Renting a vehicle may seem like a straightforward proposition. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Put simply, all car rental companies are not the same. Some are just better than others. It is important to evaluate a company before booking a rental. Use the following criteria during your evaluation process.

1. Compare Associated Rates and Fees.
   Rental costs can vary between rental companies. As with most things, choosing a rental company on costs alone may not be wise. Cheap rates may mean your rental car will not be in great shape. Or the company may have really bad policies in place. There are plenty of rental companies that offer competitive rates while still providing quality services. When evaluating companies, be sure you are comparing apples to apples. Keep in mind that companies can charge by the day or by the mile.
2. Consider the Quality of Vehicle Inventory.
   The quality of a company’s vehicle inventory says a lot about the integrity of the company. It also reflects on their commitment to customer services. Companies that maintain a current and diverse fleet of vehicles are preferred over ones that only have older model vehicles. You want to rent from a company that clearly invests in itself and its customers.
3. Pay Attention to Customer Service.
   Customers want to feel welcomed when they visit any type of business. It can be stressful renting a vehicle. You worry about damaging the vehicle and the final costs. Good customer service can make the rental process hassle-free for drivers.
4. Look for Value-Added Benefits.
   Any type of complimentary service is a value-added benefit. Even the ability to purchase rental car insurance directly from the rental company is beneficial. It is exceptionally convenient for you if you do not already have your own auto insurance that covers rentals.

You can have a positive rental experience if you evaluate Utah rental companies in advance. Once you find a good one that is affordable, you will continue to use them for future rentals!

A major advantage of any type of auto insurance, including rental car insurance, is your ability to get roadside assistance. Rental companies in Utah want to protect their vehicles. Roadside assistance is a great way to keep vehicles in top condition and keep a fleet operating at maximum capacity. You should know the specific benefits associated with roadside assistance.

Benefit #1 – Improved Driver Safety

Drivers with roadside assistance are safer drivers. You will not continue to drive an unsafe vehicle because you are not near a repair shop. Knowing you can pull over and wait for help encourages you to stop driving the vehicle as soon as you recognize you have a mechanical failure or flat tire. Driving an unsafe vehicle is dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road. Even a flat tire can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Benefit #2 – Reduced Repair Costs

Drivers with roadside assistance are likely to stop operating the vehicle when problems arise. If you don’t have this service as part of your insurance coverage, you might continue driving the vehicle until you reach a repair shop. Driving under these conditions can cause serious damage to your vehicle. It costs less to make repairs, even temporary ones, on the side of the road. After you get roadside assistance, you can then take the car back to the rental company.

Benefit #3 – Increased Convenience

Roadside assistance is a convenience you will appreciate if you ever call for help. You don’t have to worry about contacting a tow truck or calling for a ride. They will handle that for you if necessary. All that is required of you is patience and a level head during your roadside emergency.

There are clear benefits of roadside assistance you should consider for rentals. You can use car insurance quotes online to get rental car coverage. Simply get free auto insurance quotes, compare rates and coverage options including roadside assistance, and purchase the best policy. It only takes a few minutes to get car insurance quotes today!

One of the biggest complaints about car rental insurance across the country, including Utah, is hidden fees. It seems you never know exactly what you will pay for a rental when you return it because of these costs. You think certain situations are covered by your rental insurance only to learn you are wrong. The reality is there are several ways you can avoid hidden fees when purchasing rental car insurance.

Read Fine Print of Contract

If you plan to use free auto insurance quotes to get rental insurance, you can easily compare your options. But you still need to take time to thoroughly read the policy contract. It is imperative you fully understand the terms and conditions of your coverage. All fees should be disclosed in this document. You should not pay fees or additional costs that are not specified in your policy. Be sure to keep a copy of the contract after returning the vehicle.

Ask for a Detailing of Fees

Insurance policies can be difficult to understand. Unfortunately, getting car insurance quotes online doesn’t make it any easier. You might need to actually contact the rental company and ask for a written list of the fees. In all likelihood, you probably will not receive such a list. But a verbal rundown can help provide clarification. If you have specific questions, be prepared to ask them at this time.

Check for Exceptions and Limitations

Every type of auto insurance has exceptions and limitations of coverage. These are scenarios that do not qualify for reimbursement under the policy. Personal insurance is likely to have fewer exceptions while coverage you purchase directly from the rental company will probably have more. A common exception that causes problems with renters is allowing someone to drive the rental car that has not been approved by the rental company.

When getting auto insurance quotes online for rentals, you need to be aware of these various rules and requirements. You can still find adequate coverage that is affordable. It just takes some work on your part!

Vehicle rentals in Utah are no longer reserved for business travel or as temporary transportation after an accident. Drivers are using rental cars more frequently as a means of local transportation. Rentals are an affordable way to change your mode of transportation and make an impression. You can use rentals for a variety of reasons.

Business Meetings
You can make a great first impression by showing up for a business meeting driving a luxury vehicle. Or if you have to pick up a business guest at the airport, you definitely do not want to show up in your old beater. Renting a sophisticated ride for a day or two as needed will present you in the best light possible. It is an affordable option that is available for everyone.

Special Occasions
A night out on the town is even more special when you go out of your way to get a luxury rental car. You can drive to any special occasion in comfort and make an impression at the same time. Your guest will appreciate the extra effort you make for the evening. You can also rent a vehicle to attend a wedding or anniversary party. Whatever the special occasion is, you can’t go wrong with a luxury rental car.

Just For Fun
You can also rent a car just for the heck of it. Perhaps there is a model you always wanted to own but can’t afford to buy it and don’t want to waste money on a lease. You can actually rent sports cars and luxury vehicles for the weekend. If you do decide to rent a more expensive model, be sure to buy the supplementary rental car insurance. Your existing auto insurance policy may not provide coverage for such rentals.

Car rentals have many uses. If you plan to take advantage of these various uses, consider upgrading your insurance. You can get free car insurance quotes that include rentals. Contact your local car rental company in Utah to experience car rentals in a whole new light!

You are ready for your highly-anticipated vacation. The weather is great and the road is calling.  But how are you traveling? When planning a cross-country trip commencing in Utah, it is recommended you rent a vehicle for the duration.  You will save your own vehicle from wear and tear, not to mention the additional mileage.  The following five steps will help you kick-off your cross-country journey.

Step #1 – Book Rental in Advance

You can save money by booking your rental weeks or even a month in advance.  You also have a better chance of getting the exact vehicle you want when you book your rental. There are plenty of reputable Utah car rental companies from which to choose.  You can save time by booking your rental online.  Be prepared by having your credit card information handy. Find out about cancellation fees before making your reservation.

Step #2 – Rent a Safe Vehicle

Clearly you want a vehicle with great gas mileage when you rent a vehicle for cross-country trips.  But it is imperative the vehicle is also safe.  Consider the different road conditions you will be encountering.  Highway driving is typically performed at higher speeds.  Choose a vehicle that will keep your family safe during the trip.

Step #3 – Review Rental Contract

Never sign a rental contract without reading it first.  You should get a copy of the agreement when you book your rental.  If you don’t, contact the rental agency and ask for one. Read the contract in its entirety.  Ask questions about any fee or condition detailed in the contract.  A 24-hour window to cancel your reservation is usually available.

Step #4 – Purchase Rental Car Insurance

Even if you have rental coverage with your personal auto insurance policy, it is best to get the extra coverage.  You may not need the additional coverage if you were staying in Utah, but your chances increase for accidents and damage on cross-country trips.

Your Utah car rental company is ready to help you today.  Just go online to review information, make your reservation, and finish planning for your adventure!