How to Rent a Van
By Kent Ninomiya
Renting a van is a simple and straightforward process, but it can be slightly more complicated than renting a car. Rental companies that specialize in cars tend to have few vans in their fleets, leading to high demand for vans and higher prices. Rental companies that specialize in renting vans often have extra mileage charges and require added insurance. It is important to consider all the options when renting a van.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Decide what size van you need. If you need a van to transport up to four people each with golf equipment, a minivan will probably do. If you need to transport up to eight people with golf equipment, choose a full-size van. If you are transporting even more, you will need a moving van. These come in 10-, 14-, 17-, 24- and 26-foot sizes. It is always better to get a truck that is one size larger than you think you need. Too much room is preferable to too little room.
Find rental companies that have the van size you need. Minivans and full-size vans are commonly rented by mainstream rental car businesses like Hertz, Avis, National and Enterprise. Truck rental companies like U-Haul, Budget and Ryder rent full-size vans as well as a larger moving vans.
Compare van rental rates. For minivans and full-size vans, go to a large travel website like Orbitz, Travelocity or Priceline. Enter the city, dates and model of the van you want to rent. They will provide you with a list of different rental companies and the rates they offer for each model. Next, go to the website for each rental company and see if the price is lower there--it often is. For larger moving vans, check the websites for U-Haul, Budget and Ryder directly to compare prices.
Check the rental terms. Many van rentals are just like car rentals. They are rented with unlimited miles and it is up to you whether you wish to purchase added insurance. However, there can be additional charges, such as when you rent a van one way from one location to another. Van rental within the same city can have mileage charges in addition to rental charges. Always check the terms before you rent and factor them into your total cost.
Consider insurance. Most personal automobile insurance will cover you if you have an accident in a rental van. Always check with your insurance company first. Rental companies always try to get you to buy additional insurance. It tends to be very expensive for the amount of coverage you get and is almost always unnecessary. However, if you are very worried about safely driving the van, added insurance can give you peace of mind. Inexperienced van drivers often scrape the back end when taking turns too close, hit curbs, back into things and run into tree branches and overhangs. You will be charged for this damage.
About The Author
Kent Ninomiya has 23 years' experience as a TV news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He holds black belts in three martial arts, and writes extensively on health and fitness issues. Ninomiya has a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from the University of California at Berkeley.
