For those looking to rent a vehicle for a family vacation or a business trip, minivan rentals may be a smart option. They offer more space than most sedans and are useful for transporting both a number of people and a large amount of luggage. Before renting a minivan, however, individuals should become familiar with some of the features, charges and insurance options associated with the rental, as well as the process of making a reservation.

Reservations

Former renters and rental companies alike recommend making minivan rental reservations as early as possible. Generally, there are fewer minivans available for rent and those can get snapped up fast, so as soon as potential renters know they would like to reserve a van as opposed to a car, they should call the rental company and stipulate their preference.Some rental companies require customers to provide credit card information when reserving the minivan in case they cancel at the last minute and need to be charged a cancellation fee. Some places, however, merely require a name and phone number of the person renting the van.

GPS Technology

The latest models of available minivan rentals will often come equipped with GPS tracking devices. This is convenient for the driver, who may well be traveling around an unfamiliar area, but it is also convenient for the rental agency, which uses the GPS technology to keep track of the minivan itself. On one hand, this can come in handy if a van is ever reported stolen. On the other hand, people have questioned rental agencies’ use of this GPS technology to track the location of the vehicle at all times, which is seen as an invasion of privacy.

Traffic Violation Penalties

One thing to be aware of when considering minivan rentals is the fact that some rental companies implement additional penalty charges for those who incur traffic violations during the rental period. These violations are tracked by the aforementioned GPS technology. For example, some companies have been known to charge over $100.00 for drivers who are recorded to be consistently speeding. These charges are set in place to encourage customers to practice safe driving practices, thereby aiding in avoiding accidents that can lead serious injury as well as great expense to the minivan rental company.

Insurance Options

When renting a minivan, it is necessary for the driver to hold a valid form of insurance. Often, a driver’s own personal car insurance will cover rentals, but it is important to inquire with the insurance agency to verify this. The other option is to purchase temporary comprehensive insurance from the rental company. This will definitely add to the overall expense of the van rental but will cover repair costs in the event of an accident, as well as any legal expenses that might be necessary.

When all is said and done, minivan rentals can be costly and a bit tricky to procure. However, the functionality and extra space provided by these vehicles, as well as their enhanced safety ratings, make them the best option for many travelers. Moreover, those who carry their own insurance, who drive safelyand reserve early will be able to rent with decreased hassle and expense.