Many travelers question the need for a rental car for use during their vacation or business travel, but if you do decide that a rental car is necessary, and have never done it before, you’ll need some pointers on How to Rent a Car.

The strictest criterion, at least here in the United States, is that a person renting a car must be at least twenty-five years old. Statistics have proven this to be a wise move on the part of the car rental agencies. At age twenty-five, drivers have enough experience behind the wheel and at being adults to know how to make better choices. So this is something of prime importance to know before you rent a car. This is true of all the major car rental companies, except Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Thrifty Car Rentals who will rent to drivers who are twenty-one, but charge a hefty per diem surcharge, and may restrict the type of vehicle you may rent. For instance, in this circumstance, SUVs and luxury cars are off the list. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1318/is_7_53/ai_54882023/

The major exceptions are New York and Michigan, the only states to rent cars to drivers 18 and over.https://www.alamo.com/itemDetails.do?HelpItemID=AGE Legislation is under way to revise the age limits in other states, but has yet to pass. Business travelers are the hardest hit by the twenty-five year age limit, and there are steps being taken to correct this.

The only other exceptions are made for military or government employees, but they must go through their respective agencies to achieve this.https://www.alamo.com/bizMilitaryProg.do

Once you have determined that you do indeed need to rent a car, there are several steps you will need to take to complete the process. In this informative page you will learn:

How to Shop for Car Rentals

How to Reserve a Car

How to Select the Kind of Car you Need

How to Determine if you Need the Insurance or Other Offerings

Access to the Internet is almost mandatory these days. But, to start, if you do not have Internet access, search the Yellow Pages under “Auto Renting.” The larger agencies will have ads that provide information regarding their offerings. It is wise to be cautious which company you choose. A great price does not insure a great experience. Especially if you plan to fly to your destination and pick up a car at the airport, you will not find the “independent car rental companies” readily available. So, choosing between the major players is always the safest bet.http://physics.usc.edu/CITUSC/car.htm

You may find, if traveling to another country for instance, that local agencies offer convenient airport car rentals locations at a reduced rate, but you’ll need to research this thoroughly before you go. If it’s your first trip to the destination, you will probably save yourself time and trouble by choosing a well-known company. Terminology - in England and other destinations, the term may be "hire a car" rather than "rent a car."http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/hire_car.htm

If you do use the Internet, start with a comprehensive site that gives you access to all the major companies here and abroad. http://www.davestravelcorner.com/links/index.php?mwa=id:23 On a site such as this, you may be presented with a list of websites and phone numbers. Try to find one of these. It’s better than having to provide all your travel details first, after which the “rental car broker” provides you with their selection. Especially if traveling abroad, you may be unable to find anything outside of the US at such a site. If you select one of the agencies they represent, you can then pause and go to a site that specializes in finding good deals on travel and start comparing prices. www.expedia.com You may even find the best price through the agency itself at its home website.

So, the important factors in selecting your car rental company boil down to two – value for your dollar and its recognition as a major company.

Once you have selected the company you wish to use, the Internet (once more) is best set up for this process. Otherwise, you will need to make arrangements over the phone with an agent. Since most people accessing the information presented here will be doing so via the Internet, that will be the focus in providing you information.

At either a "collective car rental site" or from the car agency directly, you will be asked information regarding your travel plans. If you are flying, you will be asked for your flight information – arrival time and departure time. This gives the company a ballpark as to when they will be expecting you. They factor in the time it takes to go through baggage claim, so they may ask you if you are traveling with or without luggage.

Be very careful to determine the following information: does the company have a location AT the airport and what are their hours of operation. http://www.airport-carrentals.com/ If you come in on a very late flight, you may find that the car rental desk has closed for the night. Seek a company that has as close to a 24-hour time frame as possible. Sometimes a company will say they have an airport location which, in reality, is not at the airport itself. In these cases, where the location requires catching the company’s shuttle bus to get to and from the location, it is critical that you know this so you can add the extra time to your itinerary. The major companies are very efficient with their pick-up and drop-off procedures, but there is still extra time involved and you do not want to miss your flight because you missed the airport shuttle.http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do?bid=019&arc=wmMAHks8r%2Fc-BIvjrU*ll9Nuae1Rcu6INg&cm_mmc=LinkShare-_-Null-_-Null-_-wmMAHks8r%2Fc-BIvjrU*ll9Nuae1Rcu6INg

Once you provide all the information asked for, a credit card will be requested to secure the reservation. If you do not have a credit card, you may need to call the company to determine an alternative.

Before you finalize your “contract,” there are a few other variables.

Part of the reservation process will include determining the size and style of vehicle you need. First, will it accommodate your luggage? Assess how many pieces of luggage you have, and be sure to select a car in which it will fit. Sub-compact cars have very little space for luggage and other cargo.http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2009-subcompact-car-buying-guide.htm Compact cars are better about trunk space, but you may need to inquire. Upgrades to larger cars are almost always available with the larger companies, but it’s best to determine your needs before you arrive to pick up your car.

Another factor may be appearance and capability. If you are traveling on business and the car may be seen by associates, you may want to consider renting something that is a bit more upscale.http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Upscale-Midsize-Cars/ That will be your judgment call.

If you are traveling to a destination where you know you will encounter some challenging driving condition, you may want to consider a four-wheel drive vehicle, such as an SUV.

If you are traveling with a group, you may want to do a cost comparison with a vehicle that can seat many passengers, such as a van or minivan. The cost, when split among the group, may or may not be more cost effective, but it’s worth checking into.

An interesting consideration is, in addition to your luggage, do you need to make a stop to buy supplies? For instance, if your destination is a time-share or condo where you must provide your own food, this is important.http://www.vacationtimesharerentals.com/timeshare-rentals.asp The rented car needs to be big enough for the luggage and groceries. Particularly critical will be in a situation where there is no restaurant or eating facility at your final destination, and that shopping trip will be mandatory. You will need to factor in for that extra cargo space.

Last but not least, style. If you want to ensure comfort and protection from weather, an enclosed car is probably best. However, some travelers opt to rent a convertible or perhaps a Jeep-style vehicle that is a bit more fun. If an alternative style of vehicle would better suit your needs, see if the company has any available. It will be a part of the rental process.http://www.celticcastles.com/prestige-car-rental/