10 things you should do before renting a car in Albania
Traveling to Albania can be a very exciting experience. Even though taxi services are always readily available, there are many other transportation methods that make a more cost-effective solution. If you are looking for a mix of comfort and affordability, renting a car in Albania is surely a wise choice. Not only does renting a car guarantee comfort and privacy, but it also ensures cost-effective prices which are guaranteed to save you a lot of money. There’s a certain charm in going for a good old car trip, however, if you want to save on mileage you should consider a rental instead. In this blog post we are going to cover everything you need to know before renting a car in Albania.
- Make sure to avoid airport locations
Whether you’re flying or not, airports often field a wide selection of rental outlets in a city. However, that doesn’t mean you should pick up your rental car from the airport. In many cases, car rental agencies charge an additional fee at airport locations. To avoid that fee, you can simply pick up your car from another one of their offices. Also, make sure to drop off your car in the same location where you got it. Always remember to begin and end your rental at the same location to avoid any additional expenses!
- Compare different car models before making a final decision
Before settling on a particular model, make sure you’ve browsed all the available options. Consider opting for an economical car, as that would help you save a lot of money. Different cars work on different types of fuel. If you want to save as much money as possible, opt for a car that operates on gas. Moreover, look for a car with a smaller engine. There are many budget-friendly options that guarantee both comfort and reasonable prices.
Remember, you are not obligated to pay for the first vehicle that the car rental company offers you. Ask to see different models and take your time when comparing the pros and cons of each option. Car rental agents have lots of experience in the field, so make sure to ask them for suggestions as well. Talk to them about your possible itinerary, needs and requirements and consider which options they recommend.
- Be mindful of the details of your rental
Getting familiar with car rental terms helps you make an informed pick. Take a look at the details of the vehicle you’re thinking about renting. Some terms which are commonly used to describe rentals include:
- Compact,
- Economy,
- Standard,
- Intermediate,
- Full-size,
- Luxury,
- Small or Large SUV, etc.
When trying to find the ideal vehicle, you should consider many different factors such as the number of people you’re traveling with, how much room for luggage you need, or any additional features including power windows, different entertainment systems, automatic transmission, etc. Reviewing the details of your vehicle beforehand will save you a lot of time when renting a car in Albania.
- Always look for discounts or special offers
See whether the car rental company offers discounts on their vehicles. Summer in Albania welcomes a peak tourism season, therefore many companies offer special prices and packages to attract more and more tourists. Make sure to check out the car rental company’s website to see if they provide package deals for clients who are looking to rent a car for long periods of time. Loyalty programs are worth considering as well.
- Don’t forget about credit card bonuses
If your credit card rewards you specific bonuses, see whether these bonuses apply to travel expenses and car rentals as well. Moreover, if your credit card provides bonuses for gas expenses and fuel purchases, that’ll come in handy. You’ll definitely be refueling your vehicle many times during your trip, especially if you’re planning on going on a longer vacation. That’s why taking advantage of your credit card bonuses will help you save money in the long run.
- Make sure that you are properly insured
Finding the right insurance plan is often considered the most confusing part of renting a car. First of all, you should make sure to check whether your home or auto insurance already covers car rentals. If that’s the case, you’re good to go! Alternatively, check whether your credit card is equipped with a secondary car rental insurance. This type of insurance policy covers the damages to your rental up to a specific amount of money. However, don’t forget this insurance policy is effective only after you’ve exhausted any other applicable insurance. If none of these options apply to you, you have to ask your car rental agents about the type of insurance you need. They will be able to give you step by step instructions and adequate information regarding the whole procedure.
- Think about whether you need roadside assistance
Some credit card plans provide extra services such as roadside assistance. If you’re in need of a tow or changing a flat tire, roadside assistance services are a lifesaver. However, keep in mind that these services come with an additional cost. If you’re looking to save as much money as possible, you can opt out of this service. In Albania, there are always roadside assistance companies available to assist you at any time. Therefore, if any problems arise, it won’t be difficult to find professionals that can provide prompt solutions.
- Determine whether you need any extras beforehand
Car rental companies offer various vehicles equipped with diverse features. Think about whether you need any additional devices, such as navigation systems, child car seats, heated windscreen, smartphone integration, etc. Make sure to inform your car rental agent on the features you need so that they can provide you with adequate recommendations. If you already have some of these additional devices and you wish to bring them with you, you should ask the agent whether the devices are compatible with the vehicle.
- Take pictures of your rental when you pick it up
It is common sense that you should thoroughly inspect your rental before driving away from the company. Make sure that you assess it carefully for any scratches, dents or other pre-existing damages. You can either note them down or take pictures of them. This documentation will serve you later on when you return your car to the rental company. In this way, you can easily prove that you returned the vehicle in the same condition it was given to you. Surely, professional companies won’t even attempt to play any tricks of this nature, however, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Check whether you need to fill up the tank before returning the car
Some rental companies require you to refuel the vehicle before returning it to them. If you fail to do so, you may be charged an additional fill-up fee. In most cases, these fees will cost you more than filling up the tank at a local gas station. Therefore, we recommend that you make the effort to fill your rental before returning it.
