So, you have invited your friends and family, and now you are ready for that big road trip. Except you have one problem: There are 12 people going, and your car only seats 7 people! The answer? Its time to look for a 12 passenger van rental!

As discussed in a previous article on 12 passenger vans; there are at least 3 different models to choose from that are all great. However, the real obstacle becomes how do you find a 12 passenger rental van that is available.

Well, we did a little bit of research and found at least 3 companies that typically claim to have these full sized vans available for rent.

First is Avis rental cars. Avis is a nationally known rental car company, and they advertise prominently that they have 12 passenger vans available to rent. The only issue because finding one in your area.

Another company that claims to rent out these full sized vans is Budget rental car. This company is also nationwide.

Finally, there is Enterprise Rent-a-Car that is often able to rent out 12 passenger vans.

Overall, the key to finding one of these vans is planning ahead of time and calling to make sure that it is really going to be there. Since these vehicles are not as commonly rented by the general population, the rental car companies do not purchase as many of them.

Therefore, they are probably not available at every shop. So, if you are able to find a company online that claims to have one of these vans available, make sure to confirm that that is the case with a real live person.

If you are able to plan months in advance, you will have the best chance of securing one of these vans for your road trip!

Your car rental agreement or car rental contract is more than just bunch of papers that you have to carry around in the glove compartment of your rental car. It’s a binding, legal contract that spells out all the terms and conditions of your car rental. Of course, contracts and their terminology will vary from car rental company to car rental company, but there are some standard items which will be listed and which you need to be familiar with. Always have your car rental contract with you in your rental car. It shows that you are in possession of the vehicle legally.

Look for the following items on your car rental agreement.

Rental Agreement Number

You will need this number if you need to call the location to modify your rental information or extend the length of your rental.

Car Number

This number is the serial number and designates the specific vehicle that is rented on the rental agreement.

Mileage In

This figure on your car rental agreement shows the miles on the vehicle at the time of pickup. The car rental location will record the mileage when you return the vehicle. If you were limited to a certain number of miles per day or per rental, these figures would be used to determine the amount, if any, you would be required to pay for mileage costs.

Fuel in or Gas In

This section will indicated on your rental agreement the level of your gas tank. Whatever it is, you will be expected to return your rental car with the same amount of gas. Make sure to check to see if the Gas In or Fuel in amount is the same as what shows on your actual gas gauge!

Pick up Location,Date,Time

This information shows the date and time of pick up and the rental station where the vehicle was picked up.

Return Location,Date,Time

This information shows the requested return date and time as well as the rental station where you have agreed to return the rental car.

Vehicle Inspection Report (This may be a separate sheet or form on your car rental agreement)

This information will document any dings, scratches and damage to the rental car. The vehicle will be inspected upon return and any new dings, scratches or damages will be attributed to you.

If you have the time, I strongly recommend going over this report to make sure there are no damages that you see on the vehicle that are not listed on the report.

Regulations for the vehicle

There may be a statement that lists the terms and/or conditions of your rental with regard to the vehicle, its cargo, the use of the vehicle and additional drivers. These terms may include stipulations that you are expected to comply with.

Regulations may include:

not using the vehicle to carry passengers for hire (you can’t use the rental car as a taxi!) that the rented vehicle shall not be used to carry passengers other than in the interior of the vehicle (pretty straightforward, I hope!) that the rented vehicle shall not be used to carry passengers in excess of the capacity of the vehicle not to use the vehicle to push, propel or tow another vehicle, trailer or any other thing without the written permission of the rental company not to use the vehicle for any race or competition, use the vehicle for any illegal purpose or use it in a negligent manner not to permit the vehicle to be operated by any other person without the written permission of the car rental company (Additional drivers must sign on to your contract at the rental counter) not to carry passengers, property or materials in excess of the rated weight-carrying capacity of the vehicle
Additional or Allowable Drivers

This section of your car rental agreement will list all the drivers that are authorized to drive your rental vehicle. There may be an additional fee for extra drivers.

Options

This part of the car rental agreement would list any additional options that were selected. These include, upgrades, personal protection options, LDW/CDW, special equipment, fuel options, etc. (Most car rental companies will allow you the option of filling the car yourself before return, or paying a certain amount to the car rental company for them to refuel the car for you.)

Charges

This section of your car rental agreement will list all the charges associated with the rental. Charges include the base rate of the vehicle, applicable airport fees, taxes, surcharges, other government imposed fees, and charges for any additional options or special equipment that you chose to purchase. It will also include the charges for any fees that the company charges specific to your rental.

Make sure that the charges listed are correct and that the total is what you agreed to when you reserved the car.

You will be given a total or balance due.

Note that whoever uses their credit card to charge the rental at the time of pickup is considered the renter and primary driver, (whether they ever drive it, or not…) anyone else who drives the rental car is considered an additional driver.

Signature(s)

By signing the rental agreement or rental contract you agree to comply with all terms and conditions listed.

Your signature on the rental car agreement allows the car rental company to charge your credit card with any possible extras at the end of the rental, such as late return of the vehicle or damage to the vehicle (if you declined the optional loss damage waiver or collision damage waiver offered by the rental car company).

Car rental can sometimes cost you an arm and a leg. But you wouldn’t really feel the damage if your employer is the one paying for it. However, if the payment has to come from you, then you’d be surprised to actually feel that dent in your wallet. Don’t fret. For the self-employed and the vacationers, there are actually practical ways to avoid paying for these exorbitant fees.

1. Weekends Are Blessings

If it’s possible, travel during the weekends. It’s less traffic on the road, less stressful, and the rates go down to as much as 50%! This is because car rental companies offer discounts during weekends and it would be a sin not to take advantage of this.

2. Advanced Booking Has Its Perks

When traveling, you usually book your flights and rooms in advance, right? You do this not only to be sure that you get the seat and room you want, but because airlines and hotels usually offer discounts. It’s the same with renting a car! Sometimes, car rental would even appear free of charge when bundled with a room and airline ticket. But if it’s just a car that you need, it’s still sensible to book ahead of time through the car rental’s agency simply because of the discounts they offer.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ride The Shuttle

Car rental agencies available in airports are charged by the airport with exorbitant fees which they pass on to their customers. It would be better to take the free shuttle buses that can get you from the airport terminal to a rental car agency downtown. You would be surprised at how much money you can save by taking the shuttle instead. Even with kids in tow, which can be a bit challenging, the experience would be educational not just for you, but for your kids as well.

4. Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

The internet has revolutionized the way companies do their business. There was a time when car rental companies would limit giving discounts to loyal customers and frequent travelers. But the internet has changed all that. Discounts and promo codes are now offered to everyone by specialized websites. Try to monitor these websites as soon as you can. These promos and discounts last for a long time even after a booking has been made. There are also various companies who let people apply the codes even at the time of pick-up.

5. Avoid Getting Insurance

Most car rental agencies will sell insurance to everyone as part of the package. This is unnecessary. You should know that those who have their own automobile insurance policy are automatically covered with rental car insurance. This is the law in many states and you should verify this with your automobile insurance agent.

6. Photograph Your Car Before Using It

Most agencies would charge extra fees for supposed little damages done to the car. To avoid this plight, photograph the car in all angles, noting all the little damages that it already has. Have your car rental agent sign it off before you go.