The first car for rental companies opened in 1918 in Chicago. Walter L. Jacobs started Rent-a-Car with twelve Ford Model Ts. He later sold the business to John Hertz. The company now has more than 30,000 rental vehicles. In addition to offering different cars, Rent-a-Car also offers travel assistance services. In addition, many of its vehicles are equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi. In the United States, more than a million people use Rent-a-Car each year.

 

When renting a car, you should be aware of the cost. Most rental companies offer unlimited mileage, but you should check the rental quote to find out if the car has any daily limits. Make sure you also check if the price includes taxes or any other additional fees. Some companies also charge a service fee for every day you rent a car, which usually has a maximum dollar amount. You may be surprised to learn that these fees can add up over time.

 

Before renting a car, make sure you understand the resale policy of the company. Generally, rental companies require you to return the vehicle with full gas, which can be expensive compared to the local gas station. Some rental companies allow you to pre-pay for a full tank of fuel, which adds convenience, but can cost you a few dollars more than filling the tank yourself. If you are not sure of the terms, contact the rental company's customer service department for more information.

 

While most car rental companies allow unlimited mileage, you should always ask for a rental quote for the number of miles that your card will be allowed to go. Some types of cars may have daily limits. Before confirming your rental quote, make sure to check for the costs of applicable taxes and other fees. Some companies also charge a service fee for each day of your rental. If your balance is below the maximum dollar limit, your card will likely be declined.

 

You should also consider the cost of additional insurance. While most rental companies require you to have full coverage, they are not allowed to refuse a rental unless you have insurance. However, it can be costly and may not cover all damages. In such cases, you should consider purchasing additional insurance. It is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. If you do not have coverage, you can buy a liability policy from the rental company. Once you return the car, you must pay the service charge.

 

Most rental companies place a hold on your credit or debit card for the duration of your rental. The purpose of this is to protect the company from unauthorized charges. If you need to extend your rental, it's best to have a credit card ready. Ensure that the rental company's policy covers these costs before extending your reservation. For example, if you're going to return the car early, you'll have to pay an additional charge.