As spring break draws nearer, many students will be thinking about renting cars for the vacation. But before putting the pedal to the metal, there are some things about getting behind the wheel of a rental car that drivers should know.
David Nowaczyk, branch manager of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Co., 2311 E. Michigan Ave., said insurance is one of the first things potential renters should think about.
"Car owners want to check with their insurance companies to make sure they are covered when driving a rental car," Nowaczyk said. "We do offer coverage on all our vehicles, but it's a good idea to check and see."
Nowaczyk also noted drivers need a valid driver's license and, preferably, a credit card.
Victor Spagnuolo, manager of the Avis Rent A Car System LLC., 2601 E. Michigan Ave., stressed the importance of planning ahead.
"If you want specialty vehicles like SUVs and vans, you need to make those reservations well in advance, at least two to three weeks," Spagnuolo said. "Otherwise, it's very easy to make reservations for a compact and full-size (vehicle)."
The two competing national car rental companies differ in their policies for younger drivers.
Avis does not accept 18- to 20-year-old drivers to reserve cars. Would-be renters between the ages of 21 and 24 must pay an extra $25 per day.
Enterprise does accept 18- to 20-year-old drivers and charges them an extra $28 per day. The company charges 21- to 24-year-old drivers an extra $14 per day.
Avis won't accept drivers with such blemishes as three or more moving violations within 24 months, a driving-under-the-influence conviction within 48 months, and three or more accidents within 36 months.
Some young people in East Lansing on Saturday harbored doubts about the fairness of age-based pricing policies.
"They take it from a stereotype that young drivers are less responsible," general management sophomore Jen Furniss said. "It's a cost you have to figure in."
Donni Bulea, a 2005 Ohio State University graduate and former Enterprise employee said, "It's a negative stereotype towards young people, but I'm sure it makes business sense."
Bulea said the age restrictions hurt most when young vacationers intend to fly to a location and rent a car upon arrival.
"If we wanted to fly to Florida, we couldn't," he said.
