Center Feature ... What to Know Before Renting a Car

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People often opt to rent a car to ensure maximum freedom and flexibility during their travel. But according to the American Car Rental Association, the most frequently asked question among consumers is: "Should I take the coverage?"

The answer: Check with your insurance company.

"Your insurance agent or insurance company can tell you whether your policy covers a rental car," said Don Himelfarb, ACRA president. "We also suggest checking with your credit card companies to determine if they provide any level of coverage. That way, there is no question whether you should purchase coverage when you pick up your car."

Here are 10 car rental tips from the ACRA experts:

1. Understand optional waivers. These can relieve a renter of financial responsibility if the rental vehicle is damaged while rented.
2. Review optional insurance products. You may elect to get supplemental insurance coverage for liability protection for your personal effects and medical coverage in case of injuries from an accident in the rental car.
3. Check rental requirements in advance. Some rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21 or 25. Other rental companies will rent to drivers under a certain age, but an underage driver surcharge will apply.
4. Check credit requirements. Most companies require a major credit card at the time of rental to qualify a customer. Generally, they will accept payments by credit, debit or cash at the end of a rental.
5. Shop for the best value. Companies often advertise special rates. Many companies, associations, clubs and organizations have discounts for their members so ask if you are eligible. If your car is being repaired due to an accident, your insurance company or repair shop may have prearranged rates with certain car rental companies.
6. Consider your seating and cargo space needs. Choose a vehicle that best suits the number of passengers, the amount of luggage and the distance you are driving.
7. Request special driver's assistance equipment in advance. You may need it.
8. Reserve early. You're most likely to get the best rate by reserving your car in advance.
9. List all potential drivers on the rental contract. Bring all of them - with their valid driver's licenses - when you pick up the car.
10. Review refueling options. Those may include you bringing the car back with the same fuel level as when it was rented; the company refueling the car for a per-gallon charge fee; or you pre-purchasing a tank of gas at the time of rental for a flat fee, thus not having to refuel the car before returning it.

When traveling, ACRA also reminds you to buckle up yourself and your passengers - and always strap children in the back seat with car seats as required by law.