Renting a car once you land in Vancouver is a great idea because you’ll be able to begin your journey right away. Your rental car will allow you to explore this great city and beyond, and the right car will ensure you have a great time. Once you land at the Vancouver airport, you must head to the car rental desk, and the following tips will make this process both easy and stress-free:
Book your car in advance
You can book a rental car after you land, but this process will take a lot longer than booking in advance. When you book beforehand, all of your information will be submitted, and there will be a car waiting for you at the airport. If you choose to do this after you land, you may not get the type of car you want and may have to wait longer to complete the registration process.
Additionally, you might have to pay more because last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive. Booking your car rental before you land at the airport can help you save, and you may even come across discounts that may not be available at the airport.
Verify the return process
Not all rental car companies have the same return policy, which is why you need to confirm this information in advance. Many travellers like to rent a car at the airport but wish to drop it off in another location because they may not be heading back home the same way. If that’s the case, confirm whether or not you can drop off the rental car in a different location and ask about the fee, as it may cost more.
Check the insurance requirements
Your credit card may cover your rental car, and in most cases, your auto insurance policy will provide you with coverage for rentals, but you need to check on this very important aspect. It is a must that you have insurance when you rent a car, and you need to have the appropriate coverage before you drive off.
In the event that you are involved in a car accident, your insurance would provide you with the protection you need, and your coverage would help you pay for the fees associated with the crash.
Pay attention to your speed
Once you leave the airport in your rental car, it is your responsibility to drive safely. Obeying the speed limit is a must in any city and is there for a reason which is why it must be respected. Speed signs will be posted, and you must obey this information to prevent accidents and speed tickets. Driving responsibly is a sure way to ensure the roads are safe for everyone, and paying attention to your speed will allow you to enjoy your adventure.
Make sure you have a valid driver’s license
You will not be allowed to rent a car unless you have a valid driver’s licence. It cannot be expired, and you must present this to the rental car company when you arrive at the Vancouver airport. Photocopies will not be accepted, nor will pictures on your phone. You need to have your driver’s license with you when you come to pick up your rental car.
Be mindful of weather conditions
Vancouver is known for its beautiful weather, but it doesn’t hurt to check on it before, just in case. Knowing what weather conditions you will be driving in will allow you to plan accordingly, and you will be more comfortable when you get behind the wheel of your rental car.
The weather may not be very different than what you are used to, but it’s also unpredictable, which is why you need to be careful when you are faced with rain or storms.
Inspect the rental car before you drive off
Always take the time to inspect the rental car before you drive off from the airport. Look over the car carefully with a rental car representative to ensure there are no scratches or dents already present. If you do come across any kind of damage, document this information, even if it is a minor scratch, to prevent headaches when you return the car.
Use your smartphone to snap pictures of any imperfections. This will prevent you from having to pay for damages that are not your fault when you return your rental car.
Make sure you rent the right car
Consider your needs and rent a car accordingly. If you are travelling solo and don’t have much baggage, a small car is a wise choice because you will save on gas, and there is no need to pay for more than what you actually need. If you are travelling in a group or have a big family, you will need to rent a bigger car, like a minivan or an SUV.
It’s wise to consider your needs in advance to ensure you rent the right car. Leaving it to the last minute and trying to rent a car after you land at the Vancouver airport may not allow you to rent your desired vehicle, and this can affect your adventure. Consider the number of people you are travelling with, the distance you’d like to travel and the amount of bags or equipment you have and rent a car based on this information.
Book Your Car With Expo Rent-A-Car Today
Are you looking for great car rental deals in Vancouver? Expo Rent-A-Car has the right car waiting for you! We offer cheap car rentals and help customers get to their desired destination comfortably and fast. We have a great selection of rental cars and will help you book your rental in advance because we want you to enjoy your journey and not waste time looking for a rental after you land.
If you need to rent a car in downtown Vancouver, contact us today to learn about rates and any other information you may need!