If the global pandemic has taught us anything, it is the fact that travel and tourism continue to be an integral part of life in ways that we cannot imagine.
Thankfully, with proper precautions and vaccinations, the pandemic is becoming more manageable. And as we continue to make peace and embrace the new normal, people have started to pack their bags to travel again while keeping safety as the main priority.
So, the million-dollar question here is this: what should you keep in mind while renting a car during a pandemic? After all, a car is one of the best ways to quench the wanderlust by helping you travel around town with ease.
Lucky for you, we have the answer! This article will take you through some of the key factors you should consider while renting a car during a global pandemic.
So, let’s get started, backpackers!
Is It Safe To Rent A Car During Covid-19?
Even with vaccinations in full effect, we understand that some individuals are still concerned with their health and well-being during these uncertain times.
However, one thing is for sure. Renting a car from reliable Dover de rental car companies and driving it yourself is a lot safer, especially when compared to other types of transportation, including planes, buses, etc.
Because here, you will not have to deal with annoying crowds where diseases are higher. Renting a car, on the other hand, keeps you safe throughout the course of your ride. This way, you can enjoy the sights while leaving your worry about disease behind you!
What To Consider While Renting A Car During Covid-19
When you feel ready to travel the world and explore again, the first thing you need to do is to find a reliable car rental agency.
But how do you do that? The answer is simple. You can use the points mentioned below as a checklist for car rental Dover agencies to see if they follow the required precautions that will keep you safe during the time of travel.
This way, you will be able to find a trustworthy car rental agency that keeps safety as their first priority by practicing all precautions down to the T!
Does The Car Rental Agency Follow Proper Sanitization Measures?
In recent times, Coronavirus has taught us the importance of sanitization, not just for the hands but also for cars.
Therefore, the first thing you need to look for is to see if the car rental agency practices habits of hygiene and sanitization. Needless to say, sanitization should be at the forefront of all car rental agencies. While most car rental agencies have innovated new technologies to sanitize their vehicles and keep them virus-free, some unreliable agencies still do not practice it.
On the other hand, well-reputed car rental agencies will make it a point to regularly disinfect their vehicles using WHO or CDC recommended solutions.
Everything from the car’s dashboards to steering wheels, compartments, seats, cup holders, and other compartments will be thoroughly sanitized on a regular basis. Even the door jambs, door pockets, and consoles will be disinfected.
Moreover, these car rental agencies have even started using “safety seals” on all their vehicles to give you the peace of mind you deserve.
When Do You Plan On Renting The Car?
If you plan on taking a long road trip nice and early during the day, you should book your car earlier. Moreover, a lot of car rental agencies have even started to reward those who do prior planning to avoid the risk of infection.
In addition to this, early booking will give you the option of choosing from a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, sports cars, vans, trucks, and so on. With early booking, you will also have some extra time to research the car and can even cancel it later if you have to.
In short, booking your rental car helps you steer clear of all unwanted problems during the process.
Are There Any Flexible Car Rental Options?
Opt for a car rental agency with flexible payment options and other policies if you want to make the best of flexibility and versatility.
This is an especially important requirement if you are someone who likes to travel frequently around town. In this case, you must stay updated with all payment and cancellation policies of the agency.
With most car rental agencies, you are eligible to cancel the car free of cost up to 48 hours of the vehicle’s pick-up time. So if you have already booked a vehicle but would like to cancel and swap it for another, you can do it based on the recent developments.
Do They Have Contactless Options?
One of the popular terms these days is “contactless options.” Be it food delivery services, online shopping, or renting a car, people love the idea of getting what they want without coming in contact with other people.
Therefore, car renting agencies also have this option which allows for a completely contactless way of pickup and delivery, which helps to lower the spread of disease. In addition to this, some car rental agencies have also gone the extra mile by creating an app that helps reduce contact with the agents.
This way, you can get a perfectly sanitized car delivered to you at your preferred location. At the end of your journey, all you need to do is drop the vehicle at the desired location and inform the agents, who will then pick it up without making contact to ensure maximum safety and security.
Should You Settle For Prepaid Rates?
One of the most consequential changes made during the pandemic’s peak is the unpredictability of the world of travel and tourism.
Even after you have planned every detail of your trip, you might have to cancel it because of a sudden surge of cases, which results in curfews, lockdowns, or even complete shutdowns.
Therefore, it is best to avoid prepaid payments as this is the easiest way to lose money, especially when the vehicle is not cancelable. Prepaid payments might be cheap car rentals Dover, de; but skipping them will give you more flexibility, even if they cost slightly more.
However, you will have peace of mind knowing you will not be losing even a single penny even with uncontrollable situations come into play.
Wrapping Up
Due to the current existing pandemic, some car rental agencies might be temporarily closed. Therefore, make sure to check if the agency is open by giving them a quick call.
If they are, you can start packing your bags for your next trip! However, make sure to check the requirements mentioned above and use them as a checklist to see if the agency prioritizes safety. This way, you can find the perfect car rental agency without worrying too much. Have fun!
