How To Rent a Car in Vancouver?

Although known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, it is possible to find some great deals on car rentals. You just have to know where to look.

If you are looking to rent a car, DO NOT rent one from the car rental offices at the airport. These are always super expensive compared to the ones that you will find in the city. We suggest that you check in to your hotel first and then go about looking for a car rental place either through your hotel or just by walking around.

Comparing the price of the car rental services will give you a proper idea on how much you should be spending. It’s always better to conduct a thorough price comparison.

Though it seems that booking through a travel agent or a car rental company is a good idea, keep in mind that going through a website will give you a much better idea. Don’t forget to check for positive customer testimonials from other reviewers as well.

If you don’t see any reviews for a company, most likely they are new. In this case, best case is to call them and see how they perform on the phone. The legitimate companies will always explain things in detail because they want your business.

When renting a car, you will be asked for the basics such as a driver’s license, ID (Sometimes two pieces of ID) and couple other things. Make sure you have these things ready before you try to rent a car.

Contrary to popular belief, some car rental places in Vancouver can even allow ‘N’ drivers to rent a car. As long as you follow the law which is to be accompanied by a driver who has a full class 5 license at the very least.

Although the car you will rent will be insured, it’s always a good idea to check further. Find out the legalities of what will happen if an accident does occur. Most likely, it will be you who will be responsible so make sure you get all the details possible. Nothing is more annoying than running into the local police as a tourist. Who wants to deal with that on their vacation anyways.

When renting a car, make sure the company puts gas in your vehicle. Usually cars are rented out with a full tank and when you bring it back, the tank should be full as well. The whole idea is to return the vehicle in the exact condition that you got.

Of course you can always return it with little or no gas but then you will be charged. Most likely, you will pay double the amount of what you could have paid as the gas charges than will include labor too.

Before getting your car and driving out into the sunset, know how far you are allowed to go. If you travel outside of the rental zone, you will end up paying a lot. Make sure you discuss this properly with the car rental agent.

Some car rental companies won’t let you drive out from a certain range. Very important that you discuss this before grabbing your car keys.

If you are new to the city, make sure you get a GPS system. Yes there will be an extra cost to it but it will be worth it. Vancouver is not that complicated and the road systems are one of the best and easiest to navigate. However, it’s always nice to have a GPS for someone completely new to the city and who doesn’t know their way around.

So overall, all you need to do is keep your papers and your ids in check and most likely renting a car in Vancouver should be a breeze.

Since everyone pretty much speaks English here, chances of you getting lost are almost slim to none.

So until next time, enjoy your drive and definitely enjoy your stay.