To Rent a Car or NOT, that is the question

If you are like me, you have always enjoyed the freedom and “romance” of renting a car abroad. The freedom and flexibility to roam at will and the allure of touring the countryside untethered by public transport or the expense of taxis, and ride services drives many of us to jump on the rental car bus, literally and figuratively.

I’m not here to persuade you one way or the other- I can argue both sides on this.

I will suggest a few tips to ensure your experience is as successful as possible. I have made good and bad choices and been through the gauntlet to know enough to be dangerous and helpful.

First- ask yourself a few questions- be honest and do your research.

1. Why am I renting? Really, what do you need a car for?
   1. How often and for how long will you be using the car
   1. Are there other viable, low hassle options that you can use instead of renting a car?
   1. What are the options and expense for public transportation?
   1. How much car do you need- mini for 1-2 people, minivan for a family or a ton of gear, 4×4 for bad weather or sketchy roads or to enable wanderlust? Don’t overcar yourself- less can be more.
   1. Will all of your @#$% fit and will the car fit on the streets, in the garage or parking spaces in the cute town you are staying in. Venice parking lot- don’t want an SUV. Slovenian one lane- two direction backroad. Anything larger than a sub compact- recipe for disaster.
   1. How much can you afford- not just the rental, don’t forget the insurance and of course fuel.
   1. Where are you going to park it- how much will that cost, is it close to where you are staying, and will the car be there with everything attached when you come back in the am.
   1. If you are opting for an EV- how familiar are you with their operating system and controls, how will you charge, where and when, what range do you need and do you have the flexibility in case charging becomes a hassle?

Assuming you have answered- “I’ve gotta have a car” Here are a few tips-

Do your research and as the knight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade would say- “choose wisely”….

Do you go with small regional or local providers or stick with the big guys?- small guys are cheaper, but don’t necessarily have the greatest vehicle options, most up to date models, onboard tech and may not be able to provide service and support if something goes wrong. Depending upon the country and location you are renting from- there may not be that much difference in the big guys and they will typically have deals and via credit cards

Unlimited mileage- yes if you are going to really use the car.

Auto or manual- up to you- depending upon your generation- manual is likely part of your skill sets and comfort zone and can save some $$$

Location- are they in the airport, or do you need to go on an expedition to hunt them down offsite in the dark, in the rain or snow… I prefer at the airport- convenience, safety and other options. My wife and I once started our Costa Rican holiday with 3 hours at a local rental car agency waiting whilst they found a car, tried to clean it, put some gas in it and sheepishly handed the keys over. I suspect they “borrowed” it from their uncle.

Confirm what car you are getting- the ads say a specific make and model for that class- “or something similar”- the similar car could be a big let down. Ask and request a substitute if you are not pleased, especially if you are going to have it for awhile.

Inspect the car carefully and take lots of pictures- when you pick up and when you drop off. Even though you checked the yes box on all the insurance coverage- you do NOT want to be blamed for damage you didn’t do.

Ensure the car works and all of the tech is functioning- I learned my lesson when the Ford Fiesta- I rented for a month- Carplay worked maybe 20% of the time and with no rhyme or reason. Cue scream of frustration!

Get all of the coverage you can afford. I find comfort in being able to hand over the keys not worrying about scratches, dents or if the car has been burned to the ground.

Lastly, always fill with gas and leave it clean- Karma is real and with rental cars- you don’t want to leave yourself open to the bad trip gods.