6 Tips For Choosing the Best Luxury Car Rental For Your Family

 

If you've ever been on a family vacation and had to wait for transportation, you know how frustrating it can be when things don't go as planned. It can be a big headache having to wait in long lines to end up with a vehicle that doesn't satisfy you. 

That’s why you need a luxury car rental. Luxury doesn’t have to mean a $40,000 vehicle—in this case, we’re simply referring to above-average quality from a company that meets your needs and treats you right. Follow these tips to make the most of your vacation.

#1 - Decide What You Need in a Luxury Car Rental

When you're looking to rent a luxury car, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, you'll need to decide what you need in a vehicle. How much space will your family need? Is fuel efficiency important to you? Are you looking for something with all the bells and whistles, or will something more basic do the trick? Once you know what you're looking for, it'll be easier to narrow down your options.

If you have a large family, you'll want to be sure the rental can comfortably accommodate everyone. Similarly, if you're looking for a car that can handle long road trips, you'll want plenty of legroom and cargo space. Before making a final decision, list the features you need and compare different vehicles to see which ones have what you want. There are plenty of great resources online for luxury car rentals, so read the reviews, compare prices, and ask for advice. 

At the end of the day, you don’t want to sign up for a generic category like “sedan” and just cross your fingers that the company will give you what you need. It helps to have a specific request in mind.

#2 - Consider Your Budget When Choosing a Rental Car

As we all know, vacations are a time to have a great time with those we love. Budgeting wisely determines what activities you can indulge in, and renting a vehicle is an expense you need to consider. Luxury cars are often more expensive to rent than economy cars, so ensure you have enough money to cover the cost. Many people think they need to spend a lot of money to rent a luxury car, but that is not always the case. There are ways to save money on luxury rental cars to get the best deal possible for your family.

Try looking for deals online or booking early. Often, companies will offer discounts for those who book their car rental well in advance. As quirky as it may seem, sometimes you can save money by upgrading to a bigger vehicle. National rental car companies may have a higher demand for small economy cars, driving up the price in that category. Make sure to compare shops.

#3 - If You Can Avoid It, Don’t Rent At The Airport

Rental places at the airport are notorious for being time-consuming. They often experience circumstances beyond their control and may even be understaffed. Unpredictable weather events, holiday travel, shuttle bus delays, and flight cancellations can occur without notice and cause long wait times. 

If possible, find a rental car company away from an airport for faster service and less hassle. Sometimes the same airport rental car companies will have other locations in the city. You may be able to use the same coupon or deal while picking up your car in a much better environment. 

#4 - Find a Company That Will Pick You Up

Of course, if you really want luxury, don’t pick up your car at all. When choosing a car rental for your family vacation, see if you can find a company that will bring the vehicle to you. Much smaller, local companies offer this service simply because they aren’t as busy or they’re trying to establish themselves in a competitive market.

Local companies may not be able to offer benefits like 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance, but depending on your itinerary, you may decide that you don’t need these anyway. For example, if you aren’t planning to drive much at night, after-hours roadside assistance may be unnecessary for you. You may also be able to negotiate more easily with smaller companies, including asking for additional perks or special requests.

#5 - Use a Travel Rewards Card

Most rental companies will require you to have a credit card on file, but make sure it’s the right one. With a credit card specifically designed for travel, you can often get rental car insurance at no extra cost. Travel cards usually multiply your rewards on rental vehicles, too. These rewards programs also offer points you can redeem for airline miles, hotel stays, or dining options. 

#6 - Bring Your Own Accessories

Don’t trust car rental companies to provide extras like phone charging cables or car seats. Even if the company says these items are available, it’s often for an additional charge, and you may end up with something different than what you’re used to. For your maximum comfort, bring the items you normally have in the car—and remember to take them out with you when the trip is over.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to luxury car rentals. However you decide to travel, we hope you go in style. Enjoy the trip!