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7 PASSENGER SUV
Rental vans are useful for transporting numerous passengers, cargo or other large items. Many businesses, large groups or travelers use rental vans for convenience. Small businesses that need a van infrequently benefit from van rental services to haul office equipment. Sports groups or church groups use rental vans for long trips or transportation from a hotel to conference venues.
Many independent car rental agencies offer van rental services in numerous locations in the United States and around the world. Customers should search the web for independent rental agencies that offer rental vans as an option. Consumers may compare the rates, size and amenities offered by rental van agencies. Traveling groups will need more amenities offered than a business hauling cargo. Select a company that offers rental vans that are congruent with your needs.
Tips for renting vans online
Image Rent-a-Car, AAMCAR, Prestige Car Rental and countless others offer rental van services to meet consumer needs. Most agencies will accept reservations through their website. Each agency will list the type of vehicles available for consumers.
Steps for booking a van:
A) Verify the preferred rental agency carries rental vans in their fleet. Types of rental vans will differ based upon the location and the independent agency. Some agencies offer vans that will accommodate nine, 12 or 15 passengers. Conversion vans and luxury rentals are also offered by some agencies.
B) Always inquire with the rental agency prior to reserving the van to ensure the van requested will be available at the time of the rental. Some agencies may have to deliver the vans from another agency to guarantee availability. Consumers that do not call beforehand may receive a cargo van, when in fact, a luxury van is needed. Always verify with the rental agency to ensure the requested rental van is received at the time of rental.
C) Some rental agencies offer unlimited mileage. Other rental agencies offer a certain number or miles and charge if the consumer exceeds the pre-determined number of miles. Verify the company’s policies to avoid unpleasant surprises.
D) Services vary depending upon the independent van rental agent. Some agents will provide airport pick-up service and drop-off service. Others do not offer this service. The rental agency’s website lists this type of information. Research helps the customer with choosing a rental van that best suits their needs.
E) The minimum rental age will also vary based upon the rental agent. Be cognizant of the rental company’s restrictions when selecting a rental agent. Through verification, consumers will avoid reserving a rental van with an agency that will not rent to a certain age group.
Selecting a rental van that meets your budget:
Rental vans are typically more expensive per day than standard car rental. Fuel costs are also more expensive. Some agencies may offer eco-friendly van rental options for consumers. Consumers must compare prices to receive the best deals available. After selecting a preferred independent rental agent selection, search for rates to determine if the rental costs are congruent with your budget. Daily rates, total costs and included mileage are typically listed on the rental agency’s website for the consumer’s convenience.
Many car rental agencies also offer discounts to consumers to offset the rental van price. Depending upon the car rental agency and the car rental region, customers may save a percentage off or a dollar amount off of their total car rental price. Members of a special group, such as military, fire fighters, police officers and AAA members may also save a percentage off the total rental price. In lieu of cash discounts, some rental agencies offer a GPS, upgrade or a rental day.
Car Rental Express offers discounts that are applicable to numerous independent van rental agencies. Consumers simply need to search the CRX website for available discounts for their preferred rental agency.
Tips to rent a van offline:
Plan your van rental ahead
Before you visit a rental company that offers van rental, know exactly what your needs are.If you need a passenger van to transport a larger group of people, be sure you know exactly how many people will be going with you and what kind of luggage they’ll be carrying. If you’re looking for a cargo van to transport a big load or an oversized item, make sure the cargo will safely fit in the van.Knowing your needs ahead of time will help ensure you consider all the options you may need.
Pick the right rental company
If you need a passenger mini-van, you’re probably better off renting a van through a traditional car rental agency, as their rentals will be better equipped with the conveniences passengers will expect.However, if you’re renting a van simply to transport cargo, you’re probably better off renting from an outfit that rents cargo vans, box trucks or moving trucks on a regular basis – and the prices will likely be less expensive.
Compare van rental prices
Calling around different van rental companies and asking for price estimates won’t typically provide you with a true idea of the final cost. Make sure you understand everything that is and isn’t included in the price.What kind of insurance is included in the rental? Will your cargo or passengers require any special equipment and, if so, how much extra is it? What does the insurance, if included, cover?Always compare similar prices and estimates to ensure you’re getting an accurate apples-to-apples comparison.
Know what’s covered
Many companies, traditional passenger car rental companies in particular, will attempt to sell you additional insurance products you may not need. If you’re renting a passenger van, be sure to check your personal vehicle’s insurance policy as well as any protection paying with your credit card may afford before purchasing any additional insurance.In the case of cargo van rentals, these same protections may not apply, so consider purchasing additional insurance to cover your cargo.
Check the rental carefully
Regardless of the van you’re renting, before you sign the rental agreement, check the vehicle both inside and out for damage. If you find any damage, even it appears insignificant, and make sure it’s noted on the rental agreement.In most cases, you should not expect a cargo van to be in like-new condition, but you want a record of any problems you find, because you could end up being charged if the rental agency thinks you caused the damage. It’s also a good idea to double check the fuel level and the mileage, and make sure they match what is listed on your rental agreement.
Don’t be late
You’re going to have a set time and day to turn in the rental van. If you are paying by the day, you may be charged for an additional day for being just one hour late.If you are charged by the hour, a 10-minute late period may end up costing you an additional hour of rent. Make sure you turn the van in when you agree to do so.
