How to Rent a 15 Passenger Van in South Carolina
By Lyle@Nymble
With so much information available online these days, all manner of travel planning can be completed simply and easily. However, most of the capabilities of travel sites are designed for the most common requests of the average traveler. In terms of car rentals, this means economy cars, full-size cars and SUVs are fairly easy to reserve. Even minivans are available through most outlets, but when it comes to larger, full-size vans of the 12 to 15 passenger variety, reservations are a bit more work-intensive. But with a little effort, you'll be able to find a good deal on a big van for your next golf trip to South Carolina.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Research online. Although many of the national car-rental chains require customers to speak to a representative about renting a full-size van, there is value to doing a bit of Internet research. You can see which companies offer large vans in their fleets and most importantly, you can retrieve the 800 numbers for any rental companies you might be interested in. If you can, call the South Carolina branches directly, because they will know best what vehicles they have available in their fleets for you and your party. Note also that most online travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity do not show full-size vans as an option.
Call for a quote. A 12- or 15-passenger van falls under the unusual requirement category for most car-rental companies. As a result, you will be best served by speaking to a representative directly about your booking and any other requirements your party may have. Call several different companies and ask for a quote.
If you are a member of an organization that has car rental discounts as a benefit, like AARP or AAA, make sure to mention this when asking for a quote, and make sure you factor these discounts into your decisions.
Know the requirements. Most car rentals require the renter to be over the age of 25 in addition to being a licensed driver.
Choose a rental company. Price is only one factor to consider when choosing where to rent your van. Pick-up and drop-off location is important if you need to start or end your trip anywhere other than the airport. Service is another. Due to intense competition, most of the national chains have strong customer service as a goal. Local companies in and around your South Carolina destination (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head) might be able to offer better prices, but you might want to avoid them without a specific recommendation from a reliable source. U-Save Car and Truck Rental in Myrtle Beach is one reliable local company for van rentals.
Most national car-rental chains have locations at the airports around golf-centric South Carolina---like in Columbia, Charleston and in Savannah, Georgia. Several national chains, including Enterprise, Budget, Avis and Rent-a-Wreck rent large vans.
Book with a credit card. Many credit cards offer additional or primary auto insurance for car and van rentals. Call the customer service number on your credit card to find out how to make use of any insurance they may have available. Make sure you follow their instructions completely because sometimes opting one way or another at the rental counter can deactivate a particular type of insurance.
Tips & Warnings
If you plan on driving all over South Carolina for your golf experience, you may be well served to have another person in your party listed as a secondary driver. Make sure your driver is listed with the rental company and he or she is insured properly.
If the company your work for has a travel department, it may be able to provide additional discounts for your party. If you have frequent flier miles or other bonus credit card points, you may be able to redeem them on a van rental. Call the customer service number on your credit card to find out.
If you plan on driving all over South Carolina for your golf experience, you may be well served to have another person in your party listed as a secondary driver. Make sure your driver is listed with the rental company and he or she is insured properly.
If the company your work for has a travel department, it may be able to provide additional discounts for your party. If you have frequent flier miles or other bonus credit card points, you may be able to redeem them on a van rental. Call the customer service number on your credit card to find out.
About The Author
Lyle Smith is an award-winning copywriter with a widely varied background. He has completed work for individuals, small businesses and fortune 1000 corporate clients all over the country. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Villanova University.
