Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car for a cross-country road trip.
If you’re looking to take a road trip across the United States, renting a car is the way to go. Not only does it save your personal car from wear and tear, but it also gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule.
Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car for a cross-country road trip, from a AAA membership and rental car insurance to budgeting and map planning.
1. Decide on a route and map out your stops
The first step to planning any road trip is to map out your route and decide on your stops. When you’re crossing the country, there are a few different ways you can go about this.
You can either take the scenic route and make lots of stops along the way, or you can take the more direct route and drive straight through.
If you’re planning on making lots of stops, you’ll want to map out your route in advance and make sure you have an idea of where you’re going to stay each night.
This will help you budget for hotels and other expenses along the way. If you’re planning on driving straight through, you can still map out your route in advance, but you’ll just need to make sure you have a plan for where you’re going to stop for gas and food.
Either way, it’s important to have a plan before you start your trip so you know what to expect. By maintaining a flexible plan and established route, you can ensure your next road trip is the most fun one yet.
2. Rent a car that’s the right size for your group and budget
Once you’ve mapped out your route, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of car you’ll need. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you can probably get away with renting a smaller car.
However, if you’re traveling with a larger group or plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’ll want to rent a larger car.
You’ll also want to make sure you rent a car that fits your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you can look for deals on rental cars or even find cars that are being offered for free. However, if you have a little more to spend, you can splurge on a luxury rental car.
No matter what kind of car you rent, make sure it’s comfortable for everyone in your group and has enough space for all of your luggage.
3. Know the car rental agreement and insurance coverage
When renting a car for your next trip, it’s essential to be familiar with all aspects of the car rental agreement and any associated insurance coverage.
Rental car insurance
When you’re renting a car for your road trip, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase rental car insurance.
This is optional, but it can provide some peace of mind in case you have any problems with your rental car.
If you decide to purchase rental car insurance, you’ll need to choose a policy that covers you for the length of your trip.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want collision coverage, which will cover damage to your rental car if you’re in an accident.
It’s very important to take the time to understand things like deductibles and exclusions so there are no surprises later on if something goes wrong.
Overall, taking the time to familiarize yourself with these details will help to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience when renting your next vehicle.
Rental driving restrictions
When renting a car, it’s important to be aware of any driving restrictions that may be in place.
For example, some rental companies do not allow their cars to be driven across state lines.
Some other rental driving restrictions may include:
- Maximum number of days the car can be driven
- Mileage limits
- Minimum age requirements
In addition, to even rent the vehicle in the first place, you need to show that you’re over 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. You might even need to prove your good driving record.
Be sure to check the rental car agreement for any other driving restrictions that may apply.
4. Pack snacks and drinks, first-aid kit, and map
When packing for your road trip, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. This will help keep you fueled up and hydrated during your travels.
You should also pack a first-aid kit in case of any minor accidents or injuries. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack a map of the area too, just in case.
5. Drive safely
While car accidents are always a possibility, there are a number of steps you can take to help keep yourself safe on the road.
First and foremost, always wear your seat belt and make sure everyone in the car is buckled up as well.
Additionally, avoid distractions while driving, such as talking on the phone or texting. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location first.
You should also be aware of your surroundings and avoid any actions that could put you or others at risk, such as speeding or tailgating.
The goal is always an incident-free trip. You certainly don’t want to be involved in a car accident while traveling.
AAA memberships
If you’re planning on renting a car for your road trip, it’s smart to have a AAA membership. AAA membership provides a number of benefits, including discounts on rental cars, hotels, and restaurants.
It also provides 24-hour roadside assistance in case you have any problems with your car while you’re on the road. You can sign up for AAA membership online or at your local AAA office.
Once you have your membership, you’ll be able to use it to get discounts on rental cars from AAA-affiliated companies.
6. Have fun and enjoy the journey
Don’t forget to have fun on your road trip. Take the time to enjoy the scenic routes and visit small towns along the way.
This is a great opportunity to bond with your friends or family members and create lasting memories.
So go ahead and explore all the United States has to offer. Just be sure to follow these tips so you can have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and road trip travel.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and road trip travel.
