Travel can be tricky, no matter where we’re going. Sure, we can take the train or ride a plane almost anywhere we need to go. However, when it comes to shorter distances while we’re on a trip, what are our options?
As you can probably guess, there are a few answers to that question. Today, we’ll be looking at car rentals. Sometimes, it’s referred to as “car hire” or “hiring a car.” Just know they all mean the same thing.
Now, you can rent pretty much anywhere you plan to travel. We’ll be focusing largely on Crete. Just remember that it’s an option no matter where you’re going.
If you want to learn more about the basics, consider reading this article. Otherwise, stay tuned! We’ll be explaining what it means to rent a car. We’ll also explain how the process works. Along with that, the benefits will be covered.
What Does it Mean to Rent a Vehicle?
Let’s start out with the basics. What does it even mean to hire a car? Simply put, it’s when someone borrows a car, truck, van, or other type of vehicle from a rental company.
Obviously, they pay to be able to do so. There are rental fees involved. The contract between a renter and the company is known as a rental agreement. We’ll cover those in more depth further on.
What you’ll want to bear in mind right off the bat is that there are certain terms and conditions involved. These can change based on the company you use. They can also vary depending on the vehicle you rent.
Rental Agreements: the Details
Now that we’ve explored some of the basics, let’s look at the specifics as far as these agreements. There are several terms that you’ll want to be aware of. After all, while this process isn’t difficult, it does still require some know-how.
In fact, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind even for this section. In most cases, you have to be at least twenty-one to rent a vehicle.
Duration
There are options for renting across a wide scale of time frames. Some people only need the vehicle for a few hours. Others may need it for months.
Naturally, rental companies can accommodate for all of this. Anything in between also flies. Often, they can even increase or decrease the duration listed on the initial contract. Just be sure to keep open communication with the rental depot.
Company Policies
As you can probably guess, this will differ based on whom you plan to work with. You can find an example here: leiebilguiden.no hellas kreta, particularly if you’re here in Krete. That also applies if you plan to travel here any time soon.
What are some key things to be aware of? Well, take note of what durations they allow. Some may be stingier than others on that front. Additionally, keep in mind that this may involve what responsibilities the renter takes on.
Vehicle Condition
Naturally, one of the first things involved in a rental agreement is the condition of the vehicle. The company will evaluate the current state of the vehicle prior to it being borrowed. Your goal should be to keep it in the same condition.
Obviously, you will be putting some kilometers on it. However, otherwise, there shouldn’t be any major changes to the condition.
With that said, it doesn’t hurt to do your own inspection as well before you drive off. See if there is any pre-existing damage. That could be a chip in the paint or a dent anywhere.
If there is, be sure to alert the depot. You don’t want to be charged for damage that you didn’t cause, after all. Those are just a few things to be aware of regarding vehicle condition.
Insurance and Liability
Hopefully, most of us already have some form of car insurance. However, with these agreements, there tend to be additional options. Some depots offer customers a specialized insurance plan.
Others may request that you use an external service for insurance. This may include something like a collision damage waiver, which is known as a CDW. The idea is that you can reduce third party liability.
After all, we can’t control how others drive. We can only control how we drive. Many accidents aren’t our fault. These types of waivers are intended to protect against that.
Distance
Another thing included in these contracts is the distance that can be travelled. Some vehicles will have unlimited options. Others will restrict how many kilometers you can travel.
Either way, make sure you read the contract. That way, you’ll know how far you can travel. Thankfully, Crete isn’t that large. You probably won’t need unlimited kilometers while you’re here.
Fuel Policy
Something else typically listed in the contract is the fuel policy. Some rental companies will request that the vehicle be returned with a specific amount of fuel in the tank.
For instance, they may want it returned with a full tank. Others ask the renter to match what the tank had when they first retrieved the car. Do your best to keep track of this when you go to drop the vehicle off.
How it Works
With that covered, we can again shift our attention. For now, let’s examine how the process works. Usually, it starts with finding a rental company to work with.
Thankfully, there are several options in Crete. Check out online reviews or use the resources we’ve offered today to get a head start on this.
From there, you’ll want to choose the vehicle you want to rent. There are many different shapes and sizes available most of the time. The number of passengers and type of trip will probably factor in.
Once you’ve done that, it’s quite simple. You’ll arrange the duration of the rental. Then, you’ll accept the rental agreement. Details will obviously be worked out with the depot.
Why Hire a Car?
You may have guessed this already, but there are a lot of reasons to hire a car. There are a lot of benefits to this method of travel. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Convenience
One of the biggest reasons (and perks) is the convenience factor. Renting a vehicle offers a lot of flexibility. This is especially true while travelling.
After all, it means you aren’t relying on tourist vehicles or tour guides. You can explore things at your own pace. You can also look at whatever destinations or attractions you want.
In places without much public transportation, this can be invaluable. Of course, it can also save you and your family some early mornings. It’s not hard to see why this is the biggest benefit.
Vacations
If you’re travelling to Crete and don’t live there, you probably don’t want to have to lug your vehicle there. Trying to move a vehicle by ship or plane just to get to our vacation destination is troublesome. That’s why renting offers a good alternative.
Beyond the convenience factor at play there, there are other vacationing reasons. For instance, you may be able to get a bigger vehicle by rental.
This will help to accommodate large suitcases. Obviously, it can also result in us having more capacity for additional passengers. You can bring more family members or friends along this way.
Overall, it’s not hard to see why so many choose to rent a vehicle when they travel to Crete. It allows for more exploration and for vacationers to take things at their own pace. In addition to that, you can save money from public transportation by renting.
Thankfully, the process is simple. Hopefully, this guide has offered you a greater understanding of how to rent a vehicle. Whether you’re traveling here to Crete or anywhere else, these tips should serve you well.