Car rentals what you need and what you don’t
Knowing what you need and what you don’t is not a problem limited to car rentals. Knowing the difference between your needs and wants is a life skill few of us get right or “want” to get right. However you can save a lot of money, loans and headaches if you get it right.
In the case of car rentals it is a matter of understanding what extras you can afford and are going to significantly improve your trip or experience and what is really a waste of time.
This article will tackle this question by listing some of the most important things you need when hiring a rental car. It is not a long list, this will help you see how much of our choices are wants not needs.
1.) You don’t need a rental car. Well, this one is not necessarily true, you might need a car rental. But it does help us to ask ourselves if we really need it, or we are just used to having the freedom of a private car. In Nicaragua, where I currently live hiring a car can be a great idea or the worst you ever made in a business or pleasure trip. The bus system although not very comfortable is excellent and can take you to virtually any part of the country you want to visit in reliable vehicles that are prepared for the bad terrain that makes up most of the country. Unless you have some very specific needs and objectives you are probably better going by bus and taxi. Of course you will need some understanding of Spanish and how the country bus system works. The lesson here is that sometimes with a little effort we can find cheaper ways of carrying out an objective. Could this be the case with car rentals?
2.) You need insurance. This is an important point. Without insurance you can screw your life never mind your holiday. In many states and countries driving without appropriate insurance is a criminal offence. There are some countries you really don’t want to try out the prison system, take my word for it. However you only need adequate insurance not redundant insurance cover. In most cases car insurance policies and credit cards will cover car rental insurance. Check out if this is the case. If it is, forget those expensive car rental insurance fees.
3.) You need fuel. Work out what is cheaper, if to get a full tank and fill it when you come back or to let them re-fuel it (some companies subsidize your fuel).
That is pretty much it. You might need a map, which is often complimentary. The rest are extras that you might want to get and they might be great deals. If you can afford them, great! If you can’t don’t get them you don’t need them.