company is aware of this. Many times this is fine, though you might have to take extra car to keep the car clean. Your pet's fur and any dirt it tracks in will result in extra charges on your card if you don't clean up the debris before returning the car. Invest in a number of blankets, and remember to inspect your pet's fur and paws before allowing the animal back in the car.
Crossing State Lines
Rental car companies often have zones in which their cars have to remain. So if you rent in State A, you might be allowed to drive the car with unlimited mileage into States B and C, but not D. If your road trip takes you into a state that's not in the same zone, don't worry. Tell the rental car company what you want to do so the staff can work out a solution. Sometimes it's as simple as paying an extra fee; other times you might be required to trade in the rental car for another one with the same company in the next state.
Rental car companies know that people drive to many states outside their assigned zone, and the company you rent from will be able to tell you what to do.
Remote Roadside Assistance
This isn't so much double-checking what you want to do as it is double-checking what you would have. If your road trip will take you into some remote areas away from towns, you want to be sure that, should something happen on the road, you can get assistance without paying an arm and a leg. If you don't have your own auto club roadside assistance coverage, ask the rental company what they cover and how far, considering where you're going, you'd be covered. They should offer some coverage for the entire trip, but you must ask about fees and types of assistance offered.
Renting a car is a great way to travel while saving your own car from the wear and tear of the trip. Contact a car rental agency to ask about the makes and models they have so that you can travel in style.
Share